Michael Turner
Numerous international carriers follow the IATA linear-size guideline: length + width + height must not exceed 158 cm. Measure the case fully assembled – include wheels, pull-handle and any external pockets when adding the three sides.
Standard free allowance on numerous routes is a single bag up to 23 kg (50 lb). U.S. domestic flights frequently apply a 23 kg/50 lb cap in economy; premium cabins or some carriers permit up to 32 kg (70 lb).
Oversize and overweight fees vary: small overlimits commonly cost about $100–$200; pieces exceeding roughly 203 cm (≈ 80 in) or very heavy items may incur charges around $300–$400 or be handled as freight. Carriers bill per segment – consult the airline’s published rate table.
Practical steps: measure exterior dimensions with a tape, weigh the packed case on a bag scale, choose a soft-sided case to gain a few centimetres of compressibility, and distribute weight across compartments to avoid spikes above the permitted mass. Keep purchase receipts and serial numbers when packing valuable electronics to streamline any claims.
Major carriers – dimensional limits
Recommendation: Keep overall linear dimensions ≤62″ (158 cm) and weight ≤50 lb / 23 kg on most legacy and network airlines to avoid oversize and overweight charges.
Typical carrier rules
American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska: standard maximum 62″ overall; common weight cap 50 lb (23 kg) on economy; oversize charges apply above 62″.
Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, IAG group (British Airways, Iberia): standard overall limit ~158 cm (62″); weight cap commonly 23 kg on basic economy; higher weight allowances often available on premium fares.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad: operate piece-or-weight schemes; typical maximum overall dimensions per piece align near 158 cm (62″) while weight allowances vary by route and cabin (commonly 23–32 kg per piece).
Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz, Spirit, Frontier): dimension limits frequently match 62″ but weight caps tend to be stricter (commonly 40 lb / 18 kg) and steep fees apply to oversize or overweight items; prepay extras to reduce airport surcharges.
Practical tips
Measure length + width + height and mark the total on the bag; if the sum exceeds 62″ expect an oversize charge on most major airlines. On carriers using a piece system, confirm allowed weight per piece and permitted number of pieces well ahead of departure.
Measure exterior dimensions of your suitcase precisely
Use a rigid tape measure, include wheels, bumpers and telescopic handle fully extended; record length × width × height in centimeters.
Place the suitcase on a flat, level surface with zippers closed and external pockets empty. Measure length along the longest external side from outer edge to outer edge. Measure width across the front at the widest external point, including side handles and protruding trims. Measure height from base to the highest external point with the handle fully extended; include wheel height and protective feet. Round each value to the nearest whole cm.
Compute linear total as L + W + H (cm) and compare the result per carrier allowance. Convert centimeters to imperial by dividing the total cm by 2.54 to obtain the value in”. When a soft-shell case has an expansion zipper, measure both zipped and unzipped states and use the larger figure when declaring dimensions.
Common measurement errors to avoid
Measuring internal capacity instead of external footprint.
Omitting wheels, raised bumpers or handle housings when measuring height.
Recording a compressed soft-shell depth while packed; measure with contents and zippers closed since packed items increase external size during transport.
Failing to photograph the tape endpoints against the case; an image showing tape contact points and zippers closed helps resolve disputes.
Quick checklist
Tools: rigid tape, flat surface, smartphone camera. Actions: measure L, W, H (cm), sum them, photograph tape placement and zipper state, retain photos until after collection.
| Item | Measurement method | Example (cm) | Example (“) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Longest external side, base to tip | 75 | 29.5″ |
| Width | Across front at widest external point | 48 | 18.9″ |
| Height | Base to highest external point, include wheels and handle housing | 30 | 11.8″ |
| Linear total | Sum of the three external measures (L + W + H) | 153 | 60.2″ |
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Oversize fee triggers: dimension thresholds that incur extra charges
Keep total linear dimensions at or below 62″ to avoid oversize charges.
Threshold tiers
63″–80″ – standard oversize charge; typical US carrier amounts range $100–$200. 81″–115″ – bulky-item surcharge, commonly $200–$400, often requires special handling and advance notification. >115″ – treated as freight or special cargo with steep tariffs, mandatory paperwork and lead time.
