When it comes to traveling, one of the most important things to consider is the size of your suitcase. Not only do you want to make sure it’s large enough to fit all of your belongings, but you also need to make sure it meets the size requirements of your airline. If your suitcase is too large, you may have to pay additional fees. To avoid any surprises at the airport, it’s important to know how to measure a suitcase in linear inches.
To measure a suitcase in linear inches, you will need a measuring tape. Start by placing the measuring tape at the bottom of the suitcase, on one side. Then, measure up the side of the suitcase to the top. Finally, measure across the top of the suitcase to the other side. Add these three measurements together to get the linear inches of your suitcase.
Once you know the linear inches of your suitcase, you can compare it to the size requirements of your airline. Most airlines have a maximum linear inch requirement of 62 inches. This means that the total of the three measurements you took above cannot exceed 62 inches. If your suitcase is larger than this, you may have to pay additional fees. In some cases, the airline may even refuse to transport your suitcase.
Understanding Linear Inches
Linear inches, or simply inches, are a unit of measurement used to determine the length or height of an object. In the context of suitcases, linear inches refer to the combined measurements of the suitcase’s height, width, and depth. Understanding linear inches is crucial when selecting a suitcase that meets airline size restrictions and ensures a comfortable travel experience.
To measure linear inches, the suitcase should be placed flat on its side. Using a measuring tape, measure from the top of the suitcase (including any wheels or handles) to the bottom. Ensure that the measuring tape is perpendicular to the suitcase’s base. Once the height measurement is obtained, follow the same process to measure the width and depth of the suitcase.
The linear inches are calculated by adding the height, width, and depth measurements. For example, a suitcase with a height of 24 inches, a width of 16 inches, and a depth of 10 inches would have a linear measurement of 50 linear inches (24 + 16 + 10 = 50).
| Measurement Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Distance from top to bottom of the suitcase, including any wheels or handles. |
| Width | Distance from left to right of the suitcase, excluding any pockets or external attachments. |
| Depth | Distance from front to back of the suitcase, excluding any external zippers or compartments. |
Measuring the Length of Your Suitcase
Place the suitcase on its side.
Lay the suitcase flat on the floor or a table, with its wheels facing up. Align the suitcase so that the longest side is parallel to the edge of the surface.
Using a measuring tape, measure from one end of the suitcase to the other.
Start measuring at the outermost point of one end of the suitcase, where the wheels are attached. Extend the measuring tape along the longest side of the suitcase, keeping it straight and taut. Continue measuring until you reach the outermost point of the opposite end.
Tips for Accurate Measurements:
* Ensure the measuring tape is straight and not stretched or compressed during measurement.
* Keep the tape close to the suitcase surface to avoid any gaps or bulges.
* If the suitcase has expandable compartments, make sure they are fully closed before measuring.
* Measure in inches, as this is the standard unit of measurement for luggage size.
Measuring the Width of Your Suitcase
To measure the width of your suitcase, stand it upright on its side. Place a tape measure or ruler at the widest point of the suitcase, which is typically at the wheels or base. Measure the distance from the outermost point on one side to the outermost point on the other side. This will give you the width of your suitcase.
Tips for Measuring the Width Accurately
Here are some tips for measuring the width of your suitcase accurately:
- Make sure the suitcase is standing upright on a flat surface.
- Use a flexible measuring tape or ruler that can conform to the curves of the suitcase.
- Measure the width at the widest point of the suitcase, which is typically at the wheels or base.
- If the suitcase has a rounded or curved shape, take multiple measurements at different points along the width and use the average of those measurements.
Example:
| Suitcase Model | Width (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Samsonite Outline Pro | 18.9 |
| Travelpro Crew Versapack | 19.5 |
| Briggs & Riley Baseline | 19.25 |
Measuring the Height of Your Suitcase
Measuring the height of your suitcase is important to ensure that it meets the size requirements of airlines. To measure the height, follow these steps:
- Place the suitcase on a flat surface.
- Align the tape measure vertically at the bottom of the suitcase.
- Extend the tape measure to the highest point of the suitcase, including any handles or wheels.
- If the suitcase has a hard shell, measure from the ground to the highest point of the shell.
- If the suitcase has a soft shell, measure from the ground to the highest point of the fabric, including any padding or insulation.
