How do you measure linear inches?

[mskay]

I have no idea how to do this. Is it just lengthxwidthxheight? I want to see how big our suitcase is. I don't think it's as big as they come, but it's large and I want to know if I'm under the 62 linear inches rule for Northwest!

[bavaria]

length plus width plus height

[kaytieeldr]

Sorta - it's height + width + depth.
Stand up suitcase.
Measure from floor to top of collapsed hande, including wheels/legs = Height
Measure from left side to right side, including handle/s = Width
Measure from front to back, including expansions/pockets = Depth
Add (not multiply) 1H + 1W + 1D = Linear inches

[Lewisc]

A bag that's just legal, size way, is likely to weigh more than 50 lbs packed.

[bavaria]

anything 28 inches and larger, especially an older suitcase, will weigh close to 20lbs EMPTY

[NotUrsula]

Easiest way is to run a tape measure in a loop all the way around the case from the top of the handle, down the back, underneath the wheels, and up the front until the tape meets. Make a note of that measure. Then measure the width of the case at the widest point including side handles, just across either the front or back, whichever is lumpiest. Add that measure to the first.
(Your "depth" measurement will have been included in the loop-around measure.)

Be aware the if you want to use the outer pockets you need to measure the case with them filled. Sometimes filling outer pockets will add up to 6 inches to the size.

[seashoreCM]

Easiest way is to run a tape measure in a loop all the way around the case from the top of the handle, down the back, underneath the wheels, and up the front until the tape meets. Make a note of that measure. Then measure the width of the case at the widest point including side handles, just across either the front or back, whichever is lumpiest. Add that measure to the first.

Cut the first (llooparound) measure in half before adding the second measure.

Otherwise you get two heights plus two depths (what the full looparound is) plus one width which produces an unnecessarily large number.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

OT: Another common method is "length plus girth" which is equal to two widths plus two depths plus one length (the largest dimension) and where you do do the looparound.

[mskay]

Thanks, everyone! I could have never figured this out on my own!