<p>Move in day approaches, and for those of us who are flying avoiding the over-sized bags fee is crucial. We all know about the 50 lb limit which is easy to determine if we are over, but my question is for the 62 linear inch limit. That's when you add the three dimensions of the bag, it can't be more than 62. I just ordered a rolling duffel bag that adds up to 72 linear inches. Has anyone ever been dinged for this? Is it a common occurrence that the airlines will measure your bag and determine linear inches and add over sized bag fees?</p>
<p>have used a very large duffel and have never had anyone measure linear inches at the airport for checked baggage…in the US</p>
<p>Europe a whole different ball game; Daughter was 'dinged" for a carry-on that exceeded linear dimensions AND weight…and she never had a problem in the US with this particular bag…</p>
<p>This is where you have to work the system and act like you know what you’re doing. You walk up, smile, engage the person in chit-chat, they’ll let you through. I’ve had times where my bag was overweight and they still let me through because I was being nice and friendly to overworked travel people.</p>
<p>Here’s what I got: [url=<a href=“Home - MeritLine”>Home - MeritLine]Coleman</a> Luggage - Excursion I 36" Bottom Wheeled Rolling Duffel, Grey<a href=“I%20hope%20they%20let%20me%20post%20that-%20if%20not,%20it’s%20a%20rolling%20duffel%20that%20is%2036%22x15.5%22x17.5%22,%20so%20it’s%20actually%2069.0%20linear%20inches.”>/url</a> </p>
<p>It just doesn’t look that huge to me, and we really need space… I also wonder if the measuring stick came out if I could just sit on the duffel to smash it down some, at least the height measurement must be somewhat imprecise? I agree with poster who said the fees would buy another bag though, definitely don’t want that to happen! Also pizzagirl, niceness does go a long way :)</p>
<p>those are the exact dimensions of the one we have used for the past 10 years…</p>
<p>and btw, for some reason, it it extremely difficult to overpack it (over 50 lbs) unless you put bricks in it; ours seems to be lighter than most suitcases and, therefore, allows for more “stuff” to be packed…</p>
<p>technically then, DSs golf bag exceeds linear inches every time he travels. Has never been an issue.</p>
<p>^^exactamundo</p>
<p>Golf bags are in their own luggage category. So are baby strollers, and child car-safety seats.</p>
<p>If you are concerned about that duffle, return it, and get one size smaller. Or, double-check the charges you might have to pay and be prepared to pony-up. The fee may be worth it to you. I’ve never been the person charged for over-size or over-weight baggage, but I’ve seen it happen.</p>
<p>When I was helping my D to fly out to her summer program, I got the impression that they were tightening up the restrictions. Unlike previous years, they noticed. My D was lucky. She packed without considering limits and her bag was exactly 50LB.</p>
<p>It depends on carrier- I just flew Delta and I watched the person in front of me have to toss some of her stuff in her carryon</p>
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<p>For checked, D just flew back from COsta Rica with a hammock in her backpack & while they stuffed it in a plastic bag, it didn’t count as oversize except at one airport.</p>
<p>Most carriers check the weight of each piece of luggage (they usually ask you to put it on a scale next to the counter). I know southwest puts tags on their bags when they approach 50 lb to warn the baggage handlers about the weight.</p>
<p>If you are concerned, return it for a smaller bag. Instead of stuffing suitcases, box up stuff and send fedex ground or UPS to New Haven.</p>
<p>While the airline does reserve the right to measure the size of your checked and carryon luggage, for checked luggage they are mostly concerned about weight. It is very easy to pack 50+ pounds of stuff into a large suitcase, especially if one is using space bags. Lucky for me, Delta grants its elite passengers a 70 pound weight limit on luggage when flying domestically, so I don’t have to worry so much about my bag weighing a little over 50 pounds.</p>
<p>Continental seems to be getting stricter. I used a carry-on recently that has made many trips without a problem, but they pulled me out of line, tried to put it into the baggage check and it was just over the 9" because of the wheels (the other measurements were fine). I had to pay the fee and have it checked. It was a Samsonite and labeled a carry-on. Guess I won’t be taking that one any more on trips.</p>
<p>I’ve also seen many people lately have to take stuff out of their checked baggage because of excess weight. But I don’t think I’ve seen anyone stopped because of the size of their checked bag.</p>
<p>With the airlines out to squeeze every last penny they can out of you, I wouldn’t go on past history (especially if you are going to be using this bag a lot in the future). I used to be able to travel with a bag that was over weight and never got a second look. Tried it a while ago and was “fined” the over weight charge. </p>
<p>We got my DD a bag that was the second largest as the biggest one was oversize (fortunately the catalog listing mentioned that). Wasn’t that much smaller but enough. She carries a second bag going to school in the fall and coming home for summer. For the airline she typically travels, the second bag fee ($35) is much less than the oversize fee ($200). Why risk it? </p>
<p>PS. And the second bag fee is less than the UPS ground shipping across country for the weight she is shipping. Having an apartment starting this fall (and the typical 12 month lease) gives her an opportunity to leave some clothes back at school and not have to ship so much all the time.</p>
<p>We always put a strap around our large rolling duffels, to smush them in and make them look thinner. They are measurement legal, but just barely. We think a luggage strap makes them look less conspicuous. If a bag is okay by weight and doesn’t look enormous, you should be okay.</p>
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<p>Do you use a special cover or bag to take golf clubs? </p>
<p>Also, does anyone know how we should pack hiking backpack (with frame). DS is doing a hiking program and we plan on either taking it back with us on plane when we leave (we are staying around to do some sightseeing) or having him ship it back to us.</p>
<p>D just checked her backpack & like I mentioned on the way home she had a big wooden framed hammock sticking out of it.</p>
<p>Sorry emeraldkity4…missed the backpack part of that post. I am concerned with all the zippers and ties that it will somehow get caught up in the machinery that makes up the baggage handling system. That’s why I thought it needed to be in a bag or a box.</p>
<p>The airline did put it in a big clear bag.</p>