Measure the outside dimensions of your packed luggage. It is important to wait to measure your luggage until after you pack it. Often, luggage has zipper areas that allow the bag to expand out as you stuff items into these compartments. Measure the height, width and length of your bag.
Add the dimensions you measured in Step 1. Airlines usually set a limit to the total inches of luggage (often 45 or 55 inches for carry-on luggage) and a bag’s dimensions must add up to less than this number. Be careful, however, because even if your bag falls within the total number of inches, if your bag has an odd shape, the airline may make you check it.
Weigh your packed bags to find out how much they weigh. If necessary, weigh yourself on a bathroom scale alone and then step back on the scale holding the bag. Subtract the first weight from the second weight to find the weight of your bag. Some airlines restrict carry-on bags to small weights. Checked luggage has a weight restriction for heavy bags.
Contact the airline directly or visit the airline's website to find out about the specific policies that govern luggage.
