How To Measure Luggage Size?

If you are a first-time traveler, we are about to save you a lot of trouble – not to mention time and money. Before you get way too excited for the much-awaited trip to New York City and end up packing everything you get hold of, you better take a step back and rethink.

Nope, there is no need to put your PlayStation in your travel bag. Not because it is a bad idea but simply because you can take only a limited amount of luggage on the flight. Before the airport security stops you from boarding and you end up ditching half of your stuff at the terminal, it is better that you quickly learn how to measure luggage size. Luckily, we’re to help you with that. From learning the largest size for check-in to measuring your luggage size, we provide insight into it all. 

Here’s a Guide on How to Measure Luggage Size

Get an old measuring tape. We know, it seems like a mediocre thing to do, but it’s actually quite handy to have a measuring tape with you, to avoid any hassles.

Now, put your luggage down on the floor, and ensure it’s not in upright position. This is also important if you have a rollaboard or spinner luggage that comes with wheels. You should take the wheels into account as well when you measure your luggage.

Hold your luggage and measure the length, width, and height. Once you have these numbers, just add them up, and voila! Now all you need to do is check with your airline to see what sort of luggage size they allow. You might be annoyed if your suitcases don’t make the cut but it’s better to be prepared beforehand and avoid the last-minute embarrassment at the airport. 

Do remember that most airlines follow the luggage policy guidelines strictly. They allow you to take the luggage that measures 62 linear inches. If you’re confused then check out our guide on what 62 linear inches luggage means.

Check for Weight

Measuring the linear size is not enough, you should also measure the weight of your luggage (this is actually more important than anything else). The weight of luggage for international flights is usually around 50 pounds for a single person along with a 15-to-22-pound limit for the carry-on bags. But this value may differ if you are traveling with friends or family. 

Every airline also has different weight requirements, so you might get lucky and find an airline that permits you to carry more weight on a flight. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay extra bucks for overweight luggage. 

To measure the weight of your luggage, you must buy a digital luggage scale. If it is not available, you can check the weight using the standard bathroom scale, but fitting your luggage on a traditional bathroom scale may take some serious skills. You must ensure to research different kinds of luggage to figure out a lightweight and handy option for you. 

Remember, these limits are for your own good. When you are flying on a 100,000-pound machine, going way over 400 miles per hour, the slightest discrepancies in weight can alter the flight experience which is why, Airlines have a designated luggage policy in place, and you should abide by the provisions and guidelines.

What if my Luggage Exceeds Requirements?

Don’t worry this is actually not the end of the world. You can still make the flight. You have two options here.

You can pay an overhead fee and the airline will allow you to carry the luggage that exceeds the requirements.

The overhead fee may vary from airline to airline. There are other factors as well that count. Say you have an extra suitcase that exceeds the weight and size limits. To resolve the issue, you’ll have to pay additional charges for that extra bag that exceeds both the size and weight limits.

Otherwise, you can ditch the extra stuff board the flight to have a safe and hassle-free journey.

Is There A Way I Can Carry The Extra Luggage AND Not Pay The Fee?

Surprisingly, there actually is a way you can avoid paying extra charges and carry extra luggage on the flight. It’s all about free checked baggage. Basically, all you have to do is get your elite passenger status and the airline will have your extra baggage covered. Opting for the lowest tier will do the trick.

For example, if you book a ticket in the lowest tier of United Airline’s elite club (things like the Premium Plus Class or the Business Class), you get the facility to carry free checked luggage. On top of that, you can also carry an additional 20 pounds!

Moreover, most airlines usually partner up with different credit card companies.

If you are a frequent flier, you can use your credit card to your advantage during the flight. You can avail their free checked bag offer. What is the cost? The annual fee you pay for the credit card!

Another helpful trick to get free checked luggage on the flight is to use travel cards. You can use various travel cards that come with an airline fee credit. All your fee that you pay for your luggage will be reimbursed.

Some Tips To Remember

A Simple Hack to Overpacked Clothes

If you do face the issue of overpacking, there is a hack you can use to get away with a little extra weight. Imagine you’re traveling to New York for the holiday season, but right now, you have your carry-on filled to the brim with the clothes you want to wear in New York. Take out the clothes that can be layered and wear them all together.

We know it sound stupid, but the TSA only charges for excessive baggage rather than clothing. So If you do overpack and aren’t concerned of wrinkling, wear the items you plan to take rather than tucking them away in your luggage. This way you can get through the airport without the concern of getting charged extra.

Conclusion

Before you leave for the airport, check your luggage properly to avoid any mishaps. This includes the tiniest of details like checking if the luggage zipper is okay or if you need to get the zipper back on track. Do remember to take your boarding pass, ticket, and passport. And if you have a kid named Kevin, make sure you’re not leaving him Home Alone because this is not a sequel.

If you are freaking out, it is also completely okay. Just find a corner where there is some privacy and breathe through the anxiety. Once the plane takes off, everything will be fine. 

Traveling by air can be extremely daunting experience even for people who are used to it. But you have to control your emotions and keep calm during the flight.

Frequently Asked Questions