Oversize baggage?

[maherba]

AirTran has an overall size limit of 61 inches on checked bags. I just measured my largest and it's close to, if not over, the limit. Does anyone know if they count the wheels and handle in the measurement?

 

[squirrel]

I was told yes.

I had to go out and buy new luggage.

 

[disneynuts777]

Do your handles tuck right into your bag? If so this is not included in the height but the wheels are. We used airtran for spring break this year and they allowed both our checked suitcases no problem. The bags measure from the floor to the top of the bag 30". They are 20" across the front and 10" wide. It is a no name brand that we bought in a pinch on a previous trip to New York when I over shopped The Samsonite is a couple of inches shorter but is the same measurements across and for width. Just be careful it is very easy to go over your 50lb limit with bags this size!!(Which is why I ended up with an extra suitcase in New york!!) Now we all travel with a carry on suitcase and I only fill the checked bags 2/3 of the way. I also weigh them on our bathroom scale before we leave. Hope this helps. Also as crappy as this sounds we only pack clothes for half the length of our trip. Disney has some of the cleanest laundry facilities I have ever seen and they are located close to the pools so I really do not have a problem doing a couple of loads while the kids are swimming. (More room for souvenirs )And if you are already packing you are definitly going to beat me to the border on Sat!!!

 

[maherba]

Too bad, the handle doesn't tuck in (the stupid thing sticks up about an inch and a half -- I'm thinking of cutting it off!). Looks like I'm going to have to buy another suitcase, because I don't think we'll fit everything into the other two I have. You're right about it being easy to go over the 50-pound limit, Disneynuts777 -- I was charged for overweight baggage once so I'm careful now.

Packing, who's packing? I'm just starting to think about what I'll pack it in!

Off to Sears to see what kind of luggage they've got on sale!

 

[mom2faith]

I called NWA and they said for luggage that was purchased in a store they were not that strict - they told me they were more concerned with crates, etc. Mine is exactly 60 - which is the max.

That being said, I am not taking any chances (I am a geek) - I downloaded the page that has their information on it saying 60 is the max and I kept my luggage description with the linear dimensions on it. These are in my carry on, so I can use it at the counter if I have too.

I too am hoping I do not have a problem, as DH and I discovered that it would be cheaper to buy the bag it's own ticket thatn ot pay all of the overage fees

I would love to hear if anyone actually did have a probelm at the counter.

Amy

 

[maryliz]

I kept my luggage description with the linear dimensions on it. These are in my carry on, so I can use it at the counter if I have too.

I keep this in the front pocket of the luggage, so that if they ever question me, I have what the manufacturer says the size is. Although I guess they have all the power if they decide that they don't care what the card says and they say it's too big. I do make sure that I don't pack anything in those outside compartments, and don't extend the zipper thingy that makes it deeper.

I do think that they have more of a problem with the weight than something that is one cm too big.