How to Measure Luggage for Airlines - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Traveling is an adventure, but unexpected luggage troubles at the airport can quickly turn excitement into frustration. Whether you're boarding a domestic flight or an international one, accurate luggage measurement is crucial for a smooth journey. Airlines enforce strict size and weight limits for both carry-on and checked luggage, and failing to comply can lead to costly fees, time-consuming delays, or the dreaded last-minute repacking at the check-in counter.

Imagine standing in line, only to find out your bag doesn't fit the airline's size gauge or exceeds the weight limit. Not only might you face additional charges, but the inconvenience could disrupt your plans and add unnecessary stress to your trip.

This blog is your ultimate guide to avoiding such hassles. From measuring your luggage dimensions accurately to understanding airline-specific requirements and even packing smartly, we've got you covered. With the tips shared here, you'll breeze through airport check-ins confidently, leaving you more time to focus on enjoying your journey.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start measuring your luggage, gather these simple but essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures you get precise measurements, helping you avoid unexpected surprises at the airport.

1. Measuring Tape (Flexible)
   • A standard tape measure works well, but a flexible one (like those used for sewing) makes it easier to measure curves and irregular shapes.
   • Pro Tip: Use a tape measure with both metric and imperial units to match the airline's preferred system.
2. Scale (Handheld or Bathroom)
   • A handheld luggage scale is the most convenient option for weighing bags. Simply hook it to your suitcase handle and lift for an instant reading.
   • If you don't have one, a bathroom scale works too---just weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself holding the luggage, and subtract the difference.
3. Notebook or Smartphone
   • Record your luggage dimensions and weight to cross-check them against your airline's guidelines.
   • Many airlines offer mobile apps where you can double-check your measurements and upload luggage details in advance.

By using these tools, you'll ensure your luggage meets the airline's requirements, saving you time, money, and stress on travel day.

How to Measure Your Luggage (Step-by-Step)

Getting accurate luggage measurements is essential to avoid surprises at the airport. Follow these simple steps to measure your luggage correctly and ensure it complies with airline requirements.

Step 1: Measure the Height

• Place your luggage upright on a flat surface.
• Use a measuring tape to measure from the base to the tallest point.
• Important: Always include wheels, handles, or any protrusions, as airlines factor these into size limits.
• Record this measurement as the "height."

Step 2: Measure the Width

• Turn your luggage on its side so it lies flat.
• Measure the widest part, ensuring you account for any side pockets or external features.
• Record this as the "width."

Step 3: Measure the Depth

• With the luggage lying flat, measure from the front to the back, including any bulges caused by packing.
• Don't forget to consider hard-shell protrusions or expandable sections.
• Record this as the "depth."

Step 4: Calculate Total Linear Inches

• Add the height, width, and depth to get the total linear inches (H + W + D).
• This is a key measurement most airlines use for size restrictions, especially for checked luggage.

Example: If your suitcase is 22 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep, the total linear measurement is:
22 + 14 + 9 = 45 inches

Pro Tip: Always round up to the nearest inch for compliance, as some airlines are very strict.

How to Weigh Your Luggage

Airline weight restrictions can be just as important as size limits. Here's how to weigh your luggage accurately, whether you're using a specialized scale or improvising at home.

Method 1: Use a Handheld Luggage Scale

• Hook the scale onto your luggage handle.
• Lift the bag until it is fully suspended off the ground.
• Wait for the scale to stabilize and display the weight.
• This is the easiest and most accurate method, especially for carry-on luggage.

Method 2: Use a Bathroom Scale

• Step 1: Weigh yourself first and note your weight.
• Step 2: Weigh yourself again while holding your luggage.
• Step 3: Subtract your weight from the combined weight to get the weight of your luggage.

Tips for Awkwardly Shaped Luggage

• Place the luggage on a flat, sturdy surface (like a table) and weigh it in sections if possible.
• For oddly shaped items (e.g., sports equipment), wrap them securely, and measure the heaviest points using a handheld scale.
• If weighing in sections, add up the weights to ensure accuracy.

Pro Tip: Always weigh your luggage fully packed and ready for travel, as even small additions like toiletries can tip the scale over the airline's weight limit.

Airline-Specific Guidelines (with Table)

Every airline has its own rules for carry-ons, checked bags, and personal items, and knowing these can save you from unexpected fees or hassles. Below is a handy comparison table for popular airlines, covering size and weight limits.

• Airlines also penalize bags that exceed weight limits (typically 50 lbs for checked bags).
• Examples:
  • Emirates: $50-$150 per extra kilogram (based on route).
  • American Airlines: $100-$200 for overweight bags (51-70 lbs).
  • British Airways: £65 for bags exceeding 51 lbs.

Carry-On Bag Fees for Non-Compliance

• Some budget airlines, like Spirit or Ryanair, charge passengers for oversized carry-ons at the gate.
• Examples:
  • Ryanair: €69.99 for carry-ons exceeding size limits.
  • Spirit Airlines: $99 if carry-on size violations are discovered at the gate.

