Part of the stress of packing for an important trip comes with finding the best airline-friendly suitcase. You may want a good linear inch suitcase that does precisely what you need with no stress, but that can be easier said than done. In this post, I will share with you some of the best 62-Inch checked luggage (just under 62 linear inches), and what to look out for when you are getting one.
Linear inches refers to the total sum of height, width, and depth of the suitcase and is mainly the standard for checked-in luggage.
- What is a 62 inch luggage?
- Best Polycarbonate 62-inch Case: Delsey Paris Chatelet
- Best Eco-Friendly Hardside Case: Travelpro Maxlite Air
- Best Durable Hardside Case: Traveler’s Choice Maxporter II 30-inch Hardside Spinner Trunk
- Best Lightweight Softside Case: Kenneth Cole Reaction Rugged Roamer
- Best Softside Case With Compartments. TravelPro Bold Rollaboard
- Toughest Softside Case: Briggs & Riley Baseline
- Best Budget Hardside Suitcase:: Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds
- Best Designer 62-inch Suitcase. Steve Madden Designer 28-inch Softside
- Why Do You Need A 62-inch Checked Suitcase?
- Finding The Best 62 Inch Checked Suitcases for Your Needs
- Do You Need A Hardside Or Softside Suitcase?
- Are Softside Cases Lighter And More Environmentally Friendly?
- Should You Get A Suitcase With Expansion Capabilities?
- How Many Compartments And Pockets Should You Have?
- Which Is Better? Inline Wheels Or Spinner Wheels?
- How Much Do You Want To Spend?
- Conclusion
What is a 62 inch luggage?
So, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is 62-inch luggage? It’s essentially a giant among suitcases, boasting impressive dimensions. A typical 62 inch luggage piece measures around 30 inches in length, 20 inches in width, and 12 inches in depth. If you’re wondering how that compares to your everyday luggage, think of it as nearly double the size of a standard carry-on suitcase.
Why People Choose 62-Inch Luggage?
Extended Travel: One of the most common reasons to opt for a 62 inch suitcase is for extended trips. Whether you’re planning a month-long adventure across Europe or a lengthy business trip, this oversized luggage offers the space you need to pack everything comfortably.
Family Travel: If you’re traveling with your family, especially with young children, having a single, spacious suitcase can simplify your packing process. No need for multiple bags; just throw everything into one large piece of luggage.
Avoiding Extra Baggage Fees: Airlines often charge fees for checked luggage, and these fees can add up quickly if you have multiple bags. With a 62 inch suitcase, you can potentially save money by fitting everything into one bag, avoiding extra fees.
Special Items: Sometimes, you need to transport special items that won’t fit in standard-sized luggage. Whether it’s sports equipment, musical instruments, or delicate souvenirs, a 62 inch suitcase can accommodate these items securely.
Features & Considerations for 62 Inch Luggage
Durability: Given its larger size, it’s crucial to choose a durable suitcase with reinforced corners and sturdy wheels. Look for materials like polycarbonate or ballistic nylon for added strength.
Weight: Remember that while a 62-inch suitcase offers ample space, it can become heavy when fully packed. Be mindful of airline weight restrictions, as exceeding them can result in additional fees.
Organization: Look for luggage with multiple compartments, dividers, and compression straps to keep your belongings organized and secure during travel.
Wheels and Handles: Opt for suitcases with multidirectional spinner wheels for easy maneuverability. Telescoping handles and ergonomic grips are also important for hassle-free transport.
Security: Consider suitcases with built-in TSA-approved locks to keep your belongings safe while complying with airline security requirements.
Best Polycarbonate 62-inch Case: Delsey Paris Chatelet
As hardside cases are so popular, let’s start with a great polycarbonate model that has a lot of fans. At 60 linear inches, you have no worries about Delsey Paris Chatelet passing through check-in, and the design means it will turn heads at the same time. The shape and tone of the case, with the faux leather details, is a crowd-pleaser. Yet, there is a practical side here too. The interior is well organized, the are those helpful spinner wheels for ease of use, and it even comes with a brake. The finer details of the 12.6lb case make it one to look out for.
