How many inches of luggage to bring on the airport

Immediate recommendation: pick a carry-on with external dimensions no larger than 56 x 36 x 23 cm and pack weight under 7–10 kg for general acceptance; for strict low-cost carriers, limit to 55 x 40 x 20 cm or carry a small personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

For checked cases aim for total linear measurement (length + width + height) ≤158 cm and weight ≤23 kg for standard economy fares; many international carriers allow 32 kg for premium cabins or with elite status.

Practical tips: measure external size including wheels and handles; add 1–2 cm margin to avoid refusal at gate; confirm exact limits on carrier website and prepay any oversize or overweight fees when available.

If cabin space is limited, prioritize compressible garments, travel-sized toiletries, and electronics under 7 kg; place heavy items near bag base to meet weight distribution rules and reduce risk of required check-in at boarding.

Quick checklist: verify allowed dimensions and weight for specific carrier, carry proof of prepayment for extra pieces, use a reliable scale at home, and pack fragile items inside clothing layers for protection.

Recommended dimensions for travel cases at terminals

Select a cabin case no larger than 56 x 36 x 23 cm (external); checked pieces should not exceed 158 cm linear measurement (height + width + depth).

Weight guidance: cabin limits commonly range 7–12 kg; checked allowances typically 20–23 kg for standard economy, up to 32 kg for premium fares. Overweight fees usually charged per kilogram or per extra piece.

Measure with wheels and handles extended. Use a tape measure along outermost points; include pockets and protruding handles when calculating total dimensions.

Low-cost carrier examples

Some budget operators restrict cabin items to about 40 x 20 x 25 cm for free allowance; others allow a single carry-on up to roughly 50 x 40 x 20 cm depending on fare type. Always verify carrier policy online before packing.

Pack to maximize usable interior space: compressible garments, hard-shell cases sized to limits, and distributed weight near wheels for easier handling. Carry essential documents and electronics in a small personal bag that fits under a seat (typically up to 40 x 30 x 10 cm on most carriers).

Carry-on size limits for major carriers – cabin fit guide

Recommendation: aim for a bag no larger than 22″ x 14″ x 9″ for widest overhead-bin compatibility; choose 24″ x 16″ x 10″ only when flying Southwest, Frontier or similar carriers that allow slightly bigger cabin bags.

US carriers – standard overhead limits

• American Airlines – 22″ x 14″ x 9″; no published carry-on weight cap for most fares; personal item approx 18″ x 14″ x 8″.
• Delta Air Lines – 22″ x 14″ x 9″; personal item must fit under seat (typical max 18″ x 13″ x 8″).
• United Airlines – 22″ x 14″ x 9″; many domestic routes accept that size without weight limit; personal item about 17″ x 10″ x 9″.
• Southwest Airlines – 24″ x 16″ x 10″; two free carry items per passenger (one overhead bag, one under-seat personal item).
• JetBlue – 22″ x 14″ x 9″; personal item fits under seat (approx 17″ x 13″ x 8″).
• Alaska Airlines – 22″ x 14″ x 9″; personal item approx 17″ x 11″ x 9″.
• Spirit Airlines – 22″ x 18″ x 10″ for overhead-bag (standard carry-on fee applies on many fares); personal item smaller and must fit under seat.
• Frontier Airlines – 24″ x 16″ x 10″ for overhead-bag on fares that include carry-on; many bare-bones fares charge for overhead items.

Major international carriers – common cabin limits

• British Airways – 22″ x 18″ x 10″ (56 x 45 x 25 cm); plus one small personal item; some long-haul cabins allow additional carry privileges per fare class.
• Lufthansa – 21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9.1″ (55 x 40 x 23 cm) for most economy passengers; business/first cabins often permit heavier or additional bags.
• Air France / KLM – 21.6″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″ (55 x 35 x 25 cm) as standard cabin-bag size; combined weight limits may apply on some tickets.
• Emirates – 21.6″ x 15″ x 7.8″ (55 x 38 x 20 cm) for economy cabin-bag; higher cabins allow larger or multiple pieces with weight caps.
• Turkish Airlines – 21.6″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ (55 x 40 x 25 cm) typical for economy cabin-bag; weight rules vary by route and fare.

• Quick measurement rules:
  • Always include wheels, handles and external pockets when sizing a bag.
  • Measure width x height x depth with bag fully packed and upright.
  • Soft-sided bags often compress into tight overhead bins better than rigid hard-shell cases.
• Practical tips for guaranteed cabin stow:
  • If uncertain, keep bag at or under 22″ x 14″ x 9″ for US domestic flights and many international carriers.
  • For low-cost carriers, verify fare inclusions before assuming overhead access; some fares restrict overhead-bag and allow only under-seat personal items.
  • When packing a single carry item only, place heavier items at bag base and avoid rigid extras that prevent compression.
  • At boarding, gate agents may enforce size checks; carry a lightweight, collapsible daypack as backup for items that must be removed.

Measuring suitcase dimensions (include wheels and handles)

Measure external dimensions with wheels and handles included; report values in in.

Use a flexible tape measure, level floor, straight wall and flat surface for accurate readings.

Place bag upright on level floor with telescoping handle fully stowed, zippers closed and any removable items detached.

Measure height from floor to highest external point on bag, including wheel housings and fixed top handles; record measurement rounded up to nearest 0.5 in.

Measure width across widest side, including side handles, external pockets and compression straps; keep tape measure straight and parallel to floor.

Measure depth from front face to rear face, including wheel protrusion and rear bumpers; if wheels sit below base, include that distance.

