Checked Luggage
Luggage & Travel · 8 specs
Direct Answer
Standard airline checked baggage is governed by the universal 62 linear inch rule (Length + Width + Height ≤ 158 cm) with a standard economy weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) and an oversized/heavy maximum limit of 70 lbs (32 kg).
Source: IATA Baggage Standards / Commercial Airline Tariffs · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Governing Standard | IATA Recommended Practice 1724 / Commercial Airline Tariffs |
| Universal Size Limit | 62.0 linear inches (157.5 cm) total Length + Width + Height |
| Standard Medium Checked Bag (24-26") | 26 × 18 × 10.5 inches (66 × 46 × 27 cm) | 54.5 linear in | 60–75 L |
| Standard Large Checked Bag (28-30") | 30 × 20 × 12 inches (76 × 51 × 30 cm) | 62.0 linear in | 95–115 L |
| Standard Weight Allowance (Economy) | 50.0 lbs (23.0 kg) |
| Business / First Class Allowance | 70.0 lbs (32.0 kg) |
| Absolute Maximum Weight Cap (Baggage Handler Safety) | 70.0 lbs (32.0 kg) | Above 32kg must ship as cargo |
| Oversized Baggage Threshold | > 62 linear inches up to 115 linear inches (subject to excess fee) |
Checked Suitcase Size Tiers & Linear Calculations
| Suitcase Category | Nominal Height | Typical Dimensions (H × W × D) | Linear Inches (H+W+D) | Internal Volume | Typical Trip Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Checked | 24"–26" | 26" × 18" × 10.5" (66 × 46 × 27 cm) | 54.5 linear in | 60–75 Liters | 5 to 9 days |
| Large Checked | 28"–30" | 30" × 20" × 12" (76 × 51 × 30 cm) | 62.0 linear in | 95–115 Liters | 10 to 14 days (Max standard) |
| Extra-Large (Oversize) | 31"–33" | 32" × 22" × 13.5" (81 × 56 × 34 cm) | 67.5 linear in | 125–150 Liters | Relocation / Special cargo (Fee applies) |
The 62-Linear-Inch Rule & 32kg Handler Safety Cap
The 62-linear-inch limit (158 cm) is the global threshold between standard checked baggage and oversize cargo fees across virtually all IATA member airlines:
- Linear Calculation: Add the absolute exterior dimensions: Linear Inches = Length + Width + Height. A 30-inch suitcase measuring 30 × 20 × 12 inches totals exactly 62 linear inches. Expanding the zippered gusset by 2 inches (30 × 20 × 14 = 64 linear inches) triggers oversize baggage fees (roughly $150–200 per leg, airline-dependent).
- The 32 kg (70 lb) Health & Safety Ceiling: Many airport baggage handling unions and carriers cap a single piece of commercial passenger luggage at 32.0 kg (70.5 lbs) to protect ramp workers from musculoskeletal injury. Bags exceeding 32 kg are commonly rejected at the check-in desk and must be repacked into two bags or routed through commercial freight terminals.