Calculate Linear Inches For Luggage

Before considering how to calculate linear inches for luggage, let’s actually know what are linear inches.

The term linear inches is a measurement used to determine the size of luggage. You can calculate it by adding the dimensions like length, width, and depth of your luggage in inches.

This measurement is used by airlines and other transit companies. With it, they can know if the luggage meets the size requirements for checked or carry-on baggage.

Calculation Process

Each airline has different requirements in the case of luggage size. So, firstly make sure to check with your specific air carrier that your luggage meets their size conditions. Airlines limit the size and weight of luggage you can take on board. They have their reasons for it like:

To ensure that the overhead compartments and storage areas are not overcrowded.
To increase the safety and efficiency of the aircraft.

You can enjoy a hassle-free trip by measuring your luggage on your journey. Follow the steps below to calculate the linear inches for luggage.

Take a regular measuring tape and start from the longest point of your bag or suitcase. You also have to include any wheels, handles, or other protrusions of your luggage in the measurement.
Once you have got the measurements, start adding the height, width, and length together. For example, if your luggage measures 28 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 12 inches in height.

Then, the linear inches will be calculated as 28 + 15 + 12 = 58 linear inches.

Most Common Restrictions For Luggage

Every air carrier divides the luggage into three categories - personal items, carry-on bags, and checked luggage. Size restrictions vary from airline to airline. But, I have jotted down some common restrictions for luggage.

Personal items: Most airlines allow you to carry one personal item like a purse or briefcase on the flight. Occasionally, few airlines require your personal items to be under 16 × 12 × 6 inches. But many of them accept it to just fit entirely underneath your front seat.
Carry-ons: The carry-on bag which you can take on board your flight with most air carriers has to be under 22 × 14 × 9. US airlines usually don’t have weight limits for carry-on bags.
Checked luggage: Almost all airlines follow the same size restriction for checked baggage. A limit of 62 linear inches is the standard.

Note: Allegiant Airlines allows you to bring a checked suitcase of 80 linear inches on your journey. Book your flight with Allegiant for cheap fares and extra size limits.

Consequences Of Oversize Luggage

If your luggage exceeds the size limits of your airline, you may be subject to additional fees or restrictions.

You have to pay extra money to some airlines if your luggage is oversized. Check your airline’s fee structure before booking your flight. The digits can multiply into triples as a fee for oversized bags.

Some airlines would require you to check your luggage instead of carrying it on board if it is more than the size limit of carry-on baggage.

Some Useful Insights

The fee prices for extra or oversize baggage depend on your choice of airline and your level of ticket. Your first checked bag is usually free in basic or economy fare as long as it meets the size requirements.

Know about the charges for oversize baggage of Southwest and Frontier Airlines below.

Southwest Airlines' size and weight restriction is a combination of 62 linear inches. If you are traveling with this air carrier and the limits increase at any chance. You have to pay an additional fee of a minimum of $50 per bag.

You are flying with Frontier Airlines and the size limit of your checked bag is more than 62 linear inches. You don’t want to take anything out of your bag. Then, you have to pay an amount of $75 for oversized luggage.