When packing for your trip, you’ll need to know how to measure a suitcase if you plan on flying. Many travelers measure their bags before heading to the airport to make sure the bag fits their airline’s requirements.
Whether you’re carrying the bag on the flight or checking it, it needs to fit the airline’s size requirements. So, this article will cover the correct way to measure luggage so you can hop on your flight with no hassle.
What are the Standard Suitcase Sizes?
Most luggage is between 18 and 32 inches tall. Carry-on bags are usually 22 inches or less while checked bags are usually 32 inches or less. Most airlines also require luggage to be under 50 pounds.
Even though there’s a wide variety of suitcase sizes available, you’ll need to check your airline’s requirements to make sure your bag’s size follows them.
What are Linear Inches?
Some airlines will list their maximum bag sizes in linear inches. For example, the maximum checked bag size may say 62 linear inches instead of 32 inches tall. Linear inches are the bag’s height, width, and depth added together. So, if an airline says they go by linear inches instead of dimensions, that means they care more about the overall size of the suitcase instead of its exact shape.
How to Measure a Suitcase
You may already have some suitcases you’re considering using for your trip. If so, follow these six steps for how to measure luggage size.
Step 1: Check Your Airline’s Luggage Size Requirements
First, you’ll need to decide how many bags you’re bringing and whether you plan to check those bags or not. Go to your airline’s website and look at their luggage requirements. On the website, you’ll likely find the size and weight limits for carry-on and checked bags, along with how much they cost.
With that information in mind, you can decide how you want to pack. If a carry-on bag is free, you may want to pack everything into that bag if your trip is short. However, if you’re staying for longer, it may make more sense to pack everything into a checked bag instead.
Once you decide what type of bag(s) you’re planning to bring, decide which of your bags seems to fit those requirements so you can measure it.
Step 2: Pack Your Bag with Everything You Want to Bring
Before you measure or weigh the suitcase, pack it with everything you’re planning to bring on vacation. This step is most important for fabric suitcases because the size of the bag may expand depending on how full it’s packed. Then, place it flat on the floor or upright against a flat wall to begin measuring.
If you’re visiting somewhere you’ve never been before, it’s a good idea to pack well in advance so you don’t forget anything. For example, if you’re going on a cruise, you should follow a cruise-specific packing list.
Step 3: Use a Tape Measurer to Check the Length, Width, and Depth
Using a tape measurer, measure the length, width, and depth of the suitcase. The length is the most important measurement since it’s the largest, which is what many people determine baggage sizes by. When measuring the length, make sure you include the wheels and carrying handle. You don’t need to include the full extendable handle since it will be retracted when stored.
For the width and depth, measure the suitcase from the widest points. When measuring the width, measure from one side to the other, including any handles or pockets. The depth is easiest to measure from front to back.
Step 4: Determine the Suitcase’s Linear Inches
Once you’ve measured the length, width, and depth, you can add the three together to get the bag’s size in linear inches. Knowing the linear inches in advance can help you be sure that it fits the checked baggage requirements.
Step 5: Weigh the Bag
With the items still inside your suitcase, put your bag on a scale to check its weight. If you don’t have a luggage scale, you can use a human scale by weighing yourself first and then weighing yourself while holding the bag. Then you can subtract the first value from the second one.
It’s a good idea to weigh the bag before going to the airport so you can remove or redistribute items to lighten it if needed.
Step 6: Confirm that the Bag Meets the Airline’s Requirements
Once you have the measurements of your bag written down, you can compare them with your airline’s size and weight restrictions. Seeing these numbers side-by-side can help you determine whether you should carry on or check your bag.
If your bag is too heavy to be checked, you’ll need to pack lighter or get a second bag if the airline allows if. However, if the bag’s linear inches are too large, you’ll need to purchase a smaller bag or not pack it as full (if it’s a fabric bag). Luckily, most luggage sold fits standard checked bag requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions travelers ask before choosing the perfect bag.
What is the Maximum Size for a Checked Bag?
Most airlines only check bags that are 62 linear inches or less. In some cases, airlines may allow larger bags for additional fees. So, you’ll save money by measuring luggage at home first.
What is the Maximum Weight for a Checked Bag?
It depends on the airline, but most companies require checked bags to be 50 pounds or less. Overweight luggage may be accepted for additional fees. So, you can save money by weighing your bag in advance.
Do You Have to Pay for a Carry-On Bag?
It depends on the airline. Airlines that charge more for a ticket will usually include a free carry-on bag, but budget airlines may charge additional fees.
Carry-on bags can cost anywhere from $0 to $50. Check your airline’s website to find out the exact cost. To find out what you’re allowed to include in a carry-on bag, you can visit TSA’s website.
Do You Have to Pay for a Checked Bag?
Yes, most airlines charge for checked bags, but there are a few exceptions. Checked bags can cost anywhere from $20 to $100. You can check your airline’s website for exact fees.
What Counts as a Personal Item?
Personal items are free on every flight. Personal items are usually purses, briefcases, laptop bags, or anything of a similar size. They should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, so less than 18 inches long is recommended.
Measure Your Luggage Before Your Upcoming Trip!
Learning how to measure a suitcase is crucial for making sure your luggage fits airline standards. So, when measuring bags, follow the above steps to make sure your flight goes smoothly.
If you’re unsure what airline to take, consider what each company includes. More expensive airlines like American usually include a free carry-on bag while budget airlines like Frontier charge extra for carry-ons. Add the flight price and the bag fees of various airlines to determine which one is the best deal overall.
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