Michael Turner
Quick method: Stand the case upright on a flat surface, retract the telescoping handle, and include wheels and external pockets. Measure the tallest point (H), the widest point (W) and the deepest point (D). Add H + W + D and round up to the nearest whole number. A combined total of 62 or less (about 158 cm) typically complies with common carrier maximums; totals above that often trigger oversize fees.
Metric conversion: If measurements are taken in centimetres, divide the combined total by 2.54 to obtain the imperial equivalent (e.g., 158 cm ÷ 2.54 ≈ 62). To convert an imperial total into centimetres, multiply by 2.54. Always state the unit being used when submitting dimensions on airline sites or to agents.
Practical tips: Measure the case when packed to mirror gate checks, compress soft-sided cases where possible, and tuck handles and straps into their recesses prior to measuring. Include wheels, casters and any protruding pockets in the depth measurement. Keep a flexible tape measure on hand and record each dimension separately so different carrier limits can be checked rapidly.
Note: Individual carriers publish specific maximums for checked and cabin items on official pages; consult the airline before travel to avoid surprise fees at the airport.
Quick Method to Measure Bag Size
Measure height, width and depth externally–include wheels, external handles and pockets; add the three figures and compare with typical carrier limits: checked baggage commonly limited to 157–158 cm total (62 in.), cabin/carry-on commonly limited to 114 cm total (45 in.).
Procedure: place the case upright on a flat surface and use a flexible tape measure along the longest points. Measure height from base to highest point, width at the widest side, depth across the deepest section. Include protruding wheels and sewn-on straps. If a telescoping handle is adjustable, record both retracted and extended lengths and consult the carrier’s published rules; when uncertain, use the longer value.
Rounding and tolerances: round each measurement up to the nearest whole centimetre and allow a margin of 1–2 cm to account for fabric compression and measurement error. Use 1 in. = 2.54 cm for conversions (62 in. ≈ 157.5 cm; 45 in. ≈ 114.3 cm).
Quick at-home fixes: compress soft bags, remove external pouches, or swap to a smaller case if the total exceeds the carrier limit. Backpacks intended to carry team gear should state external dimensions under 114 cm total when used as cabin bags; see recommendations at best backpack for football players.
Measure Height, Width & Depth – Calculate Total H + W + D
Use a rigid tape measure; record external height, width and depth and sum the three values (H + W + D) in inches (use ” to mark inches).
Measure height with the case standing on a flat surface: from the lowest external point of the wheel or foot to the highest fixed point. Include non-removable wheels, bumpers and any fixed handle that does not stow completely.
Measure width at the widest horizontal point across the front face, including sewn-on pockets and side handles that protrude in packed condition.
Measure depth (thickness) from front to back at the fullest point, counting external pockets, corner guards and wheel housings.
Calculation example: H = 28″, W = 18″, D = 12″ → Total = 28″ + 18″ + 12″ = 58″. If measurements taken in centimetres, add them (e.g., 70 cm + 45 cm + 30 cm = 145 cm) then divide total by 2.54 → 57.09″ → round up to 58″.
Rounding rule: always round up to the next whole inch to avoid marginal overages when checked against carrier size caps. Keep a record of measured totals and a photo of the tape placement.
When packed, measure the item in the configuration used during transport. If a telescopic handle retracts fully flush, measure retracted; if it protrudes while secured, measure the protruding length. Remove detachable accessories prior to measuring if they are routinely removed during transit.
Common reference points: many carriers set a checked-piece limit near 62″ total and typical carry-on allowances cluster around 45″ (for example 22″ × 14″ × 9″ = 45″). Always verify the carrier’s published dimension limits before travel.
Include wheels, handles and external pockets – airline counting rules
Include wheels, fixed handles and sewn-on pockets when reporting total bag dimensions; most carriers count those external components as part of overall size.
- Wheels: measured while attached. Recessed or inset wheels can reduce the reported depth by roughly 1–3 cm compared with exposed wheels. Removable wheels may yield a smaller measurement, but removal at the airport can trigger inspection or refusal.
- Telescopic handles: measure with the tube fully collapsed. Carriers expect retractable handles stowed during sizing; extended handles are often ignored only if fully retracted before measurement.
- Fixed top/side handles and carry straps: included in width or depth totals; low-profile handles have minimal effect, bulky grips can push a bag past allowed thresholds.