- Note down the measurement in linear inches.
| Suitcase Type | Measurement Includes |
|---|---|
| Hard Shell | Ground to highest point of shell |
| Soft Shell | Ground to highest point of fabric (including padding/insulation) |
Adding Up the Linear Inches
Once you have measured the three dimensions of your suitcase, it’s time to add them up to get the linear inches. This is the sum of the length, width, and height measurements.
For example, if your suitcase measures 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches high, the linear inches would be 24 + 16 + 10 = 50 inches.
Some airlines have a maximum linear inches limit for checked baggage. For example, Southwest Airlines allows a maximum linear inches of 62 inches for checked baggage. So, if your suitcase has a linear inches measurement of 50 inches, it would be within the Southwest Airlines checked baggage limit.
Here is a table summarizing the linear inches limits for checked baggage for some major airlines:
| Airline | Linear Inches Limit |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | 62 inches |
| Delta Air Lines | 62 inches |
| United Airlines | 62 inches |
| American Airlines | 62 inches |
| JetBlue Airways | 62 inches |
Measuring Soft-Sided Suitcases
Measuring soft-sided suitcases involves determining their linear inches, a standard measurement used by airlines to assess luggage dimensions.
Measuring Height
Place the suitcase upright on a flat surface. Measure from the top of the highest point (usually the handle) to the base of the suitcase, excluding any wheels or feet.
Measuring Width
Turn the suitcase on its side. Measure the distance from the widest point on one side to the widest point on the opposite side.
Measuring Depth
Lay the suitcase flat on its back. Measure from the front edge of the suitcase to the back edge, excluding any handles or zippers.
Adding Up Dimensions
Add together the measurements obtained for height, width, and depth. The result is the total linear inches of the suitcase.
Linear Inch Limits
Airlines typically have specific linear inch limits for carry-on and checked baggage. Check with your airline for their specific requirements.
Additional Tips
When measuring soft-sided suitcases, it’s essential to:
– Use a flexible measuring tape.
– Measure at the widest and highest points.
– Exclude any wheels, feet, or handles.
Linear Inch Limits for Soft-Sided Suitcases
| Airline | Carry-On | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 45 linear inches | 62 linear inches |
| United | 45 linear inches | 62 linear inches |
| American | 45 linear inches | 62 linear inches |
| Southwest | 44 linear inches | 62 linear inches |
| Spirit | 45 linear inches | 62 linear inches |
Measuring Hard-Sided Suitcases
Measuring hard-sided suitcases is a fairly simple process. First, you’ll need to know the linear inches of the suitcase. This is the sum of the suitcase’s length, width, and height.
To measure the length, place the suitcase on its side and measure from the longest point on one end to the longest point on the other end. To measure the width, lay the suitcase flat and measure from the widest point on one side to the widest point on the other side. To measure the height, stand the suitcase up and measure from the bottom to the top of the tallest point.
Once you have the length, width, and height, add them together to get the linear inches of the suitcase.
For example, if your suitcase is 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches high, the linear inches would be 50.
Here is a table that summarizes the steps for measuring a hard-sided suitcase:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place the suitcase on its side and measure from the longest point on one end to the longest point on the other end to get the length. |
| 2 | Lay the suitcase flat and measure from the widest point on one side to the widest point on the other side to get the width. |
| 3 | Stand the suitcase up and measure from the bottom to the top of the tallest point to get the height. |
| 4 | Add the length, width, and height together to get the linear inches of the suitcase. |
Tips for Accurate Measurements
1. Use a Rigid Measuring Tape
A flexible measuring tape can stretch, leading to inaccurate measurements. Instead, use a rigid metal or plastic measuring tape for precise results.
2. Measure Along the Hard Shell
For suitcases with hard shells, measure along the hard surface instead of the soft fabric or pockets.
3. Measure the Longest Sides
Measure the length of the suitcase from the furthest points on the top and bottom.
4. Measure the Height
Measure the height of the suitcase from the ground to the highest point, including the wheels and handle.
5. Measure the Depth
For suitcases with expandable compartments, measure the depth both when the compartment is closed and when it’s fully expanded.
6. Include the Handle and Wheels
When measuring the height and length, include the height of the handle and the circumference of the wheels.
7. Round Up to the Nearest Inch
If your measurement is close to the next whole inch, round up to ensure that the suitcase will fit within the specified size limit.
8. Check Airline Regulations
Different airlines have different size restrictions for checked and carry-on baggage. Make sure your suitcase meets the requirements of the airline you’re flying with.
