ScubaBoard's GREATEST QUESTION EVER! (Some math required.)

[americanoregon]

I am getting ready to load my gear on a plane. The airline says baggage Height + Width + Length cannot exceed 62 inches. If I use my gear bag, which is much smaller, I am giving up potential cargo space. So I think, "I'll make my own box." If the box is 30 x 30 x 2, I get 1800 cubic inches. If the box is 15 x 15 x 32, I get 7200 cubic inches. What are the optimal dimensions for greatest volume within airline limits?

Scoring System (like math classes at my Jr. High): If you know the answer, you get five points. If you know the answer AND THE FORMULA, you get 25 points.

Extra Credit: double points if your answer includes CYLINDER shaped containers.

If you happen to go to my Jr. High, you can redeem your points for cupcakes at the end of the year.

 

[rottielover]

42

 

[americanoregon]

Rottie Lover gets NO CUPCAKES!

 

[rottielover]

Not a fan of "Hitchhikers Guide" are you?

 

[chairmanTARAC]

It doesn't matter. If you go over 50lbs you pay extra and go thru hassles

 

[The Horn]

Pack it a sphere 32 " in diameter V=4/3 pi r^3= 17157 cubic in or 9.9 cubic feet.

 

[dannobee]

a cube 20.667" on each side. ~8827 cu. in.

how do you want the formula? Calculus?

I believe they'd ding you on a sphere that big.

 

[Damselfish]

Pack it a sphere 32 " in diameter V=4/3 pi r^3= 17157 cubic in or 9.9 cubic feet.

Should be fun to watch that coming down the luggage chute...

 

[abitton]

a cube 20.667" on each side. ~8827 cu. in.

how do you want the formula? Calculus?

I believe they'd ding you on a sphere that big.

I'm with Dannobee. And you can't give the formula without calculus. It's a maximization differential equation...

Alex

 

[mike_s]

I have a simple solution for your problem.


Check your bags at "Curbside Checking" with a "SkyCap". They work for tips. They will put any bag through, regardless of weight.

Why?

Because if the bag is overweight they can't take your money for the overweight bag since the payment goes to the airline. This causes them to "send you inside" to the ticket counter. If you go inside, they loose their opportunity for any tip. They realize this is a "grand opportunity" for a little more tip, so they might tell you it's overweight, but they will usually tell you (with a little wink, etc.) that they can take care of you.

So, give them a little extra "tip" and you can check any size bag you want with them.