Somehow, the airline industry just keeps figuring out a way to make you pay.
And luggage manufacturers are jumping for joy over the latest developments.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the lobby group for the airline industry, announced a new initiative to shrink the size of carry-on luggage, ostensibly to create a uniform policy that would allow all carry-ons to fit in planes with more than 120 seats and to be able to board the aircraft more quickly.
Eight international airlines have already said they will adopt the new standard size suggested by IATA, which is 21 percent smaller than current carry-on maximum. The new carry-on size is 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches, compared to the current 22 x 14 x 9.
TravAlliance Media CEO Mark Murphy appeared on CBSNews.com to discuss how this will impact the everyday traveler, who already face enormous baggage fees on checked bags.
Eight airlines are already onboard with the new size restrictions: Air China, Avianca, Azul, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Emirates, Lufthansa and Qatar.
American, Delta and United airlines all follow the current 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on limit, and American is already on record as saying it currently has no plans to reduce the restrictions on carry-on size. Southwest allows carry-ons that are 24 x 16 x 10.
In addition, an "IATA Cabin OK" logo has been developed to signify to airline staff that a bag meets the agreed size guidelines.
"The development of an agreed optimal cabin bag size will bring common sense and order to the problem of differing sizes for carry-on bags," said Tom Windmuller, IATA's senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo and security. "We know the current situation can be frustrating for passengers. This work will help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience."
IATA said recognition of the IATA Cabin OK logo is expected to grow with time as more airlines opt in.
Who else is opting in?
Luggage-makers.
Within hours of IATA's announcement, TUMI put out a release announcing its participation in the plan after working "alongside" IATA to develop the plan.
"TUMI's heritage of design excellence is one that appeals to the world's most sophisticated and demanding consumers who choose only the best internationally known brands to complement their unique travels and lifestyles. We are proud to be working with IATA and Okoban to offer solutions that improve our clients' experiences," says TUMI CEO and President, Jerome Griffith.
Okoban is another company that IATA partnered with to come up with this new idea.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