To measure the linear inches of your suitcase, follow these steps:
| Dimension | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Length | Measure the longest side of the suitcase, from end to end, including the handle and wheels. |
| Height | Measure the distance from the ground to the highest point of the suitcase, including the handle and wheels. |
| Depth | Measure the distance from the front to the back of the suitcase, including any expandable compartments. |
Common Measurement Errors to Avoid
When measuring a suitcase, it’s essential to avoid common errors that can lead to inaccurate results. Here are some tips to ensure precise measurements:
- Measure in a flat position: Place the suitcase on a flat surface to ensure an accurate measurement.
- Use a hard-edged ruler or measuring tape: Avoid using flexible measuring tapes, as they can stretch and distort the measurement.
- Start measuring from the bottom: When measuring the height, start from the lowest point on the suitcase’s bottom surface.
- Include wheels and handles: If the suitcase has wheels or handles, include them in the measurement, as they add to the overall size.
- Don’t overstuff the suitcase: Empty the suitcase before measuring to ensure an accurate assessment of its empty size.
- Measure both exterior and interior dimensions: Some airlines have specific requirements for both exterior and interior dimensions, so it’s important to measure both.
- Check the maximum allowable dimensions: Refer to the airline’s regulations for the maximum allowable suitcase dimensions to avoid any excess baggage fees.
- Consider external pockets and compartments: If the suitcase has external pockets or compartments that protrude, make sure to include their measurements in the overall size.
- Measure in linear inches: Most airlines require measurements in linear inches, which is the sum of the length, width, and height of the suitcase. To calculate the linear inches, follow the formula: Length + Width + Height = Linear Inches.
| Measurement Type | How to Measure |
|---|---|
| Length | Measure from the longest end of the suitcase, excluding wheels and handles. |
| Width | Measure from the widest part of the suitcase, excluding wheels and handles. |
| Height | Measure from the bottom of the suitcase, excluding wheels and handles, to the highest point, including any external pockets or compartments. |
Using a Linear Inch Calculator
A linear inch calculator is a handy tool that can help you quickly and easily measure the linear inches of your suitcase. Simply enter the length, width, and height of your suitcase (in inches) into the calculator, and it will automatically calculate the total linear inches.
Here are the steps on how to use a linear inch calculator:
- Measure the length, width, and height of your suitcase in inches.
- Enter the measurements into the calculator.
- Click on the “Calculate” button.
- The calculator will display the total linear inches of your suitcase.
Here are some tips for using a linear inch calculator:
- Make sure that you enter the measurements correctly.
- Use the calculator to compare the linear inches of different suitcases.
- Keep the calculator handy for future reference.
Here is a table that summarizes the steps on how to use a linear inch calculator:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure the length, width, and height of your suitcase in inches. |
| 2 | Enter the measurements into the calculator. |
| 3 | Click on the “Calculate” button. |
| 4 | The calculator will display the total linear inches of your suitcase. |
How To Measure A Suitcase In Linear Inches
To measure a suitcase in linear inches, you will need a measuring tape. Start by measuring the length of the suitcase, from the front to the back. Then, measure the width of the suitcase, from side to side. Finally, measure the height of the suitcase, from the top to the bottom. Add the three measurements together to get the linear inches of the suitcase.
For example, if the length of the suitcase is 20 inches, the width is 15 inches, and the height is 10 inches, then the linear inches of the suitcase would be 45 inches.
People Also Ask
How do I measure my suitcase for airline travel?
To measure your suitcase for airline travel, you will need to measure the linear inches of the suitcase. Most airlines have a maximum linear inch allowance for checked baggage. You can find the linear inch allowance for your airline on their website.
How do I measure my suitcase if it is soft-sided?
To measure a soft-sided suitcase, you will need to use a flexible measuring tape. Start by measuring the length of the suitcase, from the front to the back. Then, measure the width of the suitcase, from side to side. Finally, measure the height of the suitcase, from the top to the bottom. Add the three measurements together to get the linear inches of the suitcase.
How do I measure my suitcase if it is irregularly shaped?
To measure an irregularly shaped suitcase, you will need to use a flexible measuring tape. Start by measuring the length of the suitcase, from the longest point to the shortest point. Then, measure the width of the suitcase, from the widest point to the narrowest point. Finally, measure the height of the suitcase, from the highest point to the lowest point. Add the three measurements together to get the linear inches of the suitcase.
