Checked Bags on International Airlines On most major international airlines, like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air France, and Air Canada, the maximum size suitcase allowed is 158 linear centimeters. This is approximately equal to the 62 linear inches allowed by most American airlines.
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.
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.
What does this mean? The linear dimensions, or total linear length, of your luggage are the sum total of the length, width, and height of your suitcase. This number may not exceed the Maximum Linear Dimensions allowed by your airline, typically 62 inches (158cm) for most airlines.
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.
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.
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.