How to Measure Luggage Dimensions for Any Bag

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Make sure your carry-on fits for your next flight
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If you’re taking a flight somewhere, it’s important to measure your luggage to avoid fees or having to check an extra bag. In this article, we’ll explain all the steps to properly measure your luggage , as well as how to choose the right bag for your flight . Plus, we’ve compiled a list of some baggage size restrictions for popular airlines to give you an idea of what to look out for.

How to Measure a Suitcase

  1. Measure your bag’s height from the wheels to the top of the handle.
  2. Measure across the front of your bag to find the width.
  3. Lay your bag flat and measure from the back to the front to find the depth.
  4. Add each of these measurements together to get your total linear measurement.
Section 1 of 4:

How to Measure Luggage

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  1. Place your packed luggage upright on a flat surface. Use a measuring tape to measure from the wheels (if your bag has them) to the tallest point of the handle. Always include wheels, handles, and any other protrusions in this measurement, as airlines factor these into size limits. [1]
    • If you’re using a duffel bag, stand it on its end and measure from one end to the other.
    • Some retailers list height as the “upright” measurement, so keep this in mind when purchasing new luggage.
    • It’s important to measure your luggage after you’ve packed, as the dimensions may differ from when the bag is empty, especially if you’re using a soft-shell bag.
  2. Turn your luggage on its side so it lies flat, then measure across the front of your bag from side to side, including any side handles, pockets, or external features in your measurement. [2]
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  3. The depth refers to how deep your suitcase is. Lay your bag flat and measure from the back (where your clothes rest when you’re packing) to the front (which usually has extra zip and slip pockets). Be sure to include any bulges from packing, as well as any hard-shell protrusions or expandable sections. [3]
  4. Because bags come in many different shapes and sizes, many airlines just give a linear inch or centimeter measurement your bag needs to be. After measuring your bag’s height, width, and depth, simply add those numbers together to find your total linear measurement. [4]
    • Remember to include handles, wheels, or other protrusions in this number!
  5. Each airline also has a weight limit for carry-on and checked luggage. If you have a scale at home, weigh your bag after it’s fully packed. This can help you avoid nasty fees or having to throw stuff out at the airport. [5]
    • If you have a luggage scale , hook the scale onto your bag’s handle, then lift the bag until it’s completely off the ground. Wait for the scale to stabilize and display the weight. This is the most accurate method, especially for carry-on luggage.
    • If you have a bathroom scale , weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself holding your bag. Subtract your weight from the combined weight to find the weight of your luggage.
    • If your luggage is awkwardly shaped, you may have to weigh it in sections. Add the weight of each section together to ensure accuracy.
    • If you don’t have a scale, you can weigh your bag at the airport.
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Section 2 of 4:

Selecting the Right Bag

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  1. Each airline has slightly different requirements for checked and carry-on baggage. This information is usually available on your airline’s website, typically under “Frequently Asked Questions.” [6]
    • Keep in mind that the airline’s website will have the most up-to-date information.
    • Want some quick info on some popular airlines’ bag requirements? Check out the “Airline Luggage Size Restrictions” section below!
  2. Some bags have a little zipper around the edge that doesn’t open into a new section, but instead extends your bag. If you think you’ll need to use this extension, make sure you measure your bag with it unzipped and extended.
  3. A lot of luggage retailers will advertise that their bags are “carry-on compliant.” They’ll also list measurements that seem to fit with most airlines’ carry-on size requirements. However, different airlines have different requirements, and retailers don’t always have accurate measurements. To be safe, always measure your bag on your own before you take it to the airport. [7]
  4. Your bag might fit within the airline's requirements when it's empty, but adding your stuff to it can change the dimensions. Pack everything you need to take and then re-measure it. Be sure to weigh your luggage once it’s fully packed, too. [8]
    • Remember to pack light if you’re only taking a carry-on. If you need to bring a lot of items with you, plan to check a bag, as well.
  5. Most airlines allow you to bring a larger bag if you're checking it. Make sure you know if you're carrying on a bag or checking it, and that you have your airline's measurement requirements for the type of bag that you've chosen.
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Section 3 of 4:

