Airtran luggage size issues at PHL

[sweetp267]

I have new luggage that I bought for my WDW trip. When I compared my new bags to the old decrepit bags the largest one I bought seems larger than my old largest one. I then checked Airtran.com and their dimensions said that if your combined measurements - L + W + D equal 62 inches or more then it's $49 for that bag. Well I never had problems with my old bag and now the new larger one is measuring right AT 62 in.

My question is for PHL flyers since that is where I am flying out of is: have the Airtran agents been measuring bags at check in. I am not doing curbside. I will go to the counter. I might be able to exchange the bag for a smaller one but I am not holding my breath since the bag was bought new at a weekly local flea market. I just want to hear about recent experiences at PHL with Airtran and luggage size.

Thanks very much

 

[msmayor]

They may measure...they may not.

The bigger problem is the weight. Its very easy to overload a max-size bag, and one big reason why its recommended that you get a smaller suitcase to avoid being overweight.

 

[disneymarie]

I was worried going out as my case was borderline, but it is about the weight. If they put a size to the case you can visualize what the approx weight would be. I would get a luggage scale and check it, not boderline, but that you can lift it, if you are dragging it, likely it is over or close to 50.

If they did not limit, people would be moving thereself in boxes and all.

 

[Lewisc]

The dimensions of the bag include wheels, pockets protruding when packed and the handles (when put down). The empty bag measured exactly 62" ?

Good chance you'll be paying for an oversize, and maybe overweight, bag.

I'd return the bag.

edited to add: People can generally get great prices on bags which are oversize (or almost oversize) at flea markets, garage sales and stores like Marshalls. Even if you don't have an issue this trip you might in the future. Add $49 to the price of your bag and the deal isn't so good. Add another $49 (for a return flight) and you got a bad deal, even if you got the bag for free.

 

[aubriee]

The dimensions of the bag include wheels, pockets protruding when packed and the handles (when put down). The empty bag measured exactly 62" ?

Good chance you'll be paying for an oversize, and maybe overweight, bag.

I'd return the bag.

edited to add: People can generally get great prices on bags which are oversize (or almost oversize) at flea markets, garage sales and stores like Marshalls. Even if you don't have an issue this trip you might in the future. Add $49 to the price of your bag and the deal isn't so good. Add another $49 (for a return flight) and you got a bad deal, even if you got the bag for free.

I agree! I fly Air Tran out of Dallas several times a year. Only once did I see them measuring bags and it was this past year. They were measuring any bag that even looked close and some that weren't anywhere near close. They were trying their best to make those bags as big as possible--running their fingers under soft handles to make them as tall as possible, measuring all bulges and wheels, leaning bags that didn't stand alone against the wall, then measuring at the bottom of the bag from the wall out (including the empty space between the wall and where the bag started). Bags that should have made it were being dinged as oversize due to them trying to add inches. They are supposed to count all handles, wheels, and bulges, but should not have counted the extra space between the wall and the bag for those bags not standing on their own and shouldn't have been running their fingers under the soft handles to make them stand as high as possible. It's like they were trying to ding everyone they could that morning. If my bag was exactly 62" I'd be looking for a new bag. My soft duffel made it that morning, but was measured several centimeters larger than it actually was. The family of three right in front of me weren't so lucky and had to pay fees for three over sized bags, with them arguing that they flew all the time with those exact bags and had never had a problem with them. Oversize bag fees for a round trip could cost more than a new bag.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If they don't measure this time, they eventually will. I also recommend getting a smaller bag.

 

[leebee]

Jeez, I wish they'd be as anal with the carry-ons!

 

[seashoreCM]

I agree! I fly Air Tran out of Dallas several times a year. Only once did I see them measuring bags and it was this past year. They were measuring any bag that even looked close and some that weren't anywhere near close. They were trying their best to make those bags as big as possible--running their fingers ...

Anyone have evidence of other airlines' personnel fluffing up bags to make them measure larger than they really are?

Hopefully someone will come up with a way to dispute these oversize baggage charges.

 

[kaytieeldr]

They were trying their best to make those bags as big as possible--running their fingers under soft handles to make them as tall as possible, measuring all bulges and wheels, leaning bags that didn't stand alone against the wall, then measuring at the bottom of the bag from the wall out (including the empty space between the wall and where the bag started).

:rolleyes3 That all might make sense if that were how the bag would be stowed on the plane - upright, leaning against a wall, angled out with space between its bottom and the wall.

But it's not. That bag will be flat on the floor, or on top of other luggage, not taking nearly the space that invalid measurement would have one believe.

 

[azdizzymom]

I had Delta measure bags this April in IND and PHX. I had Airtran measure bags in IND and MCO in September 2008. Those were the last 2 times we flew. With Airtran there were several people with oversized bags that were not happy with additional fee.

Guess it is YMMV and is it a risk you are worth taking?

 

[DebbieB]

Jeez, I wish they'd be as anal with the carry-ons!

I agree! I was on a Delta flight 2 weeks ago where a girl had a rollaboard that looked too big to start with and then she used the expander and stuffed it so much that it would not fit in the overhead, it was too big top to bottom. She stood in the aisle, blocking people boarding, taking stuff out so that it would not be as big. Then with the help of 2 guys, got it in the overhead. It was ridiculous. The FA should have came back and forced her to check it.