A Proposal to Shrink the Size of Carry-on Luggage

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 250 airlines, has proposed a standard carry-on size of 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches, which would mean that “theoretically everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board an aircraft of 120 seats or larger.” There isn’t currently a standard size, but major airlines now allow carry-ons that are slightly larger that what is being proposed. Reports the L.A. Times:

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines, for example, limit carry-on bags to no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

Southwest limits carry-on bags to not bigger than 24 x 16 x 10 inches.

IATA officials say imposing smaller bag limits will ensure that everyone on a plane can fit their carry-on luggage into the overhead bins.

“This is a program that is designed to make things easier for everyone,” said Tom Windmuller, IATA’s senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo and security.

Many international airlines already enforce smaller carry-on sizes; Air France, for example, limits carry-on sizes to “21 x 13 x 9 in (including pockets, wheels and handles).”

I made myself downsize to traveling with a backpack recently, and have found doing so to be a positive experience so far. I don’t even know the size of my old roller bag, but I suspect it would not meet the new requirements if the IATA’s proposed standards become used. Would yours?

This post is part of our Travel Month series.

Photo: FrankieLeon

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