Photo by SuperJet International
You might soon have to check that faithful carry-on bag that just fits into the overhead bin.
The International Air Transport Association, which is the airlines’ trade group, announced today a new guideline that would slim down the size of bags allowed on board, reports the Associated Press. For American, Delta and United the current maximum carry-on size allowed is 22 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 9 inches deep. The new recommended limits are 21.5″ x 13.5″ x 7.5″.
For the height and width the new dimensions only shave off .5 inches, but the width would be 1.5 inches less. And we all know every inch (or half inch) makes a difference when stuffing our lives into a carry-on. But these days when seats and even bathrooms are shrinking before our eyes it was only a matter of time, right?
The idea behind the change is to open up more space in overhead bins, which often seem to fill up faster than airplanes fly. So, there are good intentions here: According to the group’s calculations it would allow for every person on a plane of 120 seats or larger to stow their bags in the bins. That’d mean less gate-checking and fewer battles waged over overhead space.
But let’s not get, er, carried away just yet. While it’s not clear how the guideline would be implemented — and it probably would vary among airlines — chances are the change would cost fliers, either by forcing them to check their carry-on (almost always for a fee, of course, unless you’re flying Spirit) or to pony up for new luggage that fits within the new limits. Apparently the airlines are working with some luggage brands to produce bags that measure up to the new dimensions and would come pre-labeled as “Cabin OK.” Cute.
Eight international airlines will soon begin adhering to the new dimensions — which are not a requirement but a suggestion — said a spokesman for the transport association. Thanks, Air China, Avianca, Azul, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Emirates, Lufthansa and Qatar!
Again, though, it’s not clear what the result of that will be. It could be anything from preferential boarding for those with smaller carry-ons to requiring people to check their bigger, now-outdated bags. No U.S. airlines are on board yet.