Airline Luggage Size Restrictions

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  1. Check your airline’s website for the most accurate size restrictions. While many bags may claim to be carry-on compliant, different airlines have different size and weight restrictions. It’s always best to check your airline’s website for the most up-to-date measurements, but here are a few current carry-on guidelines for some popular airlines:
    • Air Canada: 21.5 in x 15.5 in x 9 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm) [9]
    • Air France: 21.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.9 in (55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm) [10]
    • Allegiant: 22 in x 16 in x 10 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm) [11]
    • American (& US Airways): 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) [12]
    • British Airways: 22 in x 18 in x 10 in (56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm) [13]
    • Delta: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) [14]
    • Jet Blue: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) [15]
    • Southwest: 24 in x 16 in x 10 in (61 cm x 40.5 cm x 25 cm) [16]
    • Spirit: 22 in x 18 in x 10 in (56 cm x 46 cm x 25 cm) [17]
    • United: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm) [18]
Section 4 of 4:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Can I use a soft-sided bag as a carry-on? Yes, you can use either soft-sided or hard-shell bags as carry-on luggage. Some travelers prefer soft-sided bags because they’re more flexible and easier to fit in overhead bins. Just remember to measure and weigh your bag after it’s fully packed, as the measurements will likely be different.
  2. 2
    What happens if my luggage exceeds the airline’s size or weight limits? If your bag is larger or heavier than your airline’s restrictions, you will likely have to pay a fee. The airline may also refuse to check the bag if it’s too large or heavy, so you may have to rearrange your baggage or make other arrangements. Check your airline’s policy before you fly, as their size limits and fees vary. [19]
    • Some airlines have baggage fees for checked bags regardless of whether or not they’re too big or heavy. To avoid these fees, luxury travel specialist Angela Rice says, “[Make] sure that you are only packing what you need and to the extent that you can carry on… Those baggage fees do add up.” [20]
  3. 3
    How strict are airlines about carry-on size limits? Airlines can be quite strict on their carry-on size limits, as the bags need to be able to fit in the overhead bin. [21] Budget airlines are often known to be particularly strict, while major airlines have bag sizers at gates and weigh bags at check-in . If your bag looks too big, it will likely be measured, and if it is found to be too big, you’ll have to check it.
  4. 4
    Are there different size limits for domestic and international flights? Baggage size limits vary by airline, not by flight type. In general, though, domestic U.S. flights usually have similar carry-on size limits, and international airlines may have smaller dimensions for carry-ons due to varying overhead bin sizes. Always check with your airline to be sure. [22]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why must I include the length of the retractable handle?
    Community Answer
    Retract the handle. You should only have to measure any part that doesn't totally retract and/or any extra height added by a closed flap or zipper cover.
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    Not Helpful 34 Helpful 88
  • Question
    What is the carton size for traveling on a plane?
    Community Answer
    The carton sizes and weights are according to your airline and distance. Before going on a flight, check luggage allowances from your airline's website or contact them directly.
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    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 11
  • Question
    Can trucking bags be taken as hand baggage?
    Community Answer
    Yes and no. Yes, if it meets the TSA size requirement (go to the home website) then yes. I recommend not bringing the big ones, especially if you want to hold it as a hand bag because there is a high possibility they won't let you.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.themanual.com/travel/how-luggage-is-measured/
      2. ↑ https://www.themanual.com/travel/how-luggage-is-measured/
      3. ↑ https://www.themanual.com/travel/how-luggage-is-measured/
      4. ↑ https://www.themanual.com/travel/how-luggage-is-measured/
      5. ↑ https://travelingtulls.com/measure-carry-on-luggage/
      6. ↑ https://travelingtulls.com/measure-carry-on-luggage/
      7. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/luggage/When-carry-on-luggage-isnt-carry-on-size/
      8. ↑ https://www.themanual.com/travel/how-luggage-is-measured/
      9. ↑ https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/baggage/carry-on.html#/
      1. ↑ https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/bagages/bagage-cabine-soute
      2. ↑ https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/bagages/bagage-cabine-soute
      3. ↑ https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.jsp
      4. ↑ https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/baggage-essentials
      5. ↑ https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/carry-on-baggage
      6. ↑ https://www.jetblue.com/help/carry-on-bags
      7. ↑ https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/carryon-baggage-policy
      8. ↑ https://customersupport.spirit.com/en-us/category/article/KA-01535
      9. ↑ https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/carry-on-bags.html
      10. ↑ https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/oversize-and-overweight-baggage.jsp
      11. ↑ Angela Rice. Luxury Travel Specialist. Expert Interview
      12. ↑ https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.jsp
      13. ↑ https://travelingtulls.com/measure-carry-on-luggage/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To measure luggage, start by standing the bag upright, retracting any handles, and measuring from the bottom of the wheels to the top of the suitcase to determine the length. Next, calculate the depth by measuring from the back to the front of the suitcase, taking into account any zipper compartments that might bulge out. Finally, measure from 1 outer edge to another to find the width. Once you have these 3 numbers, add them together to get the linear measurement. Also, weigh your bag when it's fully packed to make sure it fits airline guidelines. To learn how to select the best bag for air travel, keep reading!

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