Carry On Baggage

[phoenix6911]

Just looking for a little input from more frequent flyers. I plan on travelling out of Detroit on Air Tran. Their carry on baggage allowance is:

A carry-on bag must not exceed 24” long + 18” wide + 13” tall for a total combined linear measurement of 55 inches.

I have a hardcase suitcase that is just 24" long and close to the other 13" too but not as close. It has a handle at the top that if you push flat would make the thing just a touch under 24" if not it exactly.

I'd like to take it as a carry on but I want to be reasonably sure it will pass. By the strictess sense it does qualify but I want to know how they measure or is it more like the post office where if it fits through the pretend mailslot it doesn't need extra postage.

Hoping to avoid and extra $20 each way so if it might be iffy I'll see about finding a different bag.

Thanks in advance. This site has been very useful to me.

 

[Sue M]

I've seen airlines take a tape measure & measure bags. There is also metal wire container, that if your suitcase doesn't fit in, they won't accept it as carry on.

 

[mtmbyck]

I flew Airtran last year and they never measured our luggage. Provided it meets the measurements FULL so it isn't bulging you'll be fine.