Luggage Size Chart: The Ultimate Guide to Carry-On And Check-in Baggage
Luggage size cannot be overemphasized since having the wrong-sized baggage can ruin a smooth trip to the airport. Any bag that exceeds the size of a conventional suitcase is likely to attract a few more bucks, amplifying the limitations of carry-ons. Eliminate these primary limitations and have a pleasant trip by reviewing this detailed blog.
Which luggage should you take when you are traveling?
Deciding on the kind of luggage to carry on a trip is a daunting decision due to various factors. Distance, time, and the purpose of the trip [be it for business, leisure, or adventure] determine the most appropriate luggage to be used.
For short travels, individuals might be able to get by with just a carry-on, duffle, or office bag so that they do not have to check in a bag. Longer journeys or trips that include more stops require bigger bags to accommodate all the essentials. The size and type of luggage are selected properly as the necessity for your journey is combined with the comfort and effectiveness of the trip.
Luggage Size Chart - A Complete Overview
| Different Types of Bags | Dimensions in Inches | Dimensions in Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Bag | 18x14x8 | 46x36x20 |
| Carry-On Bag | 22x14x9 | 56x36x23 |
| Medium Checked Bag | 24x16x10 | 61x41x30 |
| Large Checked Bag | 28x18x12 | 71x46x30 |
| Extra Large Checked Bag | 32x20x14 | 81x51x36 |
The capacities of the suitcase are expressed in liters and refer to the dimension of the largest pocket, thus it is easier to compare. It will be difficult to picture but cabin cases usually have a capacity of about 20 liters whereas larger cases have an average capacity of 100 liters.
A. Carry-Ons and Personal Items
Carry-on luggage is always flexible and effective when it comes to travel. These bags are portable, can easily fit into overhead bins of airplanes, and do not occupy much space in car boots. The most popular luggage type is the rolling case. However, duffle, garment, and other types also meet airline size requirements.
Soft-sided carry-ons are recommended especially when they have a rigid structure that can expand and contract more freely [when compared with hard shell luggage] as they are convenient when one wants to pack a bit more.
A carry-on is ideal for short to mid-range journeys because you don’t have to pack many items. Additionally, a purse or a small backpack is categorized as a personal item by airline companies. These personal items are stored under the seat in front of the passenger concerned and are not considered a carry-on.
Carry-on Luggage Size Limits
Most domestic airline measurements for carry-on baggage are 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Samsonite offers models of these dimensions and slightly bigger ones that take advantage of all the overhead bin space. To prevent checking your carry-on, ensure to confirm the size restrictions by visiting the official airline's website.
It is essential that you don’t overload the luggage as a packed bag might not fit in the overhead bin and hence has to be placed in the hold. Some international airlines have even smaller size limits than domestic ones, so it is always important to check luggage standards and policies before purchasing tickets for your travels.
- Baggage Fees: Do not take too many bags with you because most airlines charge for extra luggage! All the leading airlines permit passengers to take on board one free piece of hand luggage that needs to be stored in the overhead compartment. Cabin baggage or carry-on baggage, which are free to travel, must be confined to the area over your headrest or under the seat in front of you. They are cumbersome and too big to be used for this. However, compact under-seat luggage offered by Samsonite is an ideal solution.
- Time: Carry-on luggage is much better than check-in bags if time is of the essence. It helps you to escape spending time at baggage claim and guarantees that your things will not be left behind.
- The Risk Involved: Having your luggage with you minimizes the chances of losing it or being stolen. For experienced travelers, the most disturbing issue is the possibility of the bags getting lost or going to the wrong place, particularly when the traveler establishes a transfer from one flight to another. Carry-on luggage does not pose this danger.
- The Weight Factor: No airline has restrictions on the weight of hand luggage, but the bag must be placed in the overhead bin by the passenger.
B. Check-In Baggage
Some items such as golf clubs, large musical instruments, and other large items are not allowed in the cabin but should be checked in. Other items such as sports equipment, lithium batteries, liquids above 100ml, and restricted items such as weapons (like baseball bats, metal knives, and box cutters) are not allowed on a flight. Make sure these are placed in your checked-in bags as you won't be able to use them on the plane.
The size restriction of check-in baggage allowed by most domestic airlines is 158 cm (linear dimensions). Oversized bags may differ a little from airline to airline, but they can still be checked for an extra fee. Nevertheless, weight is typically even more of a factor than size at times. In calculating the size of your check-in luggage, do the same as you did for your carry-on luggage and add the results.
The average checked baggage allowance on domestic flights is 50 pounds, although, the budget airlines put it down to 40 pounds, while the international airlines like Norwegian Air, Korean Air, etc., enhance it up to 70 pounds per bag.
Baggage Fee Exceptions
Checked baggage fees can be freely avoided by passengers who booked Business or First Class tickets, active duty military, and frequent flyers. However, overweight bags could attract additional costs and no bag should weigh more than 100 pounds. So even if the bag is free there are size constraints of 158 cm that cannot be overlooked.
- Streamlines Airport Operations: Fees for checked baggage compel travelers to travel light. This means that there are fewer large suitcases for airport staff to pull around. This increases the number of passengers who check in quickly and reduces the time spent in security check, boarding, and disembarking.
- Encourages Responsible Packing: The charges made for checked baggage make passengers pack carefully and carry only what is necessary. This eradicates cases of individuals packing unnecessary items, optimizes the space available in a flight, and reduces unnecessary weights which in turn may lead to low fuel consumption.
- Generates Revenue for Airlines: Over and above ticket sales, checked baggage fees help the airline industry generate extra revenues and not necessarily increase the base ticket prices. This makes it possible for the airlines to operate effectively at the same time and offer reasonable fares across their routes.
FAQs
1. What is considered a carry-on bag?
A carry-on bag is a compact piece of baggage that a passenger is allowed to take into an aircraft and place in the overhead cabin. It has to meet certain airline size and weight requirements, ranging from 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and weight not exceeding 7-10 kg [depending on the airlines].
2. Can I have a backpack and carry-on?
Typically, airlines permit one piece of hand luggage and one smaller item such as a laptop bag, or briefcase, which must be stored in the overhead locker under the front seat. It is always advisable to check with the airline to confirm that both items do not exceed the required size and weight limits.
3. What happens if my checked bag is 1 inch too big?
If your checked bag is slightly larger than the size limit allowed, for instance, an inch bigger, you might be charged an additional fee for oversized baggage.
4. Can 24-inch luggage be carry-on?
A 24-inch bag is usually too big to fit in a carry-on since most airlines do not allow bags bigger than 22 inches. Bigger bags normally require checking in. Before your trip, make sure you read your airline's rules on carry-on baggage size.
5. What is check-in baggage?
This is the luggage that a passenger hands over to the airline at the check-in counter before the flight. It is placed in the belly hold and is picked up at the carousel after the plane has landed. Size and weight limitations differ from one airline to another.
6. What are the rules for check-in baggage?
Check-in baggage policies depend on the airline and the travel class. These bags are generally within 23-32 kilograms and up to 62 linear inches. Extra charges may apply to bags considered overweight or oversized by the airline.
7. What is not allowed at check-in?
This list of items is banned in check-in baggage and they include explosives, flammable liquids, lithium batteries of specific categories, corrosive substances, and perishable products. Guns and ammunition, explosives, dangerous chemical substances, and inflammable and combustible substances are also prohibited. Some airlines also recommend placing other items such as glass, precious things, and gadgets in the carry-on baggage.