Southwest BWI Luggage ?

[maciec]

I have a suitcase that is right at 62" by measurements. We are flying Southwest out Of BWI. I know that I am taking my chances that my measurements will match theirs. Just wondering if curbside might let it slide vs. the counter or if I should just scratch the suitcase all together. I know what my gut is telling me, but dh is saying we should go for it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Unless you're including wheels, handles, and pockets in those measurements I'd scratch the bag.

 

[vicki_c]

Should they tell you no (which seems likely), what is your plan at the airport? Are you going to buy a new suitcase in the terminal and try to fit your 62" of stuff into it? Just something to consider, since I assume you're not taking a spare, smaller, empty bag?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It is easy to go over the weight limit with such a large suitcase. Plus it would be a pain to have to deal with it. Get a smaller suitcase.

 

[kwdw]

Suitcase that big - I agree with another poster - it's the weight limit that's gonna get you first!

 

[pag1164]

I flew out of BWI in April with a suitcase that sounds like the OP's. It measured exactly 62 inches, not counting the wheels and the handle. I knew the weight was okay because I could pick it up without hurting myself. I also flew Southwest. I had early bird check-in, printed out my boarding pass at home, but went to the quick line at BWI to check my bag. I had no problem with it. I had no problem with the bag on my return flight, which was out of Las Vegas. Neither airport gave me a problem. If you can go with a smaller bag, do it, if you can't, make sure you're not over weight. I'll actually be taking the same large bag to WDW because it's the only bag which will fit my daughter's medical equipment. I don't expect a problem since the bag has already flown.

 

[vacationclub]

As long as the case is not obviously bulging a lot, you should be fine. Most full size suitcases are built to the 62inch standard and airlines can usually recognize it as such, and if it's slightly larger due to a bulge they probably aren't going to get out a ruler. It's really the weight that will get you since the scale gives them the exact number each time. I fly with a Pelican case (hard case for gear) and it's exactly 62. No one ever gives me a 2nd look as they know that those cases are designed to be airline acceptable (to the millimeter).

Your suitcase is either built to the standard or its not, so if you show up with a standard suitcase they will recognize that. If you've somehow made that suitcase exceed the standard it was built to by stuffing the daylights out of it, you can remove a few "fluffy" items at the scale if you have to and shove it in the carry on, or even wear it.

The worst case scenario here is that you pay oversize fees, which on Southwest may be around $50/bag. They won't refuse your bag....I've checked some large cases...they love to take your money.

 

[maciec]

I have a luggage scale that I bring with us on every trip so I am not in fear of going over the weight limit. I want to use the larger suitcase because I have some baby gear that I want to bring. Nothing that is going to weigh up to 50lbs.

thanks for the responses!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I flew out of BWI in April with a suitcase that sounds like the OP's. It measured exactly 62 inches, not counting the wheels and the handle. I knew the weight was okay because I could pick it up without hurting myself......

I don't expect a problem since the bag has already flown.

That is not exactly a reliable way to judge if your bag is going to be overweight. I prefer a scale

Just because a bag wasn't checked for weight or size on one flight doesn't mean it won't be checked the next time you fly.

 

[katallo]

I have a suitcase that is right at 62" by measurements. We are flying Southwest out Of BWI. I know that I am taking my chances that my measurements will match theirs. Just wondering if curbside might let it slide vs. the counter or if I should just scratch the suitcase all together. I know what my gut is telling me, but dh is saying we should go for it.

Our luggage measures 61 1/2 (srandard size). We always fly out of BWI and have never had a problem. Just watch the weight.