Buying New Luggage any suggestions?

[LARGIN]

Ok stupid question probably but how do you measure luggage? Samsonite's measurements for it's 30 inch are 30.5" x 21" x 10" = 62

 

Is that the correct way to measure for airline standards?

 

Anyone know of a sure fire way to weigh packed luggage?

You are correct, however if the bag is softsided and expandable, it might exceed the 62 inch limit when fully stuffed..

[Fila]

Are the airlines really that strict? Are you dinged for going over a few inches? I read on a luggage review that airlines have a carryon template. Is that correct?

[crystalloubear]

They do have a carryon template. You can sit your bag in this steel frame that shows how big the bag can be.

I USED to travel with a 30" expandable Samsonite suitcase which exceeded the limits when full (the linear inches and weight). I was "warned" that it was above the limits. This was when the rule was just new. They told me that they would let it go since the rule was new and told me that if I choose to bring it again that I would be required to pay like $50 extra each way for it. So I stopped taking it when I fly b/c I am not paying extra for it.