Airlines and aircraft manufacturers have crafted new guidelines for carry-on baggage, which seek to free up more room with smaller dimensions.
The Associated Press reported that the International Air Transport Association reduced the guidelines by 21 percent on Tuesday.
Previously, carry-on bags were suggested to be 22 x 14 x 9 inches, however the new guidelines suggest a reduction, to 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches.
The new guidelines are likely good news for luggage makers, who will benefit as consumers seek out new bags that fit the guidelines. If they don't, they may be forced to check bags they could previously carry-on, incurring fees.
"Once again, the airlines find a way to make their problem the passenger's problem — and an expensive problem at that," said travel industry consultant Henry Harteveldt.
According to The Washington Post, Air China, Avianca, Azul, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Qatar have all agreed to adopt the guidelines as their official policy, and IATA said they expecting to announce more airlines soon. The guidelines are non-binding, however the trade association worked with many major airlines, as well as aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, to develop the new guidelines.
"Many airlines have existing baggage size suggestions for carry ons, and those are not affected by what we've announced today," said Chris Goater, a spokesman for the transport association.
For the time being, American Airlines said it has no plans to adopt the new guidelines as official policy, while other U.S.-based companies have stayed mum.
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