Michael Turner
Choose a carry-on case no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles to meet the cabin allowance used by most U.S. and many international carriers; aim for an empty shell weight under 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) so you can pack ~8–10 kg (18–22 lb) of personal items without exceeding common 10–11 kg cabin limits on tighter fares.
Measure exactly: measure length, width and height with wheels and external handles in their stowed position; for checked pieces, use the linear rule (L + W + H) and compare to 158 cm (62 in). Airlines usually include wheels, side handles and fixed exterior pockets in the sum.
Checked-bag weight benchmarks: 23 kg (50 lb) is the standard free allowance on many economy international tickets; 32 kg (70 lb) applies to some premium cabins or paid overweight rules. Practical packing target: keep checked weight 1.5–3 kg under the carrier limit to avoid rebagging fees at the gate.
Budget-fare caveats: expect a free personal item around 40 x 30 x 20 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 in) and a paid cabin piece commonly capped at 55 x 40 x 20–23 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9–9 in). Expandable zippers frequently push a suitcase over the allowed size at gate checks; if an expansion option exists, measure both collapsed and expanded states and plan for the smaller state when flying low-cost carriers.
Packing recommendations: use compression cubes to reduce bulk by ~20–30%, distribute weight so the heaviest items sit near the wheels, and verify loaded bag weight with a portable scale before leaving for the airport. If checked allowances are tight, choose a soft-sided case (gains 1–3 cm at edges) or a hardshell that stays under 3.0–3.5 kg empty to maximize permitted payload.
Measuring protocol for carry and checked pieces
Set target sizes: cabin: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) including wheels and handles; checked: combined length + width + height ≤ 62 in (158 cm) and checked weight ≤ 50 lb (23 kg) for standard fares, ≤ 70 lb (32 kg) for many premium fares.
Measurement method: place the case on a flat surface. Measure height from base (including wheel housings) to highest point with handle stowed; measure width at the widest lateral point; measure depth at the thickest cross-section with external pockets compressed. Use a steel tape measure and record values to the nearest 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Checked-piece calculation: add the three measurements (L+W+H) to compare with the 62 in / 158 cm limit. Example: 28 in + 18 in + 12 in = 58 in – acceptable. If using metric, 71 cm + 46 cm + 31 cm = 148 cm.
Practical tolerances and conversions: allow a 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) buffer to cover measurement variance and compression during handling. Convert with 1 in = 2.54 cm and always round up when comparing with carrier rules.
Weight control tips: weigh packed pieces on a digital scale before leaving home; aim for ~2 kg (4–5 lb) under the published limit to avoid fees from airport scales. Distribute heavy items along the length to keep the case balanced and avoid bulging that increases measured depth.
Material and design notes: soft-sided cases can be compressed through straps but airlines may measure full external size; hard-shell cases keep a fixed profile – select shell type based on how close you plan to pack to published maximums.
Measure external length, width and depth of a suitcase for airline checks
Use a rigid tape measure, place the case fully zipped on a flat surface, and record three external measurements that include wheels, fixed handles, feet and any permanently attached pockets; collapse the telescopic handle unless the carrier explicitly requires it extended.
Length (height): measure from the floor to the highest solid point of the case while standing upright, including wheel housings and feet but excluding an extended pull-handle. Width: measure across the widest side-to-side point, accounting for side pockets and external grips. Depth (thickness): measure from front face to back face at the bulkiest point, including protruding pockets, straps or bumpers.
Use metric units where possible. Many carriers impose a maximum linear total (length + width + depth) of 158 cm (62 in). Convert inches using 1 in = 2.54 cm and round each measurement up to the next whole centimetre before summing; if you measure in inches, round up to the next ½ inch for safety.
Measure the case in the condition you will present at check-in: packed and zipped with compression straps fastened, or with any protective cover or strap you intend to use. For detachable components, measure the assembled configuration that will travel.
Record measurements on a photo with the tape visible and the flight booking or bag tag in frame to simplify disputes at the counter. Carry a small rigid tape in your travel kit for last-minute checks. Reference: are tesco baby weaning freezer trays bpa free.
Verify an airline’s allowable linear size limits and where to find them
Confirm the carrier’s published maximum linear size (sum of length + width + height) on the operating airline’s official baggage policy page before you travel.
Locate the policy on the airline site: look for pages titled “Baggage,” “Carry‑on & Checked Allowances,” “Size & Weight,” or “Travel Information.” Common URL patterns: airline.com/baggage, airline.com/travel-info/baggage, or airline.com/help/baggage. Use the site search with queries like “baggage allowance size” or “maximum linear size.”
Check the reservation record and booking confirmation: the operating carrier’s name appears in the itinerary. If your ticket is a codeshare, the operator’s policy applies, not the marketing carrier’s. Verify on the operator’s website rather than relying on third‑party sellers.
Review the carrier’s fare rules and the online baggage fee calculator available during online check‑in or at the “manage booking” page; those tools often display size limits and oversize charges tied to your specific fare and route.
Contact the airline directly when policy text is ambiguous: call the reservations number, use official chat, or send a direct message on the carrier’s verified social channels. Ask explicitly for the maximum linear size including wheels and handles, the measurement method they use, and the oversize fee for your route and fare class. Record the agent’s name, reference number and timestamp, and request a link to the policy page.
Consult authoritative third‑party references only as a double‑check: IATA publishes general recommendations, airport websites list facility constraints, and government transport sites may show limits for special items; however, the operating airline’s published policy governs on the day of travel.
Typical benchmarks to expect: many international carriers allow checked pieces up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) and carry‑on items commonly at or near 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) or a 115 cm linear total. Low‑cost carriers and regional operators frequently set smaller limits–always confirm the specific carrier and fare.
