Odds are you're going to bring along some luggage with you on your next trip. This is true whether you're boarding a plane, train or automobile — but the mode you choose could impact the bags you bring, especially when taking to the skies.
Let's look at each airline's luggage size restrictions, how to measure your bags and ways to get free checked luggage on airlines.
If you're traveling on an aircraft, where you're traveling may impact how large your bags can be. Also, international sizes aren't necessarily the same as domestic sizing requirements, so double-check your suitcase size before bringing your bags along.
Here are the measurements for check-in luggage sizes when flying with airline carriers in the United States.
Airline | Size | Weight |
---|---|---|
Allegiant Airlines. | Maximum of 80 inches (length + width + height). | 50 pounds. |
Alaska Airlines. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 50 pounds. |
American Airlines. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 50 pounds. (may differ based on cabin and elite status). |
Delta Air Lines. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 50 pounds. (may differ based on cabin and elite status). |
Frontier Airlines. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 40 pounds. |
Hawaiian Airlines. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 50 pounds. |
JetBlue Airways. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 50 pounds. (may differ based on cabin and elite status). |
Southwest Airlines. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 50 pounds. |
Spirit Airlines. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 40 pounds. |
United Airlines. | Maximum of 62 inches (length + width + height). | 50 pounds. (may differ based on cabin and elite status). |
Note that some airlines may also have different baggage policies based on where you're traveling. American Airlines, for instance, allows passengers flying to Australia or New Zealand to check bags up to 70 pounds. This is great news if you're traveling with a large suitcase.
Large checked luggage sizes can be problematic, especially if traveling on a low-cost carrier like Spirit Airlines or Frontier Airlines.
To avoid oversized baggage fees, you'll want to measure any checked luggage before your flight. This includes both the size and the weight.