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How to Calculate a Carry-On Bag Size

Have you ever arrived to an airport, ready to board your plane in pursuit of a vacation holiday, only to find that your luggage is not allowed entry on the plane because it is too large? As the attendant probably explained, each airline enforces its own carry-on and checked luggage size requirements. Learn how to measure your carry-on bag before arriving at the airport, and prevent being turned away from an important flight ever again.

Measuring stick

Instructions

- 1
  Stand the carry-on bag up on a table.
- 2
  Measure the carry-on bag from east to west to obtain the width of the carry-on bag. For example, the carry-on bag could be 20 inches across. Note this number.
- 3
  Measure the carry-on bag from north to south to obtain the length of the carry-on bag. For example, the carry-on bag could be 35 inches from top to bottom. The length will always be the highest numerical value. Note this number.
- 4
  Measure the depth of the carry-on bag. The easiest way to do this, especially if the carry-on bag is already packed, is to locate the zipper and then measure the depth from the bottom to the top of the carry-on bag. In other words, determine how deep the carry-on bag is in inches. For example, the carry-on bag could be 7 inches deep. The depth will be the smallest numerical value.
- 5
  Add the three measurements. Add the length, width and depth of the carry-on bag to determine its lineal size in inches. The carry-on bag in this example is 35 + 20 + 7 inches respectively, or 62 inches. If the carrier allows carry-on bags that are 65 inches or less, this carry-on bag would be approved.