Airlines and Luggage size ????

[74-911]

Am in need of a new piece of luggage for an upcoming trip. Looked at the Samsonite 29" hardshell rollers at Costco. Question is about the size. Most airlines set 62" as max linear measurement and these are 64".

I have never seen any airline actually measure a bag and have seen these size being checked in. Fee for oversize bag is $200 so not a small issue if they actually measure and got a ticket agent in a bad mood.

Anyone ever have a problem with these size wise?

Note: this is for checked bags - not carry-on

[cairns]

29" is too big. Google is your friend.

Airline Weights and Restrictions

No they don't normally check but if they do you've paid dearly for that piece of luggage.

Personally I'm not a fan of hard shell. You can't squeeze them into a space if you need to.

[recycled sixtie]

It is bad enough going through the maze of an air terminal as it is. Why would you want to go through with monster luggage too?

[Hugh R]

Get a Samsonite soft side with four rollers, you can roll it along and not have to drag it behind you. Make sure its the size that will fit in the overhead compartment.

[74-911]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Get a Samsonite soft side with four rollers, you can roll it along and not have to drag it behind you. Make sure its the size that will fit in the overhead compartment.

Should have clarified, this is for checked baggage. Will be gone for several weeks and would like to cut the number of bags I have to check to a minimum...

[porsche4life]

I have a 27" hard shell samsonite for checked. I love it. You can stuff tons into it, and it keeps stuff protected much better. The shiny finish is all scuffed up, but who cares. Got mine at SAMs for right at $100. A damn fine suitcase for the money.

[5String43]

Too big a bag can mean too much weight. If I recall correctly, the limit on most airlines is 42 pounds per bag. That's really easy to do with a standard-sized bag. Go overweight, pay lots in a fine. We got by just fine on our last trip, in July, to Switzerland and Italy for two weeks, with a single 22-inch rollaboard each. Had to plan and pack carefully, but it worked out just fine. It's doable. Also, so much easier to schlep around, in and out of hotels, in and out of cars, onto and off of trains, etc.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by 74-911

Should have clarified, this is for checked baggage. Will be gone for several weeks and would like to cut the number of bags I have to check to a minimum...

Check UPS and or FedEx.

It's sometimes cheaper to send your luggage ahead than it is to pay the minimum bag fee. Depends on the airline you are taking and your destination.

Also makes check in and arrival easier.

Just have your carry on to deal with.

[recycled sixtie]

When I see people travel with big huge bags and suitcases it says a lot about them.
Wherever people go they take their baggage with them. In more ways than one.
Of course you could tell me to lighten up but I am not the one doing the travelling. Yes the Fedex idea mentioned above is a great idea.....

[Head416]

Don't forget about weight, especially if you're flying internationally. A borrowed somebody's large suitcase for a trip and hit the weight limits way before the suitcase was full. 50lbs I believe. No point in buying a suitcase too big.

[recycled sixtie]

I rest my case....

[tweezers74]

Originally Posted by Head416

Don't forget about weight, especially if you're flying internationally. A borrowed somebody's large suitcase for a trip and hit the weight limits way before the suitcase was full. 50lbs I believe. No point in buying a suitcase too big.

This. I travel weekly. I never buy a big bag. With the weight restrictions, who cares about the size? I have it down to a science since I picked the right size luggage. I can get it to 49.8 lbs. If you have a big bag, boom... Overweight and fees apply.

If you are traveling for a long period of time, yes, shipping is the way to do it.

I have a hard top Samsonite that I love as well. A soft top will die, and has died, on me since I travel so much. Really easy to travel with the Samsonite too because it rolls upright on four wheels (crucial in picking luggage in my opinion, hate the two wheelers) because I can literally roll that bag all over the place with one finger. I love it!!!

[craigster59]

I've had good luck with Eagle Creek. Durable and you can pack a lot of stuff (not Paris Hilton quantity but enough to last you awhile). Gear Warrior

[Pazuzu]

Originally Posted by 74-911

Am in need of a new piece of luggage for an upcoming trip. Looked at the Samsonite 29" hardshell rollers at Costco. Question is about the size. Most airlines set 62" as max linear measurement and these are 64".

I have never seen any airline actually measure a bag and have seen these size being checked in. Fee for oversize bag is $200 so not a small issue if they actually measure and got a ticket agent in a bad mood.

Anyone ever have a problem with these size wise?

Note: this is for checked bags - not carry-on

I have one of these:
Samsonite Winfield 2 28" Hardside Spinner Luggage : View All Collections
Basically same dimensions, and have had no issues with flying or on cruises. We use it as a couple, it's plenty of room for two people to pack for a 4-5 day trip. We regularly bump right up against the 50 pound limit, but that's for two people.

[vash]

not a fan of traditional luggage anymore. just took most of it to goodwill 3 days ago. some good prototype briggs and riley stuff.

i use a travel pack. from Arcteryx. you zip up the shoulder straps so it looks and feels like a regular duffel. it is nice not to worry about loose straps getting caught in some conveyor belt or something. pull if off the belt or cart..unzip the shoulder straps, throw it on, and you are moving!! my wife has mostly commandeered it. one downside..if i had to pick one..is that it is a tad on the small side. but i travel light. you cannot buy a lot of souvenirs tho..

i also have a security bag i can drop a traditional backpack in. lets me lock it up so nobody can make me the unwilling mule for some white-powder into singapore..

[Gogar]

As mentioned,

WEIGHT

will get you waaaay, waaaaay before size. Unless you're putting styrofoam in your enormous suitcase.

Most airlines = 50lbs before an upcharge. Some won't even accept something over 80lbs at all.

[74-911]

Appreciate all the advice but the question was about size limits -does anyone know as a rule how strict are the airlines on the 62" linear measurements??. I am well aware of the weight limits and that is not a concern. What I am trying to do is eliminate a piece of luggage. We will be gone for over two weeks, involving several flights, trains, cruise ship and probably rental cars. I had rather cope with one larger bag than two smaller ones, not to mention the airline fees.

[vash]

Originally Posted by 74-911

Appreciate all the advice but the question was about size limits -does anyone know as a rule how strict are the airlines on the 62" linear measurements??. I am well aware of the weight limits and that is not a concern. What I am trying to do is eliminate a piece of luggage. We will be gone for over two weeks, involving several flights, trains, cruise ship and probably rental cars. I had rather cope with one larger bag than two smaller ones, not to mention the airline fees.

62" is long. fishing rod holders get up there. i know i flew to mexico with a bunch of 6'6" fishing rods. i dont remember a premium.

i have never been measured. i just checked, my longest piece now is a bowcase. 50". they have never pulled a tape to confirm. maybe they just know what 62" looks like? i find it hard to believe any suitcase company will make a bag that a person cannot take on a plane.

good luck. sorry to get all sideways on your thread. happy travels.

[porsche4life]

I wouldn't push the 62". It all depends on the gate agents as to if you get charged or not. Some are real sticklers. But in reality a 27" spinner isnt that much smaller than a 29". You should be able go with that and your carry ons if you pack right...

[74-911]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I wouldn't push the 62". It all depends on the gate agents as to if you get charged or not. Some are real sticklers.

Agree Sidney, just not worth it to push the 62" then get whacked $200 by a gate agent in a bad mood. Also have to agree with Vash's statement, why do they make all these 29" spinners that exceed the 62", they all measure 64" as best as I can tell.

the 28" Samsonite Mike recommended looks perfect but was a bit pricey locally and I don't have time to order it on-line.

Will just have to convince the wife that she doesn't really need all that stuff... right.

thanks again for the responses.