How to measure a Carry-On bag? Luggage size guide for travel | GetRentacar.com (2024)

The hotel is booked, tickets are printed and you can’t wait to fasten your seatbelt on the plane and order the champagne before the flight? Though the vacation countdown is almost over, you have to make sure that your luggage fits well to avoid unpleasant moments at the airport. You need no stress before the trip, right?

So before you hit the road with bag-fee-free, check the size of your carry-on bag and find out if it meets airline requirements.

How to measure a Carry-On bag? Luggage size guide for travel | GetRentacar.com (2)

What size is carry-on luggage?

Most airlines have standardized regulations for luggage, nevertheless, requirements for the carry-on bag may vary. Most airlines let you take on the plane one bag that measures 55 to 50 cm (22 to 24 inches) high, 35 to 43 cm (14 to 17 inches) across, and 9 or 10 inches deep. Necessarily visit your airline's website to figure out its particular size requirements.

Keep in mind that some of the airlines also have regulations for baggage weight. Usually, it's limited to 10 kg, but we've never been asked to weigh the Carry-On bag. If your bag doesn't look overstuffed, you're probably not going to be asked to weigh it. Weight is really important for small planes due to safety rules.

How to measure a Carry-On bag? Luggage size guide for travel | GetRentacar.com (3)

How do airlines measure checked baggage?

Do they have a ruler on the registration table? Of course, no. Airlines check the bag size by special sizer — a metal tubing frame. You have to place your luggage inside and see if it fits. So if your carry-on bag is oversized, no amount of talking and begging will help to avoid extra pay.

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Do the wheels count when measuring luggage?

Yes, wheels do count when measuring your baggage. It automatically makes your wheeler case about 5 cm bigger in high. Airlines measure the luggage with wheels, handles, and other protruding parts. Luggage manufacturers know that and measure cases without wheels to make you buy the bigger one. Don't relate to this statement and check the size by yourself. Life-hack for travelers: the case with two recessed wheels sizes smaller than the case with four protruding wheels.

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What Are Linear Inches?

Some airlines will list their luggage carry-on size limits or checked luggage size limits in something called linear inches. Linear means "in a straight line". This means managers don't take into account the exact shape of your suitcase and measure height, width, and depth in the straight line. So if you want to measure a duffel bag for carry-on, don't try to apply the ruler along with the entire shape of the bag. Just find the edge points and check the width between them.

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How to measure luggage size at home?

Place the bag on the floor or table and measure the height including the wheels and handle. For measuring the width, find two widest points. Do the same for the depth. You may watch the video to ensure that you do the measure in the right way.


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How to measure a Carry-On bag? Luggage size guide for travel | GetRentacar.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the size of a carry-on for Air Transat? ›

All carry-on bags must adhere to the following requirements: Maximum Dimensions of Carry-on Luggage: 9 in x 16 in x 20 in (23 cm x 40 cm x 51 cm) Maximum Weight of Carry-on Luggage: 10 kg (22 lb) in Economy Class and 15 kg (33 lb) in Club Class.

What is TSA approved carry-on size? ›

Most domestic airlines specify 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches as the maximum size for carry-on baggage.

What are the bag measurements for carry-on luggage? ›

Your main item must fit in the overhead lockers and be no larger than 56 cm (height) x 36 cm (width) x 23 cm (depth). Your small item must fit under the seat in front of you. If you exceed either size or weight limits, charges will apply at the airport.

What if my carry-on is 1 inch too big? ›

If the bag does not fit in the sizer, it will need to be checked. American Airlines will charge a checked bag fee for oversized carry-on, which costs between $30 to $200 depending on your destination and how many bags you have already checked.

Can I take a 22.5 inch carry-on bag? ›

The carry-on size limit for many airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Most domestic airlines do not have a weight limit for carry-on bags. You can typically bring a carry-on bag in addition to a personal item. Your personal item should be able to fit neatly under the seat in front of you.

Does Transat charge for carry-on? ›

Cabin baggage is complimentary for all passengers on Air Transat and includes one personal item and one carry-on luggage per passenger. Personal items have no maximum weight restrictions but must be at most 12” x 17” x 5” in size and must fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Is a 22 inch carry-on too big? ›

Is a 22 inch carry on too big? No, a 22 inch carry-on bag is not too big, since it's a standard size for most airlines. But we always advise to double check the size allowance before your trip to be safe.

What is the 3-1-1 rule? ›

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on? ›

Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

How to measure luggage size without measuring tape? ›

HOW TO MEASURE LUGGAGE WITHOUT A TAPE MEASURE?
  1. A4 Sheet. With international measures of 29.7 cm long and 21 cm wide, the A4 sheet is the easiest way to measure your suitcases or personal belongings. ...
  2. € , 10, 20, 50, 100 or 500 notes. ...
  3. Credit Card or ID Card. ...
  4. Milk carton. ...
  5. Mobile apps.

Do the wheels count when measuring luggage? ›

Yes, wheels do count when measuring your baggage. It automatically makes your wheeler case about 5 cm bigger in high. Airlines measure the luggage with wheels, handles, and other protruding parts. Luggage manufacturers know that and measure cases without wheels to make you buy the bigger one.

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