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How strict are airlines on checked bag size?

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. Airline carriers will allow overweight, oversize or additional baggage for additional fees.



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Excess Baggage that is also overweight or oversized will be charged excess baggage plus the applicable oversize or overweight charge. To check for current pricing, please visit our Optional Travel Charges page. Any item weighing more than 100 pounds and exceeding 80 inches in size must be shipped as Air Cargo.

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Most Airlines Don't Care if Your Carry-On Is 1 Inch Too Big. Carry-ons are measured at the airport before boarding the plane. It's done with metal measuring boxes just in the right size for the allowed carry-on dimensions. If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside.

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Some airlines specify size requirements for both items, while others only restrict the overhead baggage. Just remember that a carrier's policy for the larger carry-on accounts for the size of your entire bag, including your luggage's handles and wheels.

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In general, if you're bag is not within the size restrictions at the check-in counter, different airlines will charge you a late check-in fee.

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Checked Luggage 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. Airline carriers will allow overweight, oversize or additional baggage for additional fees.

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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. Checked luggage is usually measured with a tape measure, to make sure that it's below 62 linear inches (height + width + depth).

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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.

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Airport workers use linear dimensions to decide whether your bag is legitimate. Clerks will use a measuring tape to gauge any luggage's height, width and length. They then calculate the sum total of each measurement and get linear inches.

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For most airlines, the largest luggage size for check-in is 62 linear inches. This means the total length + width + depth must equal 62 inches or less. RELATED: Our luggage size guide takes the guesswork out of measuring your bags before you get on the plane.

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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. Airline carriers will allow overweight, oversize or additional baggage for additional fees.

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We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage.

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Any bag with a sum of length, width, and height of greater than 62 inches will generally fall into the oversized category. Oversized baggage fees are usually charged in addition to any standard, excess, or overweight fee.

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So one length of 32 inches won't put you over the limit if the width and depth keep you under 62 inches total. Bear in mind, also, those specifications are for checked baggage; carry-on baggage restrictions are different. Check with your specific airline however.

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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).

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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.

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While most airlines have strict policies on how heavy check-in luggage can be, there's no policy limiting how small check-in luggage can be. Guidelines generally dictate that luggage containing items restricted for carry-on must be checked in. There are no restrictions on checking in small luggage.

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What Happens If Your Luggage Is Larger Than 62 Linear Inches? If your luggage exceeds the 62 linear inch limit, you may be charged an oversize fee, which can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the airline.

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Unless your carry-on is extremely large, the airline employees at the gate most likely won't ask to measure it. If they'd ask each passenger to measure their carry-on, the boarding would take too long. This could cause delayed flights, which airlines don't want.

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There's a better chance of a soft-sided bag being able to be pushed into an overhead compartment or fit under the bed of a hotel room. And, when it comes to packing, soft-sided luggage offers the luxury of expansion.

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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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