How to Measure Luggage: Quick Guide

Heading off on a trip soon? Making sure your luggage adheres to airline size restrictions is crucial for avoiding surprise fees at the airport. With constantly changing policies between different airlines, knowing exactly how to measure your carry-on and checked baggage is key.

As an avid traveler who is constantly packing and unpacking for my next adventure, I’ve mastered the art of measuring luggage down to a science. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to properly measure your own suitcases and bags before your next getaway.

Why Measuring Luggage Matters

Airlines enforce strict size limits for carry-on and checked baggage that you must adhere to avoid getting hit with costly overweight or oversized luggage fees. These restricted dimensions vary somewhat between airlines and aircraft size, but generally fall within these ranges:

Carry-On Bags: 21.5-22 inches long x 13-14 inches wide x 9 inches tall

Checked Bags: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)

So measuring your luggage accurately is crucial for determining if it falls within the permitted dimensions. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than having to pay $200 extra at check-in due to an oversized bag! Following the steps below will ensure you get your luggage sizing right every time.

Gather Your Measuring Tools

To measure your luggage properly, you’ll want:

Tape measure – Get a retractable one that can extend a few feet for easy measuring
Pen and paper – For writing down the dimensions
Digital luggage scale – To weigh your bags once packed

You likely have a tape measure and pen/paper handy at home already. Luggage scales are inexpensive (less than $10) and a wise investment for all travelers.

Prepare Your Luggage

Before whipping out the tape measure, do a quick inspection of your luggage:

Zip up all compartments fully
Close any exterior pockets or flaps
Extend the luggage handle and wheels (for rollers)

Measuring with compartments open or handles tucked in will lead to inaccurate sizing. Doing a pre-check ensures your bag is ready for measuring.

Measure Carry-On Luggage

For measuring carry-on bags like duffel bags, backpacks and rollers, follow these steps:

Place your carry-on upright on a flat surface. This gives you a stable base for an accurate reading.
Measure the height: From the flat surface to the top-most point of the luggage. Round up to the nearest inch.
Measure the length: Across the front of the bag, from edge to edge. Round up to the nearest inch.
Measure the width: Across the widest part of the sides, usually around the middle. Round up again.
Write down all dimensions – This allows easy comparison to airline restrictions.
Weigh packed bag – Use luggage scale to confirm it’s under the typical 15-22 pound limit for carry-ons.

Measure Checked Luggage

The process for measuring checked bags is very similar:

Place checked bag upright on a flat surface. This stabilizes the bag.
Measure and add together the height, length, and width while rounded up.
Confirm the total is under 62 linear inches. This is the standard US size limit for checked luggage.
Weigh packed bag – Use a scale to ensure it’s under the typical 50 pound weight limit for checked baggage.
Compare dimensions to your airline’s size restrictions – While most follow these standard US guidelines, a few international carriers have different size allowances.
Write down dimensions – This helps for quick reference when packing for future trips.

Tips for Measuring Odd-Shaped Luggage

For oddly shaped bags like golf club carriers or oversized duffels, the measuring process requires a few extra steps:

Select the two furthest points and measure across them for overall length.
Do the same for overall width.
For thickness, measure at the bag’s thickest point.
Add all three dimensions together for the total linear inches.

This ensures you get accurate sizing for uniquely shaped luggage that may exceed traditional dimensions.

Measure Early and Often

Avoid luggage sizing surprises at the airport by measuring your bags days or weeks before your trip. This gives you time to replace non-compliant luggage if needed.

I also recommend re-measuring your luggage before heading to the airport, even if you’ve used it on previous trips. It’s easy to forget exact dimensions, so a pre-travel double check provides peace of mind that your bags meet size restrictions.

Use Luggage Tags

Once you’ve measured your luggage, writing the dimensions right on the bag using a luggage tag is extremely helpful for future trips. Tags prominently display the size information so it’s visible whenever packing for upcoming getaways.

Consider Alternatives for Oversize Luggage

If your luggage exceeds size restrictions, even slightly, you run the risk of a fee. Consider these options:

Use a smaller bag for your trip
Compress contents to fit into a compliant bag
Pay for oversize baggage fees
Ship oversize luggage to your destination

The easiest option is simply using compliant luggage in the first place. But for overstuffed bags, these alternatives can help avoid a surprise upcharge.

Enjoy Stress-Free Travels

Remembering these luggage measurement tips will save you time, money, and travel headaches. Knowing the exact size of your bags provides confidence that they’ll meet airline restrictions for carry-ons and checked luggage.

With a trusty tape measure, digital scale, and these techniques, you’ll breeze through baggage check and security going forward. Safe travels!

Let me know if you have any other luggage or packing questions. I’m always happy to share my tips and experience!