Jet Blue and other US carriers

[Neoshoegal]

How strict are they on checking luggage size?
We need an internal flight within the US and Jetblue looks like the best option. However, I checked the luggage restrictions and although the weight restriction are pretty much the same as here in the UK, the size restrictions are a whole lot smaller.
We bought a new set of suitcases last year, a large one and medium sized one. The large on comes in at about 69inches, the smaller at just over 63inches. The size restrictions in the US (I checked about all carriers) is 62 inches.
So do they actually actively check luggage sizes?

 

[dburg30]

Some do some dont. Seems more are because it's a money maker for them. On some of the sizes you listed it would be hard to stay under 50 pounds total if you put hardly anything in them...

 

[ancestry]

In my experience they are fairly strict. Most of the carriers charge you an additional fee, that is rather hefty, if you go over the size limit. They usually don't overlook the size because it means extra money for them.

However if they are busy during check-in they may not take the time to measure your bag (i.e. weighing it is much quicker than measuring it). But you should be prepared to pay the additional oversize fee.

From Jet Blue's website:

Oversized Baggage

Oversized Bags Fee
* 63 - 80 inches (203.2 centimeters) $75 per bag
* Bags over 80 inches Will not be accepted

Note: They also charge you a few for being overweight as the previous poster noted. If the bag is oversized and overweight you could easily be hit with a fee that is $125 or more per bag.

 

[bicker]

And beyond the airline-to-airline inconsistency in this regard, also note that you could experience liberal or conservative enforcement depending on the airport, the specific people working, and/or the specific conditions. It is always best to assume the worst, and hope for the best.