Suitcase size regulations?
 

My husband and I have always traveled with one large Samsonite wheeling suitcase. It is soft-sided and I believe it is a 29", but maybe 30. We really have not flown with it since 9/11 and I understand there are new regulations. Has anyone had any problems with US Air charging extra for a similar size bag?

Check the USAir website for specifications. I've seen people have to pay extra for bags that weigh too much; I'm sure I've seen bags that size on United and Continental.

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one of the great airline ironies these days is this: being a good packer and having just one suitcase can be a BAD thing. My girlfriend and I packed one suitcase for a week in Paris last year and were charged for excess weight! The people behind us checked FOUR medium-sized bags without any problem. The airline employee told us the weight issue is to "project the health of the employees who must lift it." Whatever!

I traveled on United in June and my bag weighed 53 lbs. I had to take 3 lbs. of stuff out before I could check the bag without an extra charge. That's the first time I have had that happen to me and I know I have had bags in the past that have weighed more than 50 lbs.

MarciaK..I think the weight is more the issue than the size of your suitcase.
The airlines have really been cracking down on the weight lately (really after the last commercial flight that crashed right after takeoff-investigation showed excess weight). I believe 50lbs is the limit for most airlines, but doublecheck with the airline you're flying with.

and the previous poster is also right about the airlines watching out for the health of their employees (maybe a union agreement re: weight?). although i wouldn't say "whatever!". lifting hundreds of 50lbs bags every day has got to have a negative effect on the baggage handlers' backs.

50-lb bags were fine and dandy when the airlines were making money! I don't buy the "health" argument for a second although I do so wisdom in packing two lighter bags.

should read "do SEE wisdom..." Time for bed as I can't type anymore today!

As the other say - it isn't 9/11 security issue. A 30 inch case will easily go over the newly enforced weight allowances on most airlines. The overweight charges will hit you on each flight so they will add up. Plus if the bag is mis-routed, both of you will be without a change of clothes until it shows up.

It would probably be more practical to take two 22 inchers (whether you check them or carry them on) or maybe 24's (if you always intend to check them).

Then you can place some of each of your wardrobes in both bags.

There are weight restrictions AND size restrictions. If the bag is bigger than 62" (h+w+l), than it's too big.
Keep in mind, though, the airlines are real inconsistent with checking these things.

However, rest assured if they pick up your bag and it weighs as though you have a Brink's truck inside, they'll charge you more.

I agree with the two bag tip..we were away a couple of months ago, and brought a carry on and one large bag. When we came home, they picked up the large bag & decided to weigh it (and that was the one that had extra room for souvenirs, so it was probably heavier than when we left). We came in at 50.5, but anything higher than that would have been an add'l $75 charge.

Even if your bag is the right measurement you have to be careful (weight of contents aside) not to overstuff it. A friend of mine had what was otherwise an appropriately sized suitcase for carryon that she had to checked. It had a pocket on the outside that could be stuffed quite full if you wanted - extending the width of the suitcase because of that. In its "stuffed" state it was too big, unstuffed it would not have been.

Agree with all those who said to pay attention to the weight of your bag--50 lbs is the limit per bag for domestic travel, 75lbs for overseas, at most major airlines. They'll take a heavier bag, but you'll have to pay extra (don't know how much). If your bag is over the limit, they will let you shift stuff around, remove it to another bag, etc., so if you have any doubts about the weight of your bag, it would be smart to have another bag handy to take the spillover. Most check in counters have scales now, so even a few pounds too many will be caught.
Curbside check in may enable you to get away with a few pounds if they don't have a scale, but not if your bag is a real monster.
Size tends not to be as much of an issue unless you're checking something other than a suitacse, like a box, cooler, etc.
Happy trails!

Thank you all for all of your help!!! I think we will play it safe and take 2 bags. I like the idea of having some stuff even if one bag is "misplaced" by the airlines!!
Thanks again!

Best bet is to check USAirways website, if I'm not mistaken, I checked for a flight in late July and the weight regulation was 70#. I have one of those larger suitcases, and I took it, but made sure the weight wasn't astronomical (if you have a scale at home, you can get a "rough" idea before leaving).