Best Eco-Friendly Hardside Case: Travelpro Maxlite Air
When talking about the benefits of hardside cases, we mentioned the potential for some that are a little more environmentally conscious. TravelPro Maxlite Air is a great example because you have that ideal tough polycarbonate exterior but also a lining made from recycled bottles. It is a small substitution that makes a big difference. The hardside case is the perfect size at 30.5 x 19.5 x 12 in, has those helpful spinner wheels and is surprisingly light at just 11.1lbs. The classic ribbed texture is simple and sleek and comes in a variety of colors to suit your style.
Best Durable Hardside Case: Traveler’s Choice Maxporter II 30-inch Hardside Spinner Trunk
Sticking with the hardside case for a moment, we have something built to be a little tougher. This one is still polycarbonate but is treated to be crack-resistant and has some extra protective guards and a tougher handle. As a result, you should find this looks as good for longer and hold up to multiple trips. Be aware that this is the largest here, at exactly 62 linear inches, but still meets airline requirements. The practical features continue with the customizable shelving and antimicrobial coating.
Best Lightweight Softside Case: Kenneth Cole Reaction Rugged Roamer
If you need a quality softside case that is also lightweight, you might prefer to go for this Kenneth Cole Reaction model. This one is just 9lbs, which can make a big difference when trying to make the most of those weight allowances for flights. The main selling point here is the use of ballistic polyester because while it remains light, it is also much stronger and more water-resistant than other options. This smarter case comes in either black or navy and has double spinner wheels and plenty of compartments Therefore, it is not only one of the lightest but also one of the more practical options on this list.
Best Softside Case With Compartments. TravelPro Bold Rollaboard
As mentioned before, many of the best softside 62-inch cases will have helpful compartments. But, this one goes a little further. You might think that this one sounds a little small at 59.5 linear inches. However, this simply gives you room to take advantage of the expandable feature. The interior compartment is great as you have a large storage area, but also a waterproof one for damp clothes and a mesh pocket. The exterior also has plenty of convenient zippered pockets. Users like the blend of the rugged soft look and the practical features of the inline wheels and extra handle. This is one for those off on an adventure, rather than the business-focused option above.
Toughest Softside Case: Briggs & Riley Baseline
A common concern with these softside cases is that they won’t be as durable or able to withstand damage. Briggs and Riley baseline luggage goes against this by providing a much tougher ballistic nylon case on a strong frame with good spinner wheels. The downside is the heavier weight of 13.6lbs, but this may be worth the compromise. On top of that robust shell, you also get some nice storage options inside, such as the garment hanger and panels and the docking station at the top. This is a carefully considered bag that will suit those that travel a lot.
Best Budget Hardside Suitcase:: Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds
Earlier, we mentioned the possible need for something on the cheaper side to stay within budget. Kenneth Cole Reaction out of bounds lugggage has you covered here with this series of cheaper, lighter hardside cases. The ABS material cuts costs and while it may not have the longevity of something like thicker polycarbonate, it is just 9.6lbs and comes in find bright colors. Surprisingly for a cheap case, you also have a split interior. The design isn’t a million miles away from the TravelPro model with the ribbed look. On top of this, you have the perfect dimensions of 61.75 linear inches so it won’t cause a problem.
Best Designer 62-inch Suitcase. Steve Madden Designer 28-inch Softside
Finally, if you want to spend a little more money on something a bit more high-end, there is this designer option instead. Here, the appeal is all about the look and the extra storage. There are more than enough compartments here on the front of the case for better organization and plenty on the inside too. The luxury feel continues with the little leather accents and general attention to detail in the design. It looks expensive without being showy. While some buyers aren’t so convinced by the wheels or the smaller dimensions of 60.5 linear inches, more are impressed with the practical side of this attractive bag.
Why Do You Need A 62-inch Checked Suitcase?
If you don’t fly that often and are looking for something for a rare family holiday, you might wonder why there is an emphasis on 62 linear inches. It sounds like a random number, but it is actually the limit many airlines place on checked luggage. Anything bigger could become a problem when checking in.
Linear inches means the combined total of the height, depth, and width of the case. This is important as it is all too easy to focus on the height of a case and not consider how deep it gets when packed full of belongings. On top of this, the handles and wheels count so you have to add this onto the overall length of a smaller case to reach 62 inches.
