Most domestic airlines publish checked baggage size limits as a single dimension: 62 linear inches total. International airlines vary slightly, but the 62-inch rule is the most common standard worldwide. Bags larger than 62 linear inches can still fly, but they may be subject to additional fees.
People Also Ask
For example, if your bag is 24 inches tall, 20 inches long and 18 inches wide, its total linear length is 62 inches. Note that using modern spinner bags, which include four wheels on the bottom of your suitcase, means you'll have less space within your actual bag.
Checked bags come in all shapes and sizes and the chances a check in agent will get out a tape measure, measure each dimension and add them up are slim to non-existent. And a 64 linear inch checked bag would be indistinguishable from the regulation 62. That's as long as it is 64, and not 67 or 70.
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.
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.
Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-inIf 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.
Checked LuggageMost airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.
Most of the time, all airport staff consider 62 inches as a standard luggage size for traveling. If the size is 1 inch bigger, they will not charge an extra fee. but if the size exceeds 1 inch, you have to pay an extra fee. Paying extra fees is a bad idea.
Linear inches is a measurement used by airlines to figure out the size of checked luggage. It's calculated by adding together the outside length, width, and height of a suitcase or bag. For example, if your bag measures 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 20 inches high, its linear inches would be 62 (24+18+20=62).
Measuring the size of your luggage isn't tricky. Most airlines require that your bag be 62 linear inches or less. Therefore, your bag's length, width and height cannot exceed 62 inches. This measurement includes the wheels and the handle of your luggage.
2 bags standard, up to 10 bags maximum for U S domestic, Transatlantic, and Transpacific, up to 5 bags maximum if your travel includes the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and South America. Maximum dimensions: 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height).
The Consequences of Oversize BagsSize 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.
While some airlines, primarily Southwest and Spirit Airlines, will allow a bag up to 50 linear inches, it's best to go for one that is around 45 linear inches or less.
The maximum dimensions of airline check-in luggage are usually stated in terms of linear inches: the sum of the item's length, width and height; most airlines seem to allow up to 62 inches total.
Airlines publish the maximum dimensions allowed for carry-on bags. For example, American Airlines states that a carry-on bag's dimensions cannot exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including handles and wheels. The carry-on must also fit into the sizer at the airport; if it doesn't, you'll be required to check it.
Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.
Yes, wheels do count when measuring your baggage. It automatically makes your wheeler case about 5 cm bigger in high. Airlines measure the luggage with wheels, handles, and other protruding parts. Luggage manufacturers know that and measure cases without wheels to make you buy the bigger one.
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.
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.
The most common size for carry on luggage in the United States is 22 x 14 x 9? or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). The 22? height limit includes the wheels and handles for suitcases. Most airlines' size limits are similar to these dimensions.