Checked luggage dimensions with a 29" suitcase

[nkereina]

It seems as if most airlines allow a checked bag up to 62 inches (L+W+H). I am looking at purchasing new Samsonite luggage, and the largest one (29") adds up to 62.8 inches not including the wheels. Has anyone with this size suitcase ever been given trouble by an airline when checking the bag? We normally fly Southwest or JetBlue. I'd have to imagine Samsonite accounts for this when making their bags, but don't want to assume. They do have a 25" bag that is under 62" total, but would prefer the larger one. Thanks!

 

[tnolan]

To be absolutely sure, why not call one of your frequently used airlines and find out if the slight overage is okay?

 

[Lewisc]

It seems as if most airlines allow a checked bag up to 62 inches (L+W+H). I am looking at purchasing new Samsonite luggage, and the largest one (29") adds up to 62.8 inches not including the wheels. Has anyone with this size suitcase ever been given trouble by an airline when checking the bag? We normally fly Southwest or JetBlue. I'd have to imagine Samsonite accounts for this when making their bags, but don't want to assume. They do have a 25" bag that is under 62" total, but would prefer the larger one. Thanks!

DON'T ASSUME. Luggage companies have "an out". Some people use luggage for car trips, train trips and even bus. Some airlines count wheels in determining dimensions, some don't. Your bag is oversized without even counting wheels. Your bag, will probably slide today. Not sure about the future.
Jet Blue
63" in (160 cm) – 80 in (203.3 cm)(including wheels and handles)– $150 per bag

A bag that large, fully packed, may be overweight. That's a $150 charge for and oversized bag plus $150 for an overweight bag.

I'd go with a legal bag.

 

[nkereina]

To be absolutely sure, why not call one of your frequently used airlines and find out if the slight overage is okay?

Because I imagine they will re-state the written policy, and my experience will be at the discretion of each agent I encounter when I'm checking the bag.

I'm just looking for others' experiences who have luggage of a similar size - has an airline gotten out the measuring tape on your bag for being borderline? I'm well of the overweight fees - not a concern of mine. Just the dimensions. Thanks!

 

[kristenrice]

According to the written policy, your bag is oversized. If you choose to use it, just be prepared to pay the oversize baggage fee. You are correct that it may be at the discretion of the particular agent, but the bag is still oversized and subject the additional fee. It doesn't really matter if 10, 50 or 100 people tell you that they had no problems. You could still encounter an agent who decides to enforce the written policy and you will pay the fee.

 

[nkereina]

According to the written policy, your bag is oversized. If you choose to use it, just be prepared to pay the oversize baggage fee. You are correct that it may be at the discretion of the particular agent, but the bag is still oversized and subject the additional fee. It doesn't really matter if 10, 50 or 100 people tell you that they had no problems. You could still encounter an agent who decides to enforce the written policy and you will pay the fee.

I understand. As mentioned, I've read the written policy and am aware of the potential fees. Just looking for others' experiences with this size bag before I buy anything. 29" seems like a common size out there. I know it will vary, but thanks for the word of warning.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I am looking at purchasing new Samsonite luggage, and the largest one (29") adds up to 62.8 inches not including the wheels.

You have to include the wheels. And any handles. I would expect very few, if any, posters have experience exceeding the airline dimensions.

 

[nkereina]

You have to include the wheels. And any handles. I would expect very few, if any, posters have experience exceeding the airline dimensions.

Actually, Southwest's measurements do not include the wheels according to the email I received back. So that will vary by airline too it seems. And I would disagree that there are no other experiences to be found - 29" is a relatively common luggage size among the popular brands.

 

[nkereina]

Just to add - I spoke to Southwest and they advised that the measurement of the suitcase should not include handles or wheels, and any linear inch over 62" would be charged the oversize fee - so 63" or greater. The luggage I am considering measures out at 62.8", which would not be considered oversized, at least on Southwest. Since airlines and even employees likely will vary on this, I'll probably get the next size down to be safe every time. But glad I called because the written policy is not clear on this!

 

[Lewisc]

The bag, without wheels,measures greater then 62", it's oversized by Southwest.

I suspect one of my bags is about that size. No problems BUT I wouldn't buy a new bag that size. How long do you think the bag will last 5 years? 10 years? Not sure how long before airlines start measuring. One of the budget carriers (Spirit or Allegiant) got the tape measure out. Caught some passengers.

AGAIN I suspect you won't have an issue today but might very well have an issue during the life expectancy of your bag.

 

[DebbieB]

I've used a 29" on Southwest, American, Delta with no problem. The main thing is it isn't overweight. Mine is light, it typically shows a weight filled around 40 pounds.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Actually, Southwest's measurements do not include the wheels according to the email I received back. So that will vary by airline too it seems. And I would disagree that there are no other experiences to be found - 29" is a relatively common luggage size among the popular brands.

Sure, it's a common size. But it's not a common airline size. I would print out the email and keep it in the suitcase's outside pocket, in case there's an issue.

I'm surprised they said they don't count wheels and handles. Both take up space.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Your luggage is too big. . And it really doesn’t matter what we tell you. What are you going to do when they say it’s too big. Trust me a defense of other people on the Internet said they got away with it has never worked. So it really doesn’t matter what any of us say happened when we checked in. You would be in a position where if they want to enforce their terms and conditions they are well within their rights and it will cost you. I know what you say they told you. But I tell you I see people being charged all the time. Plus it’s that size empty. I guarantee that for most people when they finally finished packing yet it’s 63 inches. Not to mention that you are dependent on them having an accurate tape measure that agrees with your tape measure? Are you planning to travel with one.


The other major risk of a 29 inch bag is weight . I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen people at the airport frantically trying to repack because they discovered that the giant suitcase that is 5-10 lbs too heavy.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I have seen airlines measure suitcases- yes pulling out a tape measure. As people stated it doesn’t matter what the people on disboards told you their experience was. It doesn’t matter what an employee emailed you. It is the written guidelines on the website that state the dimensions allowed that matters. I’d make sure I had the money to pay a fee if you choose to use the bag.

 

[lambdabeta]

Just to add - I spoke to Southwest and they advised that the measurement of the suitcase should not include handles or wheels, and any linear inch over 62" would be charged the oversize fee - so 63" or greater. The luggage I am considering measures out at 62.8", which would not be considered oversized, at least on Southwest. Since airlines and even employees likely will vary on this, I'll probably get the next size down to be safe every time. But glad I called because the written policy is not clear on this!

I think you made the right decision. Last year when my DH and I were shopping for luggage we ran into the same problem. We mostly fly Jetblue and they do count wheels and handle per their policy. Luggage companies have been selling that size for years but having spinner wheels have made the bags bigger. Our old bags were 29" but the wheels were part of the bag so it was just under the 63" limit and we never had a problem checking them at the airport. We did have them measure them once about two years ago but they were fine. We decided we wanted spinner wheels to make it easier to get through the airport. We bought 25" bags so we would not have a problem on any airline. We now just fly with 1 checked bag and 1 carry on each. We used to only need one carry on between us. I just feel it is always better to be safe than sorry. I found I was able to get a lot of stuff in the 25" and I didn't have to worry about being over weight.