New York – Millions of fliers might soon want to buy new carry-on suitcases.
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Global airlines announced Tuesday a new guideline that recommends shrinking carry-on bags, in an effort to free up space in packed overhead bins.
The guideline, which is not binding, means that many existing bags currently in compliance with airline rules would not be given preferential treatment in the boarding process. While details of how the guideline will be implemented are murky, and could vary from airline to airline, it raises the possibility that many fliers would be forced to check their favorite carry-on bag.
Fliers might either need to buy smaller suitcases or pay a fee to check their bags, typically $25 each way.
The recommendation by the International Air Transport Association suggests an “optimal” carry-on size at 21.5 inches tall by 13.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches deep. That’s smaller than the current maximum size allowed by many airlines. For instance, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines all currently allow bags up to 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches — although gate agents don’t always enforce those more-generous measurements.
Airlines around the globe have varying standards — different enough that a carry-on bag that is acceptable to one airline isn’t allowed in the cabin of another. The airline trade group says the new guideline will not necessarily replace each airline’s rules on bag size, but gives them a uniform measurement that “will help iron out inconsistencies.”
Theoretically, if airlines follow this guideline “everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board aircraft of 120 seats or larger,” the trade group said. Today, it’s typical for the last 20 or so passengers to board to be forced to check their bags at the gate because the bins are already full.
Eight major international airlines will soon introduce the guideline into their operations. Chris Goater, a spokesman for the transport association, said they are: Air China, Avianca, Azul, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Emirates, Lufthansa and Qatar.
“It’s certainly not mandatory,” Goater said.
No U.S. airlines have yet signed on, but Goater expects more carriers to quickly do so. The suggested size was just unveiled publicly Tuesday at a meeting of global airline CEOs in Miami.
Goater said the airlines are working with several large luggage manufacturers but none that are ready to be disclosed publicly. Bags with new labels, designating them as “Cabin OK,” are expected to be in stores by the end of the year.
soon we will have to shrink to save fuel and have smaller seats to push in more passengers
wear layers ..it’s cold enough on the planes so that should not be a problem
then all we’ll need is a little canvas tote.
Airlines need to enforce limits on the number of carry-ons. Because of the baggage fees, more people are bringing bags, totes, packages, etc.
Wear layers: of tefilin? A book to read for 9 hours? Sandwiches? Her make up? Deodorant? I just went on international 9 hours and there was not enough kosher for all. Kids received first. just a note: from my last experience. The square and round matzas arrive intact beautifull if you hand carry 🙂
I travelled to Israel on the major Israeli airline and they would not give a meal to my almost two year old sitting in a seat. I had purchased a seat and was not not paying as they assumed. They demanded to see my tickets, never apologized and explained they had no more meals.
Always carry food. Always be ready to discard upon landing in the USA.
If they’d just get rid of those pesky passengers they’d have plenty of room for luggage!
This might be acceptable if they fired the criminal TSA workers who steal from “checked” baggage.
Another way to make (rob) more money
Most of the airlines listed are Chinese, Arab and, of course, Lufthansa y”sh. Losers who fly these airlines deserve what they get.