Is it safe to knowingly buy an oversized (67-inch) suitcase? Are size limits enforced?
This question is regarding check-in, not carry-on, baggage.
I'm considering buying a very spacious suitcase measuring 31 x 21 x 15 inches, for a total of 67 inches. This is greater than the 62-inch limit most airlines have [1]. My present suitcase measures 63 inches, which better fits the limit than the one I'm considering buying.
Do airlines actually enforce the size limit for check-in baggage, such as by levying a surcharge? Has this happened to you or to someone you directly know, or is it only a theoretical risk? If it's only a theoretical risk, I'll buy this suitcase.
I've had my check-in suitcase weighed several times, but never had its dimensions measured, as far as I can remember.
[1] Except for Emirates, which recently decreased its limit to 59 inches.
Best Answer
I wouldn't. Check this comment from Amazon.com:
I just Goodwilled a similar bag (65.5 inches linear) with a long history of reliable service after being warned twice on a recent overseas trip that they'd "let me go this time" but that it was oversize and to not trust that I encounter someone as flexible next time through...
Posted on May 29, 2013. Airlines rarely become more forgiving with luggage as time passes.
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Do airlines enforce checked baggage size?
They usually don't, unless it's just bad luck. A few years back, I had bag that was measured at an airport in the US, by a rookie agent. It was about a couple inches more than the size limits, cost me $150 on the spot.Can a suitcase be too big to check?
Can You Bring Oversized or Overweight Checked Luggage? If checked luggage is over 62 linear inches or over 70 pounds, most airlines will let you bring it anyway. However, you'll have to pay the oversized or overweight luggage fees, which can get fairly expensive.What is considered an oversized suitcase?
Any bag with a sum of length, width, and height of greater than 62 inches will generally fall into the oversized category. Oversized baggage fees are usually charged in addition to any standard, excess, or overweight fee.What is the biggest size suitcase you can buy?
The biggest suitcase size is 32\u201d. These are extra-large checked suitcases that often measure 31-32\u201d with the wheel and handle, and they are rare. Most brands will have a 28\u201d suitcase as their biggest option \u2013 these bags often have a capacity of 90-100 liters, which is more than enough for the average person.5 Ways to Avoid Baggage Fees
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Answer 2
I recently flew with KLM from Amsterdam, where self-checking luggage is possible. Apparently (the screen tells you so) it will measure the size of your luggage, so it seems to get enforced at least somewhere. It tells you to make sure handles are down etc. Then it will take a few seconds to scan your bag and will tell you if it is okay or not. Possibly, as Willeke already points out in her answer, this will be implemented by more airlines in the future.
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