In my other articles, I've talked about how suitcases come in various sizes, from small ones perfect for kids to really big ones. It's important to choose the right size of suitcase so you can pack enough for your holiday.
Also, the right size means no trouble when taking it on a plane. Each airline has rules about the size of luggage you can bring, whether it's in the cabin or in checked baggage.
That's why it's a good idea to measure your suitcase before buying or traveling with it to make sure it meets airline rules. Measuring is simple – you just need a ruler or a similar tool.
Just to note, there are usually two ways to measure a suitcase: by length and by linear size. I'm going to explain both methods below.
When you're choosing a suitcase, sellers often use inches to describe their size, like 20 inches, 24 inches, 28 inches, and so on. These numbers actually show the length or height of the suitcase.
For instance, a 20-inch suitcase means it's 20 inches long. This is different from how we measure TV screens or smartphones, which are measured diagonally, even though both use inches.
To measure your suitcase’s length yourself, here's what to do:
This way, you'll find out your suitcase's length in inches. If you measure in centimeters, just divide the number by 2.54 to convert it to inches.
For example, if your suitcase is 56 cm long, you calculate 56 ÷ 2.54 = 22.04. So, your suitcase is about 22 inches long.
When it comes to measuring suitcases, the method used by luggage sellers and airlines is different. Most airlines prefer to measure a suitcase using what's known as linear dimensions when you bring it onto the plane.
The linear dimension of a suitcase is found by adding its length, width, and thickness together. The total of these three measurements is what we call the suitcase's linear dimension.
Calculating linear dimensions is more straightforward because suitcases often vary in their length, width, and thickness. The measurements are usually in inches or centimeters, based on what the airline uses in its area of operation.
To measure your suitcase's linear dimension, follow these steps:
This total is your suitcase's linear dimension. This helps when you see airline luggage rules listed in linear dimensions, like 115 cm for cabin baggage and 158 cm for checked baggage.
But don't worry too much – airlines often also specify the maximum length, width, and thickness allowed. As long as your suitcase is within these limits, you should be able to bring it on the plane.
