Airlines Seek to Reduce Carry-On Size by 40%

[iacas]

http://qz.com/423995/the-airline-industry-wants-your-carry-on-to-be-40-smaller/

As if the airlines aren't already doing all they can to reduce the number of people who want to travel.

I make a lot of trips where I only take a carry-on and a bookbag. Why? Less expensive and they can't lose my luggage if I have it the entire time.

[Mr. Desmond]

There goes the expensive carry-on I just bought -- I like them to last for 20+ years.

If these guidelines are accepted, I will have to check it.

[David in FL]

Unless it's an extended vacation with the family (or the clubs are coming), I never check a bag. Looks like a standard 22" rollerboard still fits though.

[Mr. Desmond]

My new carry-on is 22X14X 9 , new dimensions may be 22X14X 8 ---

Wonder if I can squeeze an inch....

[saevel25]

Hmm, I might have to brake out the tape measure. I think I had a good amount of room to spare on the length and depth department. Height depends on how much I can cram into the carry on.

[MEfree]

Given that many airlines are charging fees for checked and oversized bags, I wonder where this falls on the collusion/anti-trust spectrum? If a single airline adopted this policy on their own, they might see a meaningful drop off in business, but if they all adopt this policy at the "recommendation" of the IATA, then they may all end up making more $ (even if overall passenger numbers drops slightly, which is typical of a monopoly- lower volume but higher profits when compared to a free market). Very unlikely that the government would step in, IMO, but worth throwing it out there.

[newtogolf]

They didn't enforce the carry on rules that were previously in place as I frequently saw people with bags that should have been checked walking on the plane with them.  If they reduce the size and enforce them it's clearly an attempt to extort more money from passengers.   Between TSA and the poor service of airlines I've opted to drive over fly unless it's completely unfeasible.  It used to be I'd fly if the drive was over 4 hours, now I won't fly unless the drive is over 8.

[Gunther]

I think my bag is good except depth, 9" vs. 8". Should be able to sneak that through.

[Shindig]

I think my existing typical carry on bag fits into the new one anyway, but it's another reason to be even more hesitant to fly. I'm also in the crowd that takes a carry on and a book bag (sometimes a backpack, sometimes a laptop bag) for any trip where I can get away with it. Fortunately, [i]most[/i] of my intended non-business-related trips are within a seven hour drive of me.

[boogielicious]

I check whenever I am not in a hurry.  the other option is gate check. It is easier and less likely for them to lose your bag.

[Gunther]

I check whenever I am not in a hurry.  the other option is gate check. It is easier and less likely for them to lose your bag.

Plus they don't charge for gate check if you 'volunteer.'

[Yukari]

I travel frequently and carry a small bag and a laptop carrier.  So I have no problem with the new rules.

What I've seen is way too many people carrying on bags that should be checked under the current rules.  The amount of "oversized" carry on bags maybe a result of airlines charging for checked bags.

If they enforced current rules more vigorously, I don't think they need to change the size of the carry on bags.

[boogielicious]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogielicious

I check whenever I am not in a hurry.  the other option is gate check. It is easier and less likely for them to lose your bag.

Plus they don't charge for gate check if you 'volunteer.'

Excellent point.

[Big C]

The list of reasons to fly Southwest and/or JetBlue is going to keep piling up.....

[Mr. Desmond]

Excellent point.

Yes, I've volunteered for American.

I recognize that some limitations are needed. I have started to check my carry-on if it is free, because I look at everyone, on a full plane, lugging big carry-ons where there is little space, and I'm thinking that if I do not belong to some special club, even if I'm in the first boarding group, I  am almost last to board onto the plane. So it does not make sense to carry-on. I want some space.

Unless I'm on Southwest... where boarding makes sense, and I'm usually in the first 30-40 passengers to board...