# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Packing for Trips

How to Measure Luggage for Flights

Air travel is more difficult than in years past. Between intrusive security, airlines charging fees for things that used to be free, long lines and sometimes-surly customer service, travel has become more a chore than an adventure. To minimize aggravation and stress, know the rules. A bag or piece of luggage must adhere to a specific set of dimensions to be accepted as a carry-on item. If it exceeds these dimensions, you will be asked to check the bag.

Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Place the luggage to be measured upright on a flat surface. Measure the length of the bag using a tape measure. Length is taken on the top, starting at one end of the longest side and stretching to the other. Take the measurement in inches.
- 2
  Measure the width of the piece of luggage. This is the measurement across the top of the luggage from one side to the other. Width is typically the smallest of the three required measurements. Like the other measurements, take it in inches.
- 3
  Measure the height of the piece of luggage from the bottom of the bag to the top.
- 4
  Write down the luggage dimensions in a Length-Width-Height formula. If you bag is 24 inches long, 8 inches wide and 18 inches high, write it down "24x8x18."
- 5
  Calculate the cubic inches of the piece of luggage should your airline require that information (some airlines do, some don't; best to be prepared). The formula is to multiply the three measurements. In this example, multiply 24 x 8 x 18 for a total of 3,456 cubic inches.