Where/how to measure luggage?

[englishteacha]

Our suitcases are quite big and I want to make sure they're not too big. My airline allows 80" total-height, length, width. Do I need to measure from the wheels up to get the height, or the bottom of the suitcase itself?

Also, is there any accurate way to weigh a suitcase? They can't be over 50 lbs. We don't fly much, so these restrictions are making me a little nervous. Normally, we just pack our bags and toss them in the pickup truck!

 

[dbarker]

I need to know this too. Thanks for all your info.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I'm not sure how accurate it is but you could stand on a weigh scale holding the luggage, then stand on the weigh scale without the luggage and then subtract the latter from the former and you'll get the weight of your luggage.

Since it's a difference, the accuracy of the scale won't play into it since we can assume that if it's off 1 or 2 lbs for one measurement, it's off the same 1 or 2 lbs in the other.

Or if you have a very nice postmaster, you could chat them him/her up and see if they'll weigh your bags for you.

As for how you measure it...I'm only guessing but those sizing racks they have at the ticket counter or gate in which you're supposed to fit your carry on luggage includes the wheels. In other words, if your bags don't fit in that with the wheels, then you can't carry it on. I'm going to assume that those racks are the exact size that you're allowed...so using the same logic, if you measure your check-in luggage, you should probably include the wheels. This makes sense since if the wheels protrude too much, it affects how many kitchen sinks you can fit in the hold of the plane.

 

[PlutoPony]

The scales used to weigh pets at your local vet work well for luggage. How big is your bag?? A 29" suitcase fully packed will likely exceed the 50 lb limit, 26" can also especially if it's heavy when empty.

 

[DanenRox]

We use the high tech, for professionals only method of standing on the scale without the luggage, then standing on the scale with the luggage. Be Warned: Teenage girls luggage is ALWAYS over 50 lbs.

 

[DonnaL]

I agree with PlutoPony.....those 26" and 29" bags do tend to go over the weight limit pretty easily. We've had it happen to us twice in the past few years and had to rearrange things among other bags to get the limit down in the bigger one (we were only over by 2 lbs or so) in order to avoid paying the over limit fee. That's not fun to do while in the airport. So, for our last few trips we haven't even taken the bigger bag. Actually, I like it better not having it with us. It seems the luggage is much more manageable with smaller bags, even if there is one or two more. It's very easy to use a luggage strap and link two pieces together (as long as one of the pieces has wheels and a pull out handle) and carry a smaller tote over your shoulder.

 

[Bobb-O]

T oanswer OP on dimensions question. My best guess is from the floor to the uppermost point when fully packed and also width and depth same method as bag has to fit under seat or in overhead bin.

From southwest:

Weight and Size Allowance: Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per checked piece of luggage.

Delta is a bit clearer on subject

All carry-on items must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, fit easily in a SizeWise® unit (approximately 22" x 14" x 9"), and weigh less than 40 pounds. The FAA mandates that all carry-on items have to fit under a seat or in an enclosed storage compartment.