How does TSA measure luggage?


How does TSA measure luggage? Checked luggage is measured in linear inches, which means the total sum of height, width, and depth. It usually needs to be below 62 linear inches (157 cm). So for example, if you measured that your luggage was 28 x 20 x 12 inches, then it would be 60 linear inches in total (28 + 20 + 12 = 60).


Do the wheels count when measuring luggage?

Yes, wheels do count when measuring your baggage. It automatically makes your wheeler case about 5 cm bigger in high. Airlines measure the luggage with wheels, handles, and other protruding parts. Luggage manufacturers know that and measure cases without wheels to make you buy the bigger one.


How do airports check luggage size?

Airport workers use linear dimensions to decide whether your bag is legitimate. Clerks will use a measuring tape to gauge any luggage's height, width and length. They then calculate the sum total of each measurement and get linear inches.


What is the largest suitcase you can check on a plane?

Checked Luggage Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.


How strict are airports with bag sizes?

Most Airlines Don't Care if Your Carry-On Is 1 Inch Too Big. Carry-ons are measured at the airport before boarding the plane. It's done with metal measuring boxes just in the right size for the allowed carry-on dimensions. If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside.


How strict are airlines with baggage size?

Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.


Is a 28 inch suitcase too big?

A lot of manufacturers advertise their 28-32 inch suitcases as checked luggage. However, technically, that's false advertising. The truth is that a large portion of 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32-inch suitcases are over the size limits for checked bags, so they can't be used as checked bags.


Is a 24 inch suitcase too big for carry-on?

Is a 24-inch Carry-On Too Big? Most airlines can accommodate a 24-inch carry-on, but not all. Generally, a carry-on suitcase measuring 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, commonly seen as 22 x 14 x 9, would be the most widely accepted size.


What is the largest suitcase size for check in?

Most airlines require that your bag be 62 linear inches or less. Therefore, your bag's length, width and height cannot exceed 62 inches. This measurement includes the wheels and the handle of your luggage.


Are most suitcases under 62 inches?

Small checked suitcases usually are 23-24 inches on the longest size, medium ones 25-27 inches, and large ones in 28-32 inches. Quite often, suitcases above 30 inches will actually be oversized, because they're over 62 linear inches with wheels and handles included.


How many inches is 62 linear inches?

For example, if your bag measures 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 20 inches high, its linear inches would be 62 (24+18+20=62). So, when airlines refer to a 62 linear inch limit, they are saying that the combined length, width, and height of your checked luggage cannot exceed 62 inches.


Is a 28 inch suitcase 62 linear inches?

Most airlines seem to have a 62 linear limit (L x W x D) on checked luggage before incurring additional fees. Suitcases seem to be sold in 20, 24, and 28 sizes. The 28 bag comes the closest to the 62 limit but almost every 28 bag I've looked at had linear measurements of between 64-65.


What happens if my checked bag is 1 inch too big?

In general, if you're bag is not within the size restrictions at the check-in counter, different airlines will charge you a late check-in fee.


How big is 62 linear inches luggage?

For example, if your bag is 24 inches tall, 20 inches long and 18 inches wide, its total linear length is 62 inches.


What is not allowed in a carry-on?

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.


Does TSA care about bag size?

In fact, carry-on allowance isn't determined by the TSA but instead by individual airlines. Generally speaking, most airlines implement a maximum size policy of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, including wheels and handles. Your baggage allowance could also depend on your ticket type.


Is a 32 inch luggage considered oversized?

Most domestic airlines anyway have a linear size limit for checked baggage of 62 inches overall, meaning length+width+height. So one length of 32 inches won't put you over the limit if the width and depth keep you under 62 inches total.


What if my carry-on is 2 inches too big?

Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.


How strict is TSA with quart-size bags?

TSA Isn't Very Strict About Quart Size Bags
You'll only encounter problems if your toiletry bag looks way too large or if you encounter a very strict officer, but this happens rarely. If you always carry a 1-quart backup Ziploc bag, then you can use a 1.5-2 quart reusable toiletry bag.


What if my luggage is slightly too big?

If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo. Checked luggage is usually measured with a tape measure, to make sure that it's below 62 linear inches (height + width + depth).


Can I take a 22.5 inch carry-on bag?

In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you're flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don't miss them from your measurements.