Luggage Measurements Are Not All Equal

Often, we are asked why one 22" carry on is larger than another brands 22" carry on luggage. The reason is not all companies measure their luggage in the same way. Many of the international luggage companies such as Antler luggage, Lipault luggage and Rimowa luggage measure from the very bottom of the wheels to the top of the carry handle. Since a company like Samsonite, Delsey, and Travelpro measure the case itself only, these brands will have the 22" size that will actually be larger than the cases measured from the floor up. Sometimes this is a good thing. Overhead compartments on planes are becoming more and more crowded. A slightly smaller carry on is easier to fit in this crowded overhead compartment. Also, many airlines insist that you put your carry on luggage in a template before boarding. A larger carry on that is overstuffed will have a hard time fitting in this "box" before boarding, and you be asked to gate check or send the bag through as baggage with a charge. Of course, many travelers just want the largest carry on luggage and that would be a carry on size that has not measured the wheels. When sending your luggage through as baggage, often travelers want the largest piece of luggage that they can take. Keep in mind that an Antler luggage 29" pullman is smaller than a Delsey 29" upright case because of the way each company does the measurements.