If you’ve ever stuffed a suitcase at the airport only to discover it’s too large for your airline, you’ll want to measure properly next time. Getting your luggage dimensions right takes just a few minutes, but it’ll save you headaches and potential fees.
The process isn’t complicated, though most people skip vital steps that affect accuracy. Here’s what you need to know.
Gather Tools to Measure Your Luggage
Before you measure your luggage, you’ll want to grab a few basic items. A flexible measuring tape is your best tool for gathering tools that deliver accurate measurements around curved or padded areas.
A flexible measuring tape is your best tool for accurate luggage measurements around curved or padded areas.
If you don’t have one handy, grab a ruler and a piece of string instead. The string wraps around your luggage easily, then you measure it with the ruler.
You’ll also need a flat surface; a hardwood floor or sturdy table works perfectly. Confirm your luggage is empty and fully zipped before starting.
This consistent measurement technique guarantees you’ll get reliable dimensions for height, width, and depth every time.
Measure Height, Width, and Depth Correctly
Now that you’ve got your tools ready, it’s time to take the three key measurements that determine your luggage’s actual size.
- Start by measuring height from the bottom, including wheels, straight up to the top handle.
- Next, measure width at the widest point side to side, accounting for pockets or zippers.
- Then measure depth from front to back, factoring in external pockets. Use your flexible measuring tape for accurate measurements around curves.
Always position your hard suitcase empty and upright in its natural standing position.
Measure a soft bag like a leather duffel by filling it to its usual fullness, then using a tape to record its maximum length, height, and width (including any bulges or pockets).
These dimensions guarantee your luggage complies with airline regulations without surprises at check-in.
Avoid Common Measurement Mistakes
Even with the right tools and technique, you can still slip up in ways that’ll cause problems at the airport.
Don’t measure the depth without fully expanding your suitcase. Measure from the bottom including wheels, not from the ground.
Always measure suitcase depth with it fully expanded, including wheels, from bottom to top.
Check the width from side to side, catching all external pockets. Skip measuring with your suitcase packed, you’ll underestimate the total linear dimensions.
Includes handles when you measure height.
Carry-on size limits vary by airline, so check the airlines’ specific rules. Measure it fully zipped and empty first.
These details matter when you’re trying to avoid baggage fees.
Calculate Your Total Linear Dimensions
Now that you’ve measured each dimension, add your height, width, and depth together to get your total linear inches. This single number’s what airlines actually care about.
You’ll want to compare this total against your specific airline’s limits, which typically max out at 45 inches for carry-on bags and 62 inches for checked luggage.
Knowing this figure ahead of time saves you from surprise oversized baggage fees at the airport counter.
Adding Height, Width, Depth
The key to avoiding airline baggage fees is simple: add those three measurements together.
You’ll measure height from the bottom wheels to the top handle. Width goes side to side at your luggage’s widest point.
Depth runs front to back. Once you’ve got all three numbers, add them up for your total linear dimensions. Most airlines cap checked baggage at around 62 linear inches.
Staying under that limit keeps you free from extra charges. Use a flexible measuring tape for accuracy, and measure with your suitcase empty and closed.
Comparing Against Airline Limits
Once you’ve added up your height, width, and depth measurements, it’s time to see how your luggage stacks up against airline rules.
Most airlines cap checked baggage at 62 linear inches total.
Your carry-on luggage typically maxes out at 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 inches).
Don’t overlook wheels and handles when you measure the width and other dimensions.
Exceeding these size limits triggers baggage fees you’ll want to avoid.
Different airline regulations vary, particularly for international flights, so verify your specific carrier’s requirements.
Knowing your total linear dimensions keeps you compliant with airline requirements and prevents unexpected charges at the gate.
Compare Your Measurements to Airline Limits
Now that you’ve calculated your luggage’s total dimensions, you’ll want to compare those numbers against your airline’s specific size limits.
Most carriers cap carry-on bags at 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while checked bags typically max out at 62 linear inches.
However, international flights often have stricter rules around 45 linear inches, so always verify your airline’s policy before traveling.
Checking these limits directly on your airline’s website takes just minutes and can save you from costly oversize baggage fees or gate-checking surprises.
Checking Airline Size Limits
Why does your luggage measurement matter? Because airlines set strict size limits to protect your freedom to travel without surprises.
Most carry-on size limits max out at 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while checked baggage typically allows 62 linear inches.
Domestic flights permit 50 pounds for checked baggage; international flights may allow 70 pounds. Weight limits vary by airline and flight class.
You’ll want to verify regulations on your airline’s official website before packing. Measuring your luggage prevents costly fees and headaches at the airport.
Know your airline requirements ahead of time, and you’ll travel smoothly every time.
Understanding Linear Inch Requirements
You’ve checked your airline’s website and found their size limits, but what do those numbers actually mean?
Linear inches represent the sum of your luggage’s length, width, and depth.
Most airlines allow carry-on luggage up to 45 linear inches for overhead bins, while checked bags typically max out at 62 linear inches.
You’ll need to measure all dimensions carefully, including wheels and handles as protrusions count toward your total.
Exceeding these size restrictions triggers additional fees.
Simply add your measurements together, then compare that number to your airline’s requirements.
Staying compliant keeps your travel costs predictable.
Verify Your Luggage Measurements Meet Requirements
Three key measurements determine whether your luggage will pass airline restrictions: height, width, and depth.
You’ll want to verify your carry-on and checked luggage dimensions match your airline’s specific requirements before heading to the airport.
- Measure height, width, and depth of your bag while it’s empty and fully zipped.
- Include wheels and handles in your measurements for accurate size compliance.
- Add the three dimensions together to calculate linear inches for checked luggage limits.
- Weigh your packed bag to confirm you’re under the typical 50-pound weight limit.
Check your airline’s policy directly; requirements vary greatly between carriers and international routes.
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About BackpackJudge: BackpackJudge creates beginner hiking content for adults 40-70, prioritizing stable surfaces, accessible facilities, and realistic expectations for mature beginners. Information compiled from parks data, outdoor recreation resources, and hiking safety guidelines. Conditions and recommendations may change. Always verify current information from official sources before making decisions.
