Flying AirTran, need to buy luggage

[Mama22Girls]

I checked the restrictions on AirTran's website, but I'm still scared to purchase luggage for my family. How strict is AirTran with the limits, in case something I buy is oversized or weight? My parents are flying with us and my Dad just bought this huge suitcase that I know is too big, but my Mom said on their recent trip to Hawaii the airline didn't even measure it or anything, no extra fees.

Can someone recommend luggage for me? I was going to check Costco next time I'm there, and is there anything good on Amazon?

Thanks, I really appreciate it!!! We hardly ever fly (last time was our honeymoon 7 years ago and we just used duffle bags), so this is all new to me.

 

[Lewisc]

You can search DIS. Airtran is the one airline that's been measuring bags and charging passengers for oversized bags. That charge is in addition to the charge for an overweight bag. Industry standard size is 62". I'm cynical enough to think Airtran intentionally set their limit at 61" to generate extra revenue.

It's very easy to put more then 50 lbs in a bag that's just within the size limits.

Measured size includes wheels, handles (when retracted) and any bulges. I'd go with a 26" or 27" upright. An 26" expandable bag will probably be legal, even if you expand it.

 

[funforfive]

I agree with the above...Airtran measured and weighed our bags when we flew with them in April...Luckily we had done our own measuring and weighing so we were within the limits

 

[Missytara]

I got a fantastic set of luggage through Penney's, if you are looking for bargains. I got the expanding 26", 25", 21", 20", two carry-on bags and a garment bag for about $250.00 two summers ago. Each piece was half price. I got a day bag from them too for about $19.00, also on sale.

For the 26", it is true that you can easily hit the weight limit. I usually go by myself; and I pack it 3/4 of the way full, so I have room for gifts coming back. I hit the weight limit at about 40 going down and 49.8 coming back. Phew!

 

[Mama22Girls]

I got a fantastic set of luggage through Penney's, if you are looking for bargains. I got the expanding 26", 25", 21", 20", two carry-on bags and a garment bag for about $250.00 two summers ago. Each piece was half price. I got a day bag from them too for about $19.00, also on sale.

For the 26", it is true that you can easily hit the weight limit. I usually go by myself; and I pack it 3/4 of the way full, so I have room for gifts coming back. I hit the weight limit at about 40 going down and 49.8 coming back. Phew!

Thanks, I will take a look at Penneys. Now that I know that AirTran does do checks, I will make sure to weigh and measure before going. Thanks!

 

[Missytara]

I just looked at their website and nearly all of their sets are half price or lower. Fabulous!

I got navy, which is my favorite color, but it looks black coming out of the chute around the baggage carousel. I put yellow tape on the handles to make it more distinctive.

I also am a frequent user of JC Penney's and I get free shipping stuff all the time. If not, you could probably get it in the store too.

Have a great time!

 

[NotUrsula]

When you bring the bag home, stuff it FULL of towels and then measure it with a sewing tape measure (a metal one will be too stiff to reach properly around the bends.) If you have less than 2 inches of slack with all the expansion zippers opened up, take it back to the store.
seconds.

 

[Lewisc]

Department stores, like Penny's, have luggage on "sale" for 50% (or more) every week.

Sometimes luggage sets make sense but other times you're paying for luggage you'll never use. You want a 26" or 27" bag you can check. Anything over 27" is likely to be oversized or overweight when packed. You might want a 21" or 22" roller bag to bring on board. Double check the measurements. before you buy. You probably don't want a 29" bag or a 24" bag.

Be careful buying luggage at places like Marshalls. Often the reason the bags wind up in outlets is the luggage is too big or too heavy to check with airlines.

 

[kevgraub]

Be careful buying luggage at places like Marshalls. Often the reason the bags wind up in outlets is the luggage is too big or too heavy to check with airlines.

This is one thing I think a lot of people do not think about when buying luggage. Don't forget that your suitcase is part of the 50 pound weight limit.

Sometimes a little bit more expensive luggage is made with technology that helps it to stand up to airline abuse, and also weigh quite a bit less than cheaper luggage. When comparing different luggage in a store, don't forget to consider how heavy the luggage is, because you don't want your suitcase to eat into your 50 pounds any more than you have to.