AirTran Luggage Size ?

[squirrel]

I know the measurement of the checked luggage has to be 61" (length+width+height).

How do they measure this?

I ask because my suitcase has a handle on the side and if it is not pressed up against the suitcase it's over the 61" requirement.

Are they that picky? I know I used it last year flying Air Canada to DL.

 

[bicker]

The are getting much pickier. However, with checked luggage, airlines tend to be more concerned about the weight limit, these days.

 

[squirrel]

So you think I would be okay?

 

[Lewisc]

It's very difficult to pack a bag that just meets the airline size requirements without going over weight. Unless something changes I don't think the airline will get you on the size of your bag but airlines need money. It would make sense to have an employee check the size of the bags. Easy source of extra money. Once you get to the airport there isn't a lot you can do other then pay.

Time for new luggage. Remember a lot of the bags in places like Marshalls are too big. You really don't want a bag bigger then 26" or 27"

 

[squirrel]

If you are talking about the bag height it is 27" not including the handle and the foot. With those included it is 31". It is a Samsonite brand.

 

[Lewisc]

If you are talking about the bag height it is 27" not including the handle and the foot. With those included it is 31". It is a Samsonite brand.

I'd get a new bag. Your bag is probably oversized by 2-3 inches. Much too easy to go overweight, even if your bag isn't measured.

 

[squirrel]

I had no problem last year with the 50lb weight limit going to DL with Air Canada.

I would like to know how they measure it, if at all. Last year nobody measured the bag.

The side handle is the only thing that makes it over the 61", if it's not up against a wall or something.

 

[DVC Sadie]

I don't know about checked luggage but I do know that some airlines are measuring carryons without including the wheels. If the wheels exceed the size allowed then it is being charged as a piece of checked luggage.

 

[Lewisc]

IF they measure the bag the wheels, and any expansion pockets are included. Your bag is oversized.

 

[DVC Sadie]

My SIL just flew today and the airline made her gate check her carry on because it was too large. She has used this same carry on for years without a problem so now she is very upset.

 

[LeslieG]

I have flown Airtran many times, but last month for the first time they measured my bag, and it just made it. It could have gone either way really. She said she wouldn't guarantee I would not be charged on my return flight. I said I've used this same bag for years, and she said they're really cracking down because of the high cost of fuel. I might need to look into new luggage.

 

[bavaria]

My SIL just flew today and the airline made her gate check her carry on because it was too large. She has used this same carry on for years without a problem so now she is very upset.

Do you know if it was 22 inches or less? or was it a case of by the time she boarded, the bins were full?

Just curious, because it does make a difference in the situation. Did she get charged to check the bag?

 

[bavaria]

I had no problem last year with the 50lb weight limit going to DL with Air Canada.

I would like to know how they measure it, if at all. Last year nobody measured the bag.

The side handle is the only thing that makes it over the 61", if it's not up against a wall or something.

Knowing that your bag is oversized, and if you still plan to take it, do you have a plan in place in case it does get denied at the airport? Otherwise if you still plan to check it you would be charged oversized fees, which can be quite high.

You may want to plan for that, if you don't want to get a smaller suitcase.

 

[DVC Sadie]

Do you know if it was 22 inches or less? or was it a case of by the time she boarded, the bins were full?

Just curious, because it does make a difference in the situation. Did she get charged to check the bag?

I don't know if she was charged but I can find out tomorrow. It probably was larger then 22 inches but I am not sure. I will ask her.

 

[squirrel]

My question is really how do they measure it!!!

I thought I have explained it quite well, but apparently not.

I'm including the wheels, handles and everything. I have another handle on the side that actually sits closer to the bag when pushed. If the handle is not pushed against something it will be over by almost an inch.

When they measure the bag, do they put it against a wall or anything?

 

[bavaria]

Length plus width plus height. They don't err on the side of the passenger. Plus they will most likely weigh it (or most likely have you place it on the scale to be weighed). I see more and more check in agents scrutinize any bag which may exceed the size or weight guidelines.

I have seen many people told that their bag is overweight, and they try and repack into other bags. That is why I asked if you have a plan, as it is cheaper usually to pay to check a 2nd bag than to pay the overweight fees. But if your bag is oversize, you really can't do much other than pay the fee.

 

[squirrel]

I do not own any other luggage, just the one large Samsonite.

I am checking it not trying to carry it on. I used it last year and it was not over 50lbs. On the return flight from DL, I did have to repack it as I forgot about the weight limit and had packed my nieces mugs for her parents and grandad in my bag, I also had left over food (applesauce, jello) that I had brought with us.

I don't think I would pack anymore this time than last, might even be less as we have the DDP. No need to pack lots of food.

The bag is fine for measurements unless they don't measure it up against something. Like I said it has a carry handle on the side which does stick out, but if it is put up against another bag or wall it would be okay. I should just put it handle side down on the scale, is that where they measure it?

 

[Lewisc]

YOUR BAG IS OVERSIZED. I thought we explained that quite well but apparently not.

The agent isn't going to compress your handle against the wall so it measures less.

A 31" Samsonite bag is 64"
http://shop.samsonite.com/storefront/suitcases/31-quot-upright/prod411XXX404-cC05-.html

Again none of us can predict if Airtran is going to start measuring bags between now and the time you travel. You can either get new luggage or take your chances.

My question is really how do they measure it!!!

I thought I have explained it quite well, but apparently not.

I'm including the wheels, handles and everything. I have another handle on the side that actually sits closer to the bag when pushed. If the handle is not pushed against something it will be over by almost an inch.

When they measure the bag, do they put it against a wall or anything?

 

[bavaria]

And even if we all say 'oh no, you won't have a problem', it is not up to us - it is up to your airline. Your bag exceeds their limit, by your own admission.

AirTran isn't going to care if bicker, Lewisc, bavaria, or any other poster on a website tells you that your bag is fine, if it is oversized.

All that I can suggest again is that you either get a new bag, or be prepared in case you do need to pay oversized fees.

 

[bavaria]

Here is AirTran's oversized fees, according to this website

62-70 total linear inches: $29; 71-80 inches $69