Now, you might think that it doesn’t matter that much and no airport staff member is going to waste precious time getting out a measuring tape. However, this isn’t impossible and you don’t want to run that risk. If they do this with your case and find it is even an inch above the limit, they can charge you a penalty.
So, you must find a suitcase that is just the right size to avoid this hassle. It needs to be small enough not to lead to any of those penalties or other issues but large and practical enough to hold all that you need. Thankfully, there are lots of brands that have you covered and are ready to offer some great products.
Finding The Best 62 Inch Checked Suitcases for Your Needs
The good news for airline passengers is that it isn’t hard to find products that meet this size restriction while also offering other benefits. You can also find some great models that suit various budgetary, design, and other practical needs. With that in mind, let’s look at some of those important considerations and the best products to match.
Do You Need A Hardside Or Softside Suitcase?
This is an important starting point as this will determine the shape, practical features, and look of your case. Some travelers hate using suitcases with hard shells because of the bulky shape and look and others can’t do without them because of their protection. You need to be sure you have the right style that you can get along with across the whole trip.
Hardside cases have a hard shell that will withstand plenty of rough treatment and potential damage compared to softer models. They are popular for checked luggage because of the risk that staff might not be too careful tossing your luggage around from plane to trailer to carousel. The tougher the shell, the lower the risk of dents or damage to anything inside. Also, if you are keen to have a case that looks good, you can find some nice shiny designs for that flat, broad exterior. Or, you can just cover something cheap and basic and stickers
The alternative here is the softside suitcase. These are the more malleable ones that you can adapt and stuff as needed, a bit like an oversized backpack. There are benefits here if you want something a bit smaller and more adaptable, as it is easy to end up with wasted space in a hard shell. You can also find that a lot of these products have exterior pockets. You can read more about cases with good organization later.
Of course, the downside to having a softside case is that you don’t have the same protection from bumps and breakages because of the material. The best polyester softside case should still be durable, waterproof, and tear-resistant, but they only go so far. The other possible issue to watch out for here is that overstuffing the pockets could lead to a change in dimensions that isn’t ideal. With that in mind, there is another question to consider when choosing the best luggage options.
Are Softside Cases Lighter And More Environmentally Friendly?
A concern about getting a big hardside case for your vacation is that you are getting a big piece of plastic at a time when alternative materials are more appealing. Softer materials may be more natural in origin, but that isn’t a guarantee. Also, you can find brands offering great eco-friendly recycled materials too.
As for the weight, the thicker shells can add some weight to the luggage overall but aren’t always as heavy as you expect. Double-check the product weight before buying so you aren’t in danger of going over any limits.
Should You Get A Suitcase With Expansion Capabilities?
Expandable suitcases are great because you can keep them nice and compact on lighter journeys and then utilize that extra capacity as needed. The best options should be easy to use with easy access to this extra inch or so of height. Just make sure that your case doesn’t exceed any limit in this extended form
How Many Compartments And Pockets Should You Have?
Many travelers will say that you can’t have too many pockets and sections to a case, even with checked luggage. It is much easier to organize everything this way and you can separate things like toiletries from clothes a little better, reducing the risk of leaks and damage. Double-check the specifications to see what you get for your money and whether it suits your needs. Also, remember that hardside cases are limited on exterior pockets but may have clever solutions inside.
Which Is Better? Inline Wheels Or Spinner Wheels?
This comes down to personal preference as you have to deal with the motion of the case when wheeling it between locations. The inline wheels are the classic approach where the case rolls in one direction. Just extend the handle, pull the case behind you, and off you go. But, the spinner wheels have become more popular because of their maneuverability. They will go in different directions and you can wheel the case at your side so as not to get in the way of other people. With that side, the spinners are more liable to break. So, there are pros and cons to either option.
How Much Do You Want To Spend?
The final consideration here is the cost. There are pieces of luggage that will require a hefty chunk of your budget to offer the very best features and storage options, all with high-quality materials and the right dimensions. But, there are also brands with much cheaper solutions that are still practical and look great. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend to get the experience and features you are after.
Conclusion
So, now you know a little more about what to look out for when choosing the best 62 inch suitcases. Hope you find our curated list of the best 62 inch luggage useful.