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How do you measure linear inches for carry-on luggage?

To calculate the size of your carry-on bag, measure the length, height, and depth (or width) of your bag. You can add the three numbers together to find the total linear inches. For example, a bag with a length of 20 inches, width of 12 inches, and depth of 6 inches would be 20+12+6 = 38 linear inches.



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The Consequences of Oversize Bags Size restrictions are different for different classes of tickets, like economy or first class, and even across different airlines like Southwest or American Airlines for example. The one constant is that airlines measure baggage in linear inches like outlined above.

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What must be considered? Each piece of carry-on baggage can measure up to 46 linear inches (118 cm): 22'' high + 14'' long + 10'' wide (56 cm high + 36 cm long + 26 cm wide). This includes handles and wheels.

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The combined dimensions of carry-on baggage should be less than 45 inches, with individual items measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

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Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

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On domestic flights within the United States, a carry-on bag that's smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches), including handles and wheels will meet the size restrictions of all major airlines, such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

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If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

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If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside. But airlines rarely ask you to use it. What is this? Unless your carry-on is extremely large, the airline employees at the gate most likely won't ask to measure it.

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In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you're flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don't miss them from your measurements.

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It is stated in linear inches because the USA has not adopted the international system of units.

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Carry-on bags shouldn't be larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including handles and wheels. Dimensions of personal items should not exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high. There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.

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If your carry-on luggage exceeds the airline's size or weight requirements, it may be subject to additional fees or required to be checked as regular luggage. Fees vary by airline and can depend on factors such as the size or weight of the item and your fare class.

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It is rare for airlines to weigh your carry on or hand luggage. So long as your bag is not clearly overweight, and you're able to carry it with ease – you shouldn't have any issues with a slightly overweight bag.

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Is a 24-inch Carry-On Too Big? Most airlines can accommodate a 24-inch carry-on, but not all. Generally, a carry-on suitcase measuring 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, commonly seen as 22 x 14 x 9, would be the most widely accepted size.

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Most domestic airlines specify 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches as the maximum size for carry-on baggage. There are some exceptions as listed below in our airline specific summary. Maximum dimensions include the wheels and the handles of your bag, so factor those into your measurements when assessing your bag.

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Note that both your personal item and carry-on bag (referred to as hand baggage) combined must not weigh more than 26 pounds if you're traveling economy. The weight limit is 40 pounds for premium economy and other higher-class cabins.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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The combined dimensions of carry-on baggage should be less than 45 inches, with individual items measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

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