Measuring Luggage

[cmac609]

I have a quick question. We are flying to MCO using Air Trans who now charges for the 1st bag. I read on their website that the luggage has to be under 50lbs and 61" or smaller or an extra charge of $39 if bigger than 61". My question is: our luggage has the hidden handle and wheels. I know you don't measure the handle however, do you measure from the wheels to the top of the luggage or just above the luggage to the top???? And then of course the width and length. Please let me know, we are leaving at the end of the week.

Also, we are flying home using SW and noticed that there is a specific measurement for carry ons, is that true???

thanks.

 

[msmayor]

Always include the wheels in the measurement.

 

[RMAMom]

I may be wrong but I think they do include the handle. They measured my suitcase from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the handle. You also may want to measure your suitcase after it's packed, if it is soft and you stuff it it will expand, bulging pockets, etc.

 

[cmac609]

I may be wrong but I think they do include the handle. They measured my suitcase from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the handle. You also may want to measure your suitcase after it's packed, if it is soft and you stuff it it will expand, bulging pockets, etc.

Thanks. I thought I read somewhere that they didn't measure the wheels and I was going to get excited..LOL Our luggage set (the biggest one--which isn't that big) measures over 60" without the wheels. I was really hoping that I was able to use it for both myself and my dh. Now, I am going to have to use 2 (1 each) and that stinks. Especially since we have to pay for the bags going down. Also, my boys will share a suitcase.

Thanks again.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Measurements include wheels, handles, bag bulges, etc. Basically the total "real" size at the maximum size point.

 

[Leash]

I'm confused, you have to measure the handle even if it the kind the retracts into the suitcase?
That doesn't make much sense to me since the handle would be retracted while in the cargo hold and really if you measure the handle too almost no suitcases would be within the size guidelines.

 

[msmayor]

I'm confused, you have to measure the handle even if it the kind the retracts into the suitcase?
That doesn't make much sense to me since the handle would be retracted while in the cargo hold and really if you measure the handle too almost no suitcases would be within the size guidelines.

No....retract the handle and measure. The handle height when fully extended is NOT included in the measurement, because there are other handles the baggage folks can use to move the bags. Many suitcases today have a zippered flap to 'store' the handle, and the dimensions of the bag are taken with that handle DOWN in the stored position.

As I mentioned, include the wheels in the measurement. While some may 'let it slide', now that airlines can collect big fees for oversized bags its not worth taking the chance that it won't get measured on the spot.

Yes...I HAVE seen luggage measured. Weighed as well. On our trip last fall to get a cruise in Miami, my daughter's bag was weighed (came in at 47lbs) and we watched a couple next to us literally opening all their bags to shift stuff around to get their overweight bag in compliance.

 

[seashoreCM]

Pretend (or actually) balance a book on the suitcase as it stands or sits. The height, width, etc. is the height above ground the book is.

Note that on some suitcases the handle all the way down still sticks up a half inch or so.

I would raise a fuss about charging you by measuring around a bulge that moves or disappears if you turn the suitcase facing a different way. It is very possible for a half full suitcase to bulge at the bottom and when you turn it completely upside down what used to be the bottom shrinks back in and what used to be the top bulges out sideways.

 

[CarolA]

Pretend (or actually) balance a book on the suitcase as it stands or sits. The height, width, etc. is the height above ground the book is.

Note that on some suitcases the handle all the way down still sticks up a half inch or so.

I would raise a fuss about charging you by measuring around a bulge that moves or disappears if you turn the suitcase facing a different way. It is very possible for a half full suitcase to bulge at the bottom and when you turn it completely upside down what used to be the bottom shrinks back in and what used to be the top bulges out sideways.

Raise all the fuss you like. It's not a "moving measurement" Once they measure they measure. If your suitcase is that close to the limit and they measure it too big... prepare to pay. Don't try SHOVING the stuff down and trying again!

 

[NotUrsula]

I just bought a new large hybrid duffel/pullman; it's 26" with expansion capacity, but it's not as wide as most standard pullman bags. The nice thing about it is that it has compression buckles on all sides. You can pack it pretty tight and then use those buckles to squash out an additional 3 inches or so. At max expansion it's 62" including the wheels and handles, but that's without using the buckles. I hauled it on and off trains all over the place on a recent trip, and it passed the mass transit test with flying colors. I like it so much I'm going to go buy the 19" as well.

The one issue I had with it is that it looks a bit sporty for business travel, kind of backpack-y with those extra buckles. DH pointed out that it fits through subway turnstiles and it is very easy to find on the baggage carousel, so what's not to love? (It is also not plain dark grey; the fabric parts are a deep orange.)

The best advice I can give you is if you travel with soft luggage that is close to max size but can bulge out, stash a lightweight plain cloth duffel in an outer pocket, and pack using at least one space bag. That way, if the weight or measurement goes over, you can pull out the duffel and space bag in a few seconds and have two bags. Checking a second bag is always going to be cheaper than an oversized bag.

Hardside luggage that is too big is a total loss. Use it to store blankets, because it is never getting on a plane again.