Practical responses when dimensions exceed a tier
Small overages (1–3″): repack, remove rigid items, or shift garments into carry-on and personal item to get under 62″. Moderate overages (within 63″–80″): compare prepaid oversize rates online versus airport charge; sometimes prepaid saves money. Large overages (81″–115″): call the carrier to reserve special handling or choose ground courier; expect higher fees and possible size-related restrictions. Very large (above 115″): arrange freight shipment with a carrier that handles sporting or bulky goods; budget extra for handling, customs paperwork when applicable.
Tactics to reduce surprise fees: document total dimensions with photo and timestamped measurement at origin, retain receipts, check online surcharge schedules prior to travel, and consider third-party shipping quotes when oversize tariff approaches or exceeds typical courier rates.
Domestic vs international hold bag size allowances by region and carrier
Keep total linear dimensions at or below 158 cm to avoid oversize charges on most carriers worldwide.
North America – U.S. legacy airlines (American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest) apply a piece-based model on domestic and transborder flights with the 158 cm guideline and predictable oversize surcharges above that threshold; ultra-low-cost operators use the same size cap but enforce steeper penalties and stricter gate checks.
Europe – Flag carriers (Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Iberia, British Airways) generally follow the 158 cm standard on international sectors; short-haul intra‑European services and low-cost operators may apply smaller allowed dimensions, higher excess-size fees, or reclassify large suitcases as special items, so verify the route-specific rule set before departure.
Asia‑Pacific – Full‑service carriers (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, ANA, Japan Airlines) use the piece concept on many international routes with 158 cm as the practical limit; regional and low‑cost airlines (AirAsia, Scoot, Cebu Pacific) often impose tighter maximums or separate oversized/sporting equipment tariffs.
Middle East & Africa – Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) frequently operate on a weight‑based allowance for international tickets; size is still monitored and items exceeding the common 158 cm guideline will attract oversize payments or be routed to cargo. African carriers vary widely between piece and weight systems; confirm policy per carrier and itinerary.
Latin America – Mixed practices: international services by major carriers tend toward the 158 cm piece standard, while many domestic routes and regional airlines use weight allowances and different maximum linear dimensions; oversized pieces may incur domestic handling fees or require cargo transfer.
Quick operational checklist: always include wheels and retractable handles in your measurements; consult the specific carrier policy tied to your ticketed cabin and route rather than country-level guidance; if a bag exceeds 158 cm but is under the carrier’s absolute maximum, expect an oversize tariff and possible reclassification to cargo handling.
Choosing suitcase size and packing tips to stay within common linear limits
Select a suitcase whose length+width+height sum stays at or below 62″ (158 cm) to avoid oversize charges on most international and several domestic carriers.
Quick target
- Set an internal planning target at 58″ (147 cm) total to provide a 3–5″ margin against bulging and zipper expansion.
- Keep packed weight at or under 50 lb (23 kg) for standard checked allowances; expect 70 lb (32 kg) only on some upgraded fares or specific carriers.
Recommended external heights by trip length
- 20–22″ (51–56 cm) – weekend or short trips; capacity ~30–40 L; compact profile reduces linear totals.
- 24–26″ (61–66 cm) – medium trips of 1–2 weeks; capacity ~60–80 L; good balance between space and staying under common limits.
- 28–30″ (71–76 cm) – long trips or bulky gear; capacity ~100–120 L; expect totals near or above 62″ once fully packed, verify carrier rules upfront.
Practical packing moves to keep dimensions and weight within limits:
- Weigh empty case and packed case with a handheld scale; adjust contents until weight ≤50 lb (23 kg) or within your fare allowance.
- Place dense items (shoes, electronics) close to the wheel end and near the center to minimize edge bulge that raises linear totals.
- Use compression cubes or vacuum bags for clothing to reduce volume without overfilling expansion zippers.
- Avoid relying on expandable zippers when traveling across multiple carriers that use rigid sizer boxes; non-expandable shells give predictable totals.
- Use soft-sided pockets for flexible items that compress under pressure; hard-shell cases may force protrusions that increase measured totals.
- Wear the bulkiest coat and shoes during transit to shift weight off the case and lower measured mass at check-in.
- Keep a lightweight foldable bag in carry-on as backup to move heavier items when airport scales or sizers indicate excess.
- Remove detachable straps, excess tags, and nonessential accessories prior to final measurement to reduce external profile.
- Label an internal panel with empty-case weight and external dimensions; perform one last scale and visual squeeze before leaving home.
Final checklist before arrival at the airport: confirm your carrier’s linear and weight thresholds, meet the 58″ target when possible, verify packed weight with a scale, and be ready to transfer items into a personal carry item if counters indicate surplus charges.