Fees and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Airline	Carry-On Non-Compliance Fee	Oversized Luggage Fee	Overweight Luggage Fee
Delta Air Lines	$35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second.	$200 for bags 63-80 inches.	$100 for bags 51-70 lbs; $200 for bags 71-100 lbs.
Alaska Airlines	$35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second.	$100 for bags 63-115 inches.	$100 for bags 51-100 lbs.
Spirit Airlines	$65-$100 if carry-on is oversized and unpaid at the gate.	$150 for bags 63-80 inches.	$79 for bags 41-50 lbs; $125 for bags 51-100 lbs.
JetBlue Airways	$35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second.	$150 for bags 63-80 inches.	$150 for bags 51-99 lbs.
Southwest Airlines	No fee, oversized carry-ons must be checked.	$75 for bags 62-80 inches.	$75 for bags 51-70 lbs; $125 for bags 71-100 lbs.
United Airlines	$65 for Basic Economy passengers bringing carry-ons.	$200 for bags 63-115 inches.	$100 for bags 51-70 lbs; $200 for bags 71-100 lbs.
Frontier Airlines	$55-$99 if carry-on is oversized and unpaid at the gate.	$75 for bags 63-110 inches.	$50 for bags 41-50 lbs; $100 for bags 51-100 lbs.
American Airlines	$40 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second.	$150-$200 for bags over 65 inches.	$100-$200 for bags 51-70 lbs; $200-$450 for bags over 70 lbs.
Air Canada	$65 CAD if carry-on is oversized and unpaid at the gate.	$100-$120 CAD for oversized bags (domestic).	$100-$120 CAD for bags over 50 lbs.

Pro Tips:

• Always check specific airline websites before traveling, as policies may change.
• For international flights, pay attention to stricter carry-on weight limits.

In many cases, airlines allow a small personal item in addition to your carry-on. Our Personal Item Suitcase 3.0 is designed to meet these requirements, offering ample space while fitting neatly under the seat."

Packing Tips to Stay Within Limits

Packing smartly is just as important as measuring your luggage. Here are some expert tips to maximize space, minimize bulk, and stay within airline size and weight restrictions.

1. Use Lightweight Luggage

• Opt for suitcases made from lightweight materials like polycarbonate or soft-shell fabrics.
• Saving weight on the luggage itself allows more room for essentials.

2. Utilize Packing Cubes and Compression Bags

• Packing Cubes: These keep your items organized and prevent overpacking.
• Compression Bags: Great for bulky items like jackets or sweaters, these save space by reducing air.

3. Pack Smartly

• Heavy Items: Place heavier items near the wheels of your luggage for better balance.
• Fragile Items: Pad delicate items like electronics or souvenirs in the center of your suitcase with clothes or soft items.
• Essential Items: Keep must-haves (e.g., documents, medication) in your carry-on or personal item for easy access.
• To keep your clothing clean and free from odors, store your footwear in a Shoe Bag. This ensures dirt and debris don’t transfer onto your packed items

4. Test Your Packed Luggage

• Once packed, measure and weigh your luggage to ensure compliance with airline rules.
• Leave a little extra space in case you purchase souvenirs or other items during your trip.

Pro Tip: Consider multipurpose items like the Duffle Bag Jacket, which transforms from a stylish jacket into a functional duffle bag, maximizing your packing efficiency.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to preparing luggage for airline travel, a few common errors can lead to unnecessary fees or headaches at the airport. Here's how to avoid them:

1. Ignoring Wheels and Handles in Measurements

• Mistake: Many travelers measure only the body of the suitcase, forgetting to include wheels, handles, or side grips. Airlines factor in these protrusions when checking size compliance.
• How to Avoid: Always measure the height from the floor to the tallest point, including wheels and handles. For carry-ons, verify that your bag fits the airline's sizer, which accounts for these features.

2. Measuring Empty Luggage Instead of Packed Dimensions

• Mistake: Measuring an empty suitcase often leads to underestimating its size. Once packed, bulges from clothing or protrusions can increase the dimensions.
• How to Avoid: Measure your luggage after it's fully packed. Pay extra attention to expandable sections or soft-shell suitcases, as they can easily exceed airline size limits when overfilled.

3. Overstuffing Soft-Sided Luggage, Causing Bulges

• Mistake: Soft-sided luggage may initially meet airline size requirements, but overpacking can cause it to bulge, making it non-compliant at check-in.
• How to Avoid: Pack smartly using compression bags or packing cubes to keep items compact and evenly distributed. Test your packed luggage in a sizing frame or by measuring its dimensions carefully.

Pro Tip: If you're unsure about your luggage's compliance, visit the airline's check-in counter early to confirm the size and avoid last-minute surprises.

Strategies to Avoid Fees

1. Pre-Check Compliance: Measure and weigh your luggage at home after packing to ensure it meets the airline's restrictions.
2. Purchase Extra Allowances: If you know your bag will exceed limits, purchase additional weight or size allowances online before check-in, as it's cheaper than paying at the airport.
3. Use Lightweight and Compact Luggage: Invest in travel bags designed to meet airline carry-on or checked luggage specifications.
4. Distribute Weight Wisely: Split heavy items between multiple bags if allowed, or move them to your carry-on or personal item to reduce checked luggage weight.
5. Wear Bulky Items: If possible, wear heavier clothing, like jackets or boots, to save luggage space and weight.

Pro Tip: Always review the airline's baggage policy before your trip, as fees and restrictions can vary significantly by airline and travel class.