Keep a screenshot or PDF of the policy page and the “manage booking” baggage display with date/time stamp in your phone or printed documents to present at check‑in if a dispute arises.
Packing and positioning to keep declared measurement totals under the limit
Use vacuum-compression bags for bulk clothing: expect 30–60% volume reduction, which typically trims external depth by about 3–6 cm on soft-sided carryalls. Pack only one bag with vacuum bags per case to avoid hard bulges that can create measuring hot spots.
Roll casual garments (T-shirts, knits) and fold structured items (shirts, blazers) into a garment folder; rolling yields roughly 10–15% space savings and creates a smoother surface that reduces edge bulging. Put rolled items inside packing cubes sized to the bag’s interior grid so fabric fills corners instead of pushing outward.
Load heavy, flat items (books, laptop, shoe soles) along the back panel or base to keep the external face flat. Place shoes around the perimeter with insoles outward and fill shoe cavities with socks or chargers to eliminate empty pockets that force outward bulges.
Compressible towels and sweaters belong between hard objects (shoes, toiletry kit) to form a compact block rather than a single protruding pillow. Use 2–3 internal strap passes to lock blocks in place; tighten until fabric compresses but zippers still close smoothly.
Stow telescopic handles fully and tuck external grab handles into pockets or under compression straps; exposed handles and external pockets commonly add 1–3 cm to measured width or height. Remove detachable accessories (lanyards, business card holders) that add 0.5–1.5 cm each.
Replace full-length umbrellas and rigid tripods with compact alternatives; a packable folding umbrella avoids a 10–20 cm protrusion–see compact models at best british umbrella makers. If a non-folding item is unavoidable, place it along the interior centerline and surround it with soft items to prevent edge bulging.
Toiletry organization: use travel-size bottles in a flat, resealable pouch and place that pouch against a flat panel. Avoid rigid cases that create local protrusions; soft-lined dopp kits compress under strap tension and reduce peak thickness by 1–2 cm.
Final check routine: close the bag and measure all three external axes at the widest points; if any axis is over limit, identify the nearest internal zone and rebalance by moving soft content into that zone or shifting hard items inward. Leave a safety margin of 2–3 cm per axis to cover measuring variance at airport counters.
If repeated attempts still exceed allowable totals, remove nonessential items to a cabin bag or swap to a softer, compressible carry type; a soft duffel typically yields 3–5 cm less external bulk than a molded shell of the same nominal size.
Convert and record measurements in inches vs centimeters for tickets and tags
Record every piece’s three external measurements in both inches (in) and centimeters (cm), using Length × Width × Height order; convert with 1 in = 2.54 cm and always round converted values up to the next whole unit to avoid disputes.
Quick conversion rules
- Exact formulas: cm = in × 2.54; in = cm ÷ 2.54.
- Rounding rule: after conversion, apply ceiling (e.g., 22 in → 55.88 cm → record 56 cm; 56 cm → 22.05 in → record 23 in).
- For totals (linear sum = L+W+H): convert each value then sum, or sum first then convert and round up the final result – either method, present both units on the ticket.
- Mental shortcuts: 1 in ≈ 2.54 cm (use 2.5 for fast estimate only; always use 2.54 for final recording).
- Use a steel tape or rigid rule; measure external extremes including wheels, side pockets and fixed handles.
Recommended formats for tickets and tags
- Full-format (preferred): L × W × H: 22 × 14 × 9 in / 56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Compact tag format: 56x36x23 cm / 22x14x9 in (include unit abbreviations; use lowercase).
- Total (linear) entry when required: Linear: 45 in / 115 cm (show both units; round up for cm example: 45 in = 114.3 cm → 115 cm).
- If ticket field accepts only one unit, record that unit and add the converted value in the remarks field or on a separate tag to prevent misinterpretation.
- Do not use decimals on printed tags; use whole numbers after applying the ceiling rule.
Checklist before printing or submitting: measure external extremes, convert with 2.54 factor, round converted numbers up, format as L×W×H with units, and include the linear total when airline or carrier requires it.
FAQ:
Do airlines include wheels and external handles when they measure a suitcase for size limits?
Most carriers use the bag’s external measurements, so wheels, fixed handles and any outer pockets are counted. When measuring, place the luggage as it would sit on the conveyor, extend any built-in handles to the position used for travel (some airlines expect the handle retracted for checked baggage — check the carrier’s rule), then measure the maximum height, width and depth from outer edge to outer edge. Use a flexible tape and measure to the outermost points, including bumpers or protruding trim. If your tape shows a fractional value, round up to the next whole unit the airline lists (for example, next centimeter or next inch). Because many fees and size rules depend on those external numbers, compare your measurement with the airline’s published limits before you travel.
How should I present luggage dimensions on a product listing or shipping form so buyers and shippers understand what they are getting?
For clarity, give the external length × width × height first and state the units (for example, 55 × 40 × 20 cm). Immediately indicate whether that measurement includes wheels and handles, or whether it was taken with them collapsed. Add internal dimensions or usable volume as a separate line (for example, internal: 50 × 35 × 18 cm; volume: 40 L) if you can, because buyers often want both the usable space and the total external footprint for transport or storage. Include the empty weight and, if relevant, a typical packed weight or recommended maximum. Specify how you measured (bag empty, zippers closed, handle collapsed/extended) so there is no confusion. If you expect shipments that use imperial units, provide a conversion in parentheses (e.g., 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in)). Finally, if a bag has removable parts, expanders or nested compartments that change size, list both the minimum and maximum external measurements and label them clearly (collapsed / expanded). This level of detail reduces returns and shipping surprises.