- External pockets and straps: count zipped pockets and external laundry or shoe compartments as part of outer dimensions. Soft, compressible pockets may be squeezed when placed in a rigid sizer, but bulky external organizers are treated as added depth.
- Removable accessories: detachable pouches, ID tags or straps removed prior to check may reduce measured size, yet gate agents may consider original configuration if removal appears temporary.
- Packed vs empty: measurements reflect a travel-ready state. Measure or compare while packed and zipped exactly as the bag will be presented at the gate or check-in.
- Low-cost carriers and strict sizers: many budget airlines enforce rigid sizers that include wheels and handles without compression allowances; allow a safety margin of several centimetres when planning to meet strict cabin rules.
Consult the specific carrier’s published dimension policy and any photos or diagrams they provide; airline language often explicitly states whether wheels, handles and external pockets are included in overall size calculations.
Convert centimetres to imperial units; apply airline rounding rules
Recommendation: Divide centimetres by 2.54 and follow the carrier’s stated rounding method – most impose upward rounding to the next whole in., some use standard rounding to the nearest whole in., a few truncate decimals.
Step-by-step: 1) Measure each dimension in cm. 2) Compute value ÷ 2.54 → result in. 3) Apply the carrier’s rule: ceiling example 56 cm → 56 ÷ 2.54 = 22.05 → 23 in.; nearest example 56 cm → 22 in.; truncate example 56 cm → 22 in.
When the carrier’s rounding rule is unspecified, allow a safety margin of at least 1 in. Assume the worst-case method (ceiling) when planning to avoid unexpected charges at check-in.
Quick conversions: 1 in. = 2.54 cm; common thresholds converted – 45 in. = 114.3 cm; 62 in. = 157.48 cm; 80 in. = 203.2 cm. Keep recorded cm values and the calculated in. values together when checking restrictions.
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Compare total dimensions to carrier size limits and options if over
Immediate action: convert the sum of height + width + depth to centimetres and compare to the airline’s published allowance; common thresholds are carry-on ≈115 cm and checked-bag ≈158 cm.
Typical carrier examples: many US airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue) use a checked maximum of 158 cm; standard cabin-bag dimensions commonly listed as 56 x 36 x 23 cm (sum ≈115 cm). European low-cost carriers often specify 55 x 40 x 20 cm (sum 115 cm). Dedicated sports or oversize pages may show special rules and alternate limits.
If the total exceeds the published limit, options include paying an oversized fee (domestic ranges commonly USD 100–300, international may be higher), gate-checking at boarding (subject to space and handling risk), shipping the item via courier (compare courier quote against airline fee), redistributing contents into additional permitted pieces, upgrading fare class or buying an extra checked allowance, or purchasing a compliant case at the airport. Bulky seasonal items such as an umbrella intended use above-ground pools: best above ground pool umbrella.
Practical checklist: record exact dimensions and weight, screenshot the carrier baggage policy page that lists the limit, call the airline baggage desk with the precise measurements to obtain a fee quote and confirmation method, label the item as oversized if required, and keep all receipts and policy screenshots until travel is complete.
FAQ:
What does “linear inches” mean for luggage and how do I calculate it?
Linear inches are the sum of a bag’s length, width and height. To calculate, measure the longest point of each side in inches and add the three numbers together. Include wheels, handles and any external pockets in those measurements. If your measurement tools give centimeters, divide the total by 2.54 to convert to inches.
How do I measure oddly shaped or soft-sided luggage so I don’t get hit with oversize fees?
Measure the luggage at its largest points while it is packed the way you plan to travel. Lay the bag on a flat surface and use a tape measure to get the maximum length, maximum width and maximum height, then add those three figures to find linear inches. For soft-sided bags, press them into the shape you expect during transit; some carriers allow slight compression, but many treat the packed size as final. Always include wheels and any extended handles in your measurements, and include external pockets or straps if they stick out. Compare the total to your airline’s published limit — many carriers use 62 linear inches (158 cm) for checked baggage and a carry-on allowance that sums to roughly 45 linear inches, but rules vary. If the bag exceeds the limit, you can move items to a smaller bag, remove external attachments, or prepare to pay an oversize charge. When in doubt, check the airline’s baggage page or contact customer service before you arrive at the airport.
