[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

It depends how much is stuffed into it. You can buy a bag that is the correct size, have your laminated card with the dimensions on it, but if you unzip the expanders and stuff all of the pockets to capacity, that bag can be oversized.

So, using this reasoning, if I check a HARD-SIDED suitcase that is say, 2 to 3 inches within the limits, and have that laminated card, I should have no problem? With, at least, 30% of the check-in agents (nationwide, all US-based airlines), I don't think so. The reality is there are a lot of agents who, essentially, make-up "conditions of carriage," and, if the customer dares to object it's "shut-up, or I call the cops!" This is called "doing your job" AND relieving boredom.