When your suitcase approaches the 62" maximum dimensions for non-oversize airline travel, it's more important to make sure it's under the 50 lb. weight limit than to worry about oversize.

My experience traveling with folders is to never, and I mean never, exceed that 50 lb. limit. If you do, the agent will whip out a tape measure and see if you can be charged for oversize as well as overweight. I stock my suitcases to a max of 48 lb., just to make sure any differences in scale measurements don't bump me over 50 lb. at the counter.

If the suitcase looks close to the 62" limit but isn't over 50 lb., many agents - especially if they're busy with a long line - will skip the tape measure step. It takes more time to use a tape measure than to read a weight scale.