Travel
ByDavid
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Last updated on September 22nd, 2023 at 05:54 pm
Depending on the airline you are using, the maximum luggage size can vary. Airlines are always changing their luggage requirements and it can be confusing to know if your suitcase meets the requirements.
Many airlines have a maximum suitcase size of 62 linear inches without being considered an oversized bag.
Knowing the exact dimensions of a suitcase will help you determine if your luggage meets the airline’s size restrictions.
What does “62 linear inches” mean?
As mentioned, many airlines have a limit of 62 linear inches. This is for checked-in luggage. Carry-on bags need to be much smaller.
When calculating linear inches, you need to consider three measurements of a suitcase. Length, width, and height.
Once you determine these dimensions, simply add them together to calculate linear inches.
Length + Width + Height
Providing the number is less than 62, the luggage bag will be allowed on board and considered to be a standard size.
For example, let’s say your current suitcase has dimensions of 26.5″ height + 18.5″ length + 12″ width.
The sum of these measurements equals 57. Therefore, this suitcase is allowed onboard an airline that has a 62 linear inches limitation.
It’s important to know that “62 linear inches” doesn’t mean that a suitcase can be 62 inches tall.
It’s simply the sum of the suitcase dimensions.
It’s also important to know that the dimensions must include the luggage wheels and handles.
The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage is an example of a bag that meets the 62 linear inches requirement. It has dimensions of 26.5” H x 17.75” W x 11.75” D
Adding these measurements together 26.5″ + 17.75″ + 11.75″ equals 56 and therefore is considered a normal-sized bag that meets the 62 linear inches requirement.
How big is a 62-inch suitcase?
A 62-inch suitcase can have a variety of sizes. If you have a suitcase that has dimensions of 30″ H x 20″ W x 12″ D, it would be exactly 62 inches.
But not all 62-inch luggage bags have the same dimensions.
For example, the Kenneth Cole Out Of Bounds Luggage has dimensions of 29.5” H x 20.5” W x 11.75” D including the handle and wheels. After adding these dimensions together, this bag equals 61.75 linear inches.
The SwissGear Sion Softside Luggage has dimensions of 30″ H x 18.5″ W x 12.5″ D including the handle and wheels. After adding these dimensions together, this bag equals 61 linear inches.
Check out: How big is a 24-inch suitcase?
What happens if my suitcase is over 62 linear inches?
If you show up at the airport without measuring your luggage to ensure it’s under the 62 linear inches limit, you may be subject to an oversized and overweight luggage fee.
The bag will still be allowed on board but it will cost you.
Once the bag is considered to be oversized, you will be charged a fee that is based on the overall weight and/or overall size of the bag. The region where you are flying is also a factor when determining the extra fees.
Some airlines can charge $200 extra as an oversized baggage fee. Overweight baggage fees can be over $400.
Not all airlines are the same and the fees can vary. For example, American Airlines has a size limit of 62 inches with a maximum size of 126 inches.
They have a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds for a regular-sized bag and 100 pounds for an overweight bag.
Depending on where you are flying, an oversized and overweight bag can cost you an extra $650.
An example of luggage that would be considered oversized is the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Luggage. This 28-inch bag has dimensions of 30.4” H x 20.9” W x 12.4” D.
After adding the dimensions together, this bag is 63.7 linear inches which would make it an oversized bag and subject to extra fees by many airlines.
How to weigh luggage at home
Before heading to the airport, it’s a good idea to weigh your luggage to avoid an overweight baggage fee. If you weigh your luggage and realize it is overweight, you can make adjustments ahead of time.
To weigh your luggage at home, use a luggage scale like the Etekcity Luggage Scale which is small, accurate, and affordable. These scales can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and can be easily taken with you on your trip.
If you don’t have the option of using a scale, there are a few alternate options for weighing your luggage at home.
