What are maximum linear inch limits for standard checked bags across major US airlines?
Short answer
Major US airlines limit standard checked luggage to 62 linear inches, calculated by adding exterior length, width, and height including wheels and handles. Selecting a suitcase measuring no more than 30 by 20 by 12 inches keeps baggage within this threshold. Exceeding 62 linear inches triggers oversize baggage fees between $100 and $200 per flight segment, while items over 80 inches cannot fly on passenger tickets.
The maximum linear dimension limit for standard checked luggage across all major United States airlines is 62 linear inches, calculated by adding the total exterior length, width, and height including wheels and handles.
Airlines enforce strict linear inch boundaries to maintain automated baggage sorting systems and prevent cargo hold delays. Exceeding this dimension threshold reclassifies luggage as oversize cargo, triggering mandatory surcharges between $100 and $200 per flight segment.
If you only do one thing: Choose a checked suitcase with exterior dimensions no larger than 30 x 20 x 12 inches to stay at precisely 62 linear inches when fully packed.
- Legacy carrier baseline: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines cap standard checked bags at 62 linear inches (158 cm) and 50 pounds (22.7 kg), with first-bag fees ranging from $35 to $40.
- Southwest Airlines allowances: Southwest permits two free checked bags up to 62 linear inches and 50 pounds each, assessing a $125 fee per piece for items measuring between 63 and 80 linear inches.
- Alaska and JetBlue thresholds: Both carriers enforce the 62-linear-inch and 50-pound limit, applying oversize surcharges of $150 per bag for measurements from 63 to 115 inches on Alaska and 63 to 80 inches on JetBlue.
- Budget carrier weight variance: Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines enforce the standard 62-linear-inch size ceiling, but they reduce the standard base weight allowance to 40 pounds (18.1 kg) before applying overweight penalties.
- Linear calculation formula: Linear dimensions equal total length plus width plus height (L + W + H), measured from the floor beneath the wheels to the top edge of the fully retracted handle.
- Oversize penalty tiers: Checked items measuring 63 to 80 linear inches incur fees between $100 and $200 each way, while items exceeding 80 linear inches are prohibited on passenger tickets and must move via air cargo.
- Watch out for: Expansion zippers, which add 2 to 3 inches of depth and can push a compliant 60-linear-inch suitcase to 63 inches when expanded.
- Watch out for: Manufacturer sizing labels, as advertised 28-inch suitcase models often measure 30.5 to 31.5 inches once spinner wheels and grab handles are included.
- Watch out for: Regional aircraft cargo limits, where smaller 50-to-76-seat regional jets may require planeside gate-checking even if your bag meets the mainline 62-inch threshold.
Measure your luggage with a rigid tape measure across its widest points including wheels and hardware, then check your ticket's weight tier to avoid gate counter fees.