# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> General Travel Prep

How to Assess Luggage Linear Dimensions

For most airlines, bags cannot have a linear dimension more than 62 inches. The linear dimension of a suitcase is the length, width and height added together. In essence, this form of measurement forces travelers to measure the entire suitcase to make sure the size meets airline guidelines.

Tape measure
Notepad

Instructions

- 1
  
  A sewing tape measure is easier to use than a construction tape measure.
  
  Stand the piece of luggage to be checked against a wall. Measure the length of the luggage by placing the measuring tape at the top of the bag. Drop the tape measure downward toward the floor. Pull it tight, and read the number on the tape measure. Write down the full height of the baggage on a piece of paper.
- 2
  Place the tape measure in the middle of the baggage, starting on the left side. Pull the tape measure across the luggage, stopping at the opposite end. Write the width measurement underneath the length on the same piece of paper.
- 3
  Turn the suitcase to the side. Place one end of the tape measure in the middle of the suitcase's side. Start at the left side and pull the tape measure across to get the length of the suitcase. Write the measurement underneath the length and width.
- 4
  Add the three numbers together. The result is the linear dimension of the suitcase.