The recommendation by the worldwide Air Transport Association suggests an “optimal” carry-on size at 21.5 inches tall by 13.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches deep. Thankfully, no USA carriers have. Airlines then found a way to profit from the inevitable bin anxiety by selling the right to board early and get to the bins quicker.
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“Delta has no plans to reduce the size allowance for carry-on bags”, the Atlanta-based carrier said in a statement on Tuesday, noting concern over the IATA initiative.
Delta (DAL – Get Report) isn’t happy with an airline industry trade group’s effort to implement a smaller standard size for carry-on bags.
“Tom Windmuller, IATA’s senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo and security stated”, This is a program that is created to make things easier for everyone”.
But on Wednesday, IATA put the idea on hold altogether, saying it was launching a “comprehensive reassessment” to consult with program participants, other airlines and key stakeholders. Airlines for America (A4A) vigorously advocates on behalf of the American airline industry as a model of safety, customer service and environmental responsibility and as the indispensable network that drives our nation’s economy and global competitiveness. “We agree with IATA’s action to reassess this initiative and take into account stakeholders’ views and recognize work already underway to improve baggage facilitation”. It would be a voluntary agreement between the association and carriers who choose to participate.
Roller bags are common among air travelers. He added: “Enough already!”
Of course, all of us want some extra room in our bags for clothes or souvenirs, so when it comes to our opinion, we can definitely say the larger the suitcase is, the better.
Thomas Windmuller emphasised at a media briefing in Miami that the new standard wouldn’t prevent airlines from allowing larger carry-ons on board but the message was apparently not relayed.
However this turns out-and so far, no US airlines have had the temerity to publicly support the IATA initiative-the content and tenor of the public’s reaction is a clear indication of the prevailing high level of distrust enjoyed by the airlines.
“Cabin OK is a guideline for an optimally sized cabin bag, not an industry standard”, the group stated.
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A journalist tests out the new ‘IATA Cabin OK’ carry-on baggage guideline that many airlines see as a solution to the fight for space in overhead lockers. It also says no consumer will be forced into buying a new bag as a result of this voluntary initiative, but doesn’t explain how a traveller may be able to benefit without doing so.
