Checked LuggageThe 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 checked bag is over 62 linear inches (157 cm), it will be marked as oversized. This is a rule set by airline regulators to protect baggage handlers from any potential injuries. You'll need to pay a hefty fee for oversized baggage, which usually ranges between 75-200$.
For example, if your luggage measures 28 inches in length, 20 inches in width, and 14 inches in height, the total linear inches would be 62 (28 + 20 + 14).
A medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches) is more than enough for most people. Usually, medium checked suitcases are 58-61 linear inches in size, which is just below the 62 linear inch size limit, so when you're looking for a checked suitcase, get one in this size.
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.
Can I Check In A 32-Inch Luggage? Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that linear measurement is what matters. Measure to see if your 32-inch luggage dimensions (length + width + height) are within 62 inches or not.
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.
Airlines always measure luggage at the widest end of each side. This means that when measuring luggage for size, whether it's for checked or hand luggage, you always have to include wheels, handles, and anything else that's sticking out in the measurements.
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.
If your checked bag is over 62 linear inches (157 cm), it will be marked as oversized. This is a rule set by airline regulators to protect baggage handlers from any potential injuries. You'll need to pay a hefty fee for oversized baggage, which usually ranges between 75-200$.
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.
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.
Most airlines seem to have a 62 linear limit (L x W x D) on checked luggage before incurring additional fees. Suitcases seem to be sold in 20, 24, and 28 sizes. The 28 bag comes the closest to the 62 limit but almost every 28 bag I've looked at had linear measurements of between 64-65.
You should check with your airline first, but most domestic airlines permit a carry-on piece of luggage that is 45 linear (total) inches. A common sized bag for carry-on luggage is 22x 14x 9. Most airlines have a carry-on weight limit of 40 pounds.
Suitcase size: all suitcase manufactures measure the size of the suitcase from the ground to the top of the carry handle, not the internal measurements of the bag.
Most airlines will base their size limits on the total size of your bag, not just the weight in pounds like checked bags. Some airlines only give a guidance on “linear inches,” i.e. the sum of the length + width + depth of your bag. A limit of 40 linear inches could also be expressed as 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
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.
We calculate the size limits of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height. For all regions, except to / from Australia or New Zealand, your checked bag allowance is: Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm. Weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs.
Most domestic airlines anyway have a linear size limit for checked baggage of 62 inches overall, meaning length+width+height. So one length of 32 inches won't put you over the limit if the width and depth keep you under 62 inches total.
Smaller luggage is usually considered carry-on luggage, while the larger options must get checked. Whether or not it'll fit in the plane's overhead compartment dictates if it's considered a carry-on or not. Is 30-inch luggage too big to use as a carry-on? In all cases, yes.