how do they measure luggage?

[GilesFamily]

I'm having an argument with DH. We have a suitcase with a linear dimension of 63 inches. The airline allows us 62 inches. I say we are going to get charged for the over-size luggage. He thinks they are not going to take out a measuring tape and measure each and every luggage. I say they would if they are suspicious it is over-size.

Which one of us is right?

 

[Lewisc]

I'll agree with DH, but if your suitcase has expansion zippers that you open or you overstuff the bag you'll be more than 1 inch over.

A bag that just makes the dimension limit is likely to be over 50 pounds. I'd be more concerned with the weight than the dimension.

 

[safetymom]

I wouldn't want to be that close either way. It all depends on the agent what would happen. You could try checking it at curbside to avoid it but I would use another suitcase if you had one.

 

[WINTER]

2 years ago we flew to Orlando on Delta. We checked in at Curb in Indy with no problem. BTW, I have a suitcase that is 29 in tall. We had no problem in Orlando on the return. However, we had a stopover in Atlanta and at the curb, they weighed it and it was either a $25 charge or they gave us a cardboard box to put some of our stuff in it. So, on the curb I'm filling the box! haha

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I'm having an argument with DH. We have a suitcase with a linear dimension of 63 inches. The airline allows us 62 inches. I say we are going to get charged for the over-size luggage. He thinks they are not going to take out a measuring tape and measure each and every luggage. I say they would if they are suspicious it is over-size.

Which one of us is right?

They may well indeed measure. There are limits to size AND weight on aircraft, and the rules seem to be enforced MUCH more often. 62 seems to be the definitive limit for checked baggage size before incurring excess baggage fees. Weight is 50 pounds, and a few airlines will up that to 70 pounds if you are a frequent fyer or Elite Pass member. They don't even need to take out tape measures anymore, they have outlines applied to the baggage handling area walls which will indicate where in the size range your bag falls.

Buying luggage that measures roughly 58 or 59 linear inches is a smart choice. It can still hold a lot of stuff, but you won't be as likely to hit 50 pounds as with larger bags. Also, since most expand by depth now, you can always let that extra bit out without fear.


Good luck!

 

[CarolA]

The bigger problem is that with the 62" suitcase it's easier to go over the weight. I rarely see them measure luggage unless its just huge, but I see them weigh all the time!

 

[Cam2Mike]

We have gotten stopped with over weight luggage on our last two trips leaving Orlando (you would think we would have learned our lesson after the first time). We had no problem with checking the luggage for our flight from Boston either trip. The skycap told us that the airline (maybe's the airport can't remember which he said) aggresively enforces the luggage restrictions in Orlando because they see it as a good way to make money of us tourists! . He also said that the skycap's face discipline actions if they don't follow the rules so slipping the guy a few extra bucks isn't going to get you out of paying the excess baggage charge.

Needless to say we are not waiting for the third strike and I am giving up on the idea of packing for the whole family in two suitcases. I will be shopping for smaller suitcases before we take our next trip.

 

[CarolA]

We have gotten stopped with over weight luggage on our last two trips leaving Orlando (you would think we would have learned our lesson after the first time). We had no problem with checking the luggage for our flight from Boston either trip. The skycap told us that the airline (maybe's the airport can't remember which he said) aggresively enforces the luggage restrictions in Orlando because they see it as a good way to make money of us tourists! . He also said that the skycap's face discipline actions if they don't follow the rules so slipping the guy a few extra bucks isn't going to get you out of paying the excess baggage charge.

Needless to say we are not waiting for the third strike and I am giving up on the idea of packing for the whole family in two suitcases. I will be shopping for smaller suitcases before we take our next trip.

Interesting.. I have heard this through the grapevine, but you are the first real case I have heard where the skycaps admitted they are going to have to weigh! I have always thought the "few extra" bucks theory had some big holes... If for some reason you had to go to the counter (cancelled or delaye flights for example) then you were out of luck!