How to measure baggage dimensions
Dec 5, 2006 | 2:32 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Norristown, PA
Programs: UA Milaeage Plus, Delta Skymiles, AW Flight Fund, SCH Priority Club, Coice Priviledge, Jet Privilege
Posts: 72
How to measure baggage dimensions
I will be travelling by Lufthansa on Dec 12 for my vacation. Lufthansa says they accept the checkin baggage with max dimension L + W+ H = 62" or 158 cms.
Is this measured with the wheels, stand and other protruded parts (such as handle side studs etc) or is it just baggage compartment external diemasiosn. A standard 29" bag is 61-62" without wheels & stand but about 63.5-64" with stand and wheels etc. Next one 26" or 27" is about 54-58" which makes me believe that 29" bag is what they mean by L+W+H = 62". But I don't want to be in trouble at the airport and want to confirm this. Has anyone had experience with this or used standard 29" bag (Skybag Decade in particular) on Lufthansa flights.
Is this measured with the wheels, stand and other protruded parts (such as handle side studs etc) or is it just baggage compartment external diemasiosn. A standard 29" bag is 61-62" without wheels & stand but about 63.5-64" with stand and wheels etc. Next one 26" or 27" is about 54-58" which makes me believe that 29" bag is what they mean by L+W+H = 62". But I don't want to be in trouble at the airport and want to confirm this. Has anyone had experience with this or used standard 29" bag (Skybag Decade in particular) on Lufthansa flights.
Dec 5, 2006 | 5:19 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hsinchu (Taiwan), Saigon, London
Programs: EVA (diamond), A3, BMI, VN
Posts: 2,960
I believe the general rule is all protruding parts must fit within those dimensions.
However, I've never seen check-in staff meaure regular-shaped baggage. They only get worried about fragile items, overweight items, odd-shaped items, chemicals etc. If it goes on the conveyor, they don't seem worried. In the UK, a single piece cannot be more than 32Kg (for the safety of baggage handlers) so if your luggage allowance is 40Kg, then you would have to take two pieces to use it. If you've maxed out on the size, its easy to to go above 32Kg.
I just measured a suitcase I regularly use. External dimensions add up to 63" and its not the biggest I use. I use a variety of airlines but not LH.
I think you'll be fine with 64", especially as the dimensions are in proportion (ie its not an odd shape).
Maybe worth asking this in the LH forum in case LH are particularly fussy. (Or ask the mods to move the thread.)
However, I've never seen check-in staff meaure regular-shaped baggage. They only get worried about fragile items, overweight items, odd-shaped items, chemicals etc. If it goes on the conveyor, they don't seem worried. In the UK, a single piece cannot be more than 32Kg (for the safety of baggage handlers) so if your luggage allowance is 40Kg, then you would have to take two pieces to use it. If you've maxed out on the size, its easy to to go above 32Kg.
I just measured a suitcase I regularly use. External dimensions add up to 63" and its not the biggest I use. I use a variety of airlines but not LH.
I think you'll be fine with 64", especially as the dimensions are in proportion (ie its not an odd shape).
Maybe worth asking this in the LH forum in case LH are particularly fussy. (Or ask the mods to move the thread.)
Dec 6, 2006 | 6:42 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: south of WAS DC
Posts: 10,131
I've never seen an attendent with a measuring device. That includes the hours I have waited in lines at UA IAD. I'm certain it does happen. My maxi bag comes in at a close 62+ inches, but then has a zip telescope section that gets it out to about 66-67. it has never been measured. I fly lh/ua most of thetime.