Australian international airlines state their international checked baggage dimension limits are between 156 to 158cm.

Australian international airlines state their international checked baggage dimension limits are between 156 to 158cm.

The suitcases I've been looking to purchase are either too small at around 145cm, or too large at 159cm, or 160cm.

My question is, if my suitcase is within the 23kg weight limit but slightly over the 158cm dimension limit, does it matter?

Most likely not.

But if they pull out the measuring tape be prepared for it to be gate checked.

in the matter of 1-2cms, I THINK you'll be fine...i've never witnessed a checkin agent measure the linear dimensions of a suitcase ....BUT of course, if the suitcase is 'blindingly obvious' that it exceeds the dimensions(3 or more cms), then I fear you may strike an issue.

note...i too am referring to ckeckin/hold luggage as per the OP

The OP is talking about checked baggage, not carry on. You should be fine, they scrutinise carry on a whole lot more

Thanks for the replies.

I find it odd that so many suitcases are slightly over, or way over, the international checked baggage restrictions. Who would buy these suitcases? It doesn't seem to make any sense.

I've read many suitcase reviews and decided on a Samsonite Blite Xtra. I'm interested in the 77cm case but it's literally 1cm over the 158cm limit. I called VA and on 2 separate ocassions was told:

1) Guest Contact Centre Rep: It's fine they aren't strict about dimensions, they mainly care about weight. If your baggage is within 23kg but a few cm over doesn't matter

2) Priority Service Guest Contact Centre Supervisor: Even if it's 1cm over the "Baggage might get damaged in the cargo hold" - really?

I would normally implore you to buy a 115cm case, just so you have the ability to bring it on board if needed (the supplementary argument being that if you can't fit everything into a 115cm case and a backpack/large handbag, you need to dump stuff), but in this case I would not worry about the 1cm difference.

Just buy the bag.

I'm tempted not to worry either, but in the unlikely event if something were to happen to the bag, could they say "Oh well, it's larger than our dimensions so all claims null and void"

thems the rules...if you're looking for 'justification' from others to not follow the rules....at the end of the day...it's still your choice

and also there are many other uses for suitcases, outside of  commercial air travel...including other modes of transport..that's why suitcases come in various..and larger sizes

Heh, you're quite right! That was a rather myopic comment...... :O

Interesting!  Never paid any attention to checked baggage dimensions; wasn't even aware there were limitations on the dimensions.  I suppose having published limitations could theoretically empower counter staff to refuse oversized checked baggage thereby forcing you to consign it as freight...?

Do you think the check-in staff could really eyeball if a suitcase is 156cm or 159cm whilst still trying to process all their other tasks in the quickest time possible?

Dont even try it with Japan airlines, seen the checkin staff step out with the tape measure many times. Moreso with snowboard bags but checked the normal ones at the same time, not worth the risk mate. Don't say you werent warned if you get pulled up

I flew around the world Business and first and premium economy in South America (It's all they really have) with a samsonite 81 = approx 176 cm. I can literally fit in it and get wheeled around by mates! I have NEVER had a problem, and in Japan the check in staff were hilarious and let me go with over weight too. I've flown domestically with both Virgin and QANTAS with the same bag and not a problem yet....

However, I do agree better to be safe than sorry, rather than run up against a grumpy check in chick.