Measure twice: once with telescoping handle stowed (common carrier check) and once fully extended (gate or storage checks); note larger value for comparison.

For soft-sided or expandable cases, measure while packed and compressed to mimic cabin or hold conditions; also measure when uncompressed to capture maximum dimensions.

Allow 0.5 in margin for measurement error; round measurements up to nearest 0.5 in and compare to carrier limits on documentation or website.

Quick checklist: tools: flexible tape, level floor, straight wall. placement: upright, handle stowed. measure: height, width, depth including wheels/handles. report: values rounded up to 0.5 in and recorded for both stowed and extended handle positions.

Checked-piece size thresholds: linear dimensions and oversize fee ranges

Select a suitcase with total linear dimensions ≤62 in. (158 cm) to avoid oversize surcharges on most international and U.S. carriers.

Common threshold bands

Up to 62 in. – standard limit accepted in passenger hold without oversize charge on many carriers; adheres to IATA recommendation of 158 cm total.

63–80 in. – typical oversize category; carriers usually allow carriage for a one-way fee rather than cargo handling.

81–115 in. – heavy oversize zone; many airlines treat these items with special handling, higher flat fees, or restrict acceptance to certain flights.

>115 in. – generally classified as cargo-only or special consignment; fares and handling charges jump substantially, plus advance arrangements often required.

Typical fee ranges and practical guidance

Domestic legacy carriers: oversize fee for 63–80 in. commonly USD 75–200 one way; heavy oversize (81–115 in.) commonly USD 200–400; cargo-only items often exceed USD 400. Low-cost carriers and some international operators may charge higher flat rates or refuse oversize items in passenger hold.

Weight penalties run on separate thresholds (example: 50 lb/23 kg and 70 lb/32 kg) and can compound oversize charges; verify both size and weight rules for chosen carrier before travel. Measure with wheels and handles included; use a tape and add length+width+height to confirm linear total.

If transporting pressurized gear or inflatables, follow safe depressurization steps prior to check-in: how to safely release pressure from an air compressor.

Overhead bin dimensions: actual fit measurements for common aircraft models

Use a 22 x 14 x 9 in. soft-sided bag for reliable fit on single-aisle jets; gate-check if boarding a regional turboprop.

Single-aisle jets (A320 family, Boeing 737)

A320 family and Boeing 737 (NG, MAX): usable bin opening typically 22–23 x 14–16 x 9–11 in. (56–58 x 36–41 x 23–28 cm); allow 1–2 cm clearance for wheels and zipper bulge. Practical maximum external dimensions that fit without forcing: 22 x 14 x 9 in. (56 x 36 x 23 cm). If bag is rigid, reduce one dimension by 1–2 in.; place bag wheels-first and flat with handle tucked.

Embraer E170/E175/E190 and CRJ700/900: usable openings smaller, often 18–20 x 12–14 x 7–9 in. (46–51 x 30–36 x 18–23 cm); recommended external max: 21 x 13 x 8 in. (53 x 33 x 20 cm) for soft-sided cases. CRJ200 and older regionals are frequently under-seat only; carry a collapsible or dedicated under-seat bag for those routes.

Widebody and long-haul (A330, A350, B767, B777, B787)

A330, A350, B787, B777: deeper bins and taller clearances. Typical usable openings range 24–28 x 18–22 x 9–14 in. (61–71 x 46–56 x 23–36 cm); center-cabin bins often larger than forward or rear bins. Practical external maximum for overhead stowage without gate-check: 23 x 17 x 10 in. (58 x 43 x 25 cm) for most configurations; soft-sided materials and limited zip expansion permit slight overage.

Quick checks for fit: read aircraft type on boarding pass and airline specifications before packing; measure bag including wheels and handles, then compare with seat-map photos or airline bin images; when uncertain, choose soft-sided case and plan for gate-check to avoid boarding delays.

Practical ways to reduce bag size before check-in

Remove wheels and telescoping handle: expect depth reduction of 3–7 cm; use quick-release hardware or a small screwdriver at home to cut protrusion before departure.

Use vacuum compression bags for garments: typical volume drop 40–60%, which often trims packed thickness by about 4–10 cm for a medium case.

Swap hard-shell case for a soft-sided model or carry pack: soft fabric compresses around contents and can reduce one dimension by 2–6 cm; consider a best day trip backpack for short itineraries that let bulky items move off main hold.

Redistribute rigid or bulky items into worn layers and a personal bag: wearing coat, boots, or a travel vest transfers up to 2–6 cm worth of packed depth into body-worn carry.

Employ external compression straps or luggage belts to flatten bulges and square off corners; this minimizes irregular profiles that push a case past size limits.

Replace rigid inserts, removable frames, or excess internal padding with soft alternatives; removing an internal frame typically yields 3–5 cm less external depth.

Repack shoes by stuffing socks and small items inside them, then position shoes along case edges to maintain flat walls; this trims internal dead space and prevents bulging.

Reduce toiletry bulk: transfer liquids to 100 ml (or smaller) travel bottles, decant full-sized containers into sealed pouches, and tuck toiletry bags inside shoes or compression cubes to preserve a flat exterior.

Collapse telescoping handle fully and tuck it into a zipper channel or internal sleeve; if handle cannot be removed, this prevents an extra 2–4 cm from protruding.

Perform a final assembly check with a tape measure in centimeters (height × width × depth), include wheels and handles in measurement, then apply one or two compression methods above until measurement meets carrier limit.