NEW YORK -- Millions of fliers might soon want to buy new carry-on suitcases.
Global airlines have recommended shrinking carry-on bags to free up space in packed overhead bins.
The guideline, which is not binding, means many existing bags currently in compliance with airline rules would not be given preferential treatment in the boarding process. While details of how the guideline will be implemented are murky, and could vary from airline to airline, it raises the possibility that many fliers would be forced to check their carry-on bag.
Fliers might need to buy smaller suitcases or pay a fee to check their bags -- usually $25 and up.
The recommendation by the International Air Transport Association suggests an "optimal" carry-on size at 21.5 inches tall by 13.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches deep. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines all currently allow bags up to 22 by 14 by 9 inches.
"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. The lack of overhead space is due to airlines cramming too many seats on planes and charging passengers to check their suitcases, he said.
Airlines have varying standards -- different enough that a carry-on bag that is acceptable to one airline isn't allowed in the cabin of another. The airline trade group says the new guideline will not necessarily replace each airline's rules on bag size, but gives them a uniform measurement that "will help iron out inconsistencies."
"Are the airlines in cahoots with the baggage manufacturers? It just seems crazy," said Charlie Leocha, a consumer advocate and co-founder of Travelers United.
He said if enough airlines adopt these guidelines, it will be great for travelers to at least know what size bag is acceptable on multiple airlines. However, Leocha said his own carry-on bag doesn't comply with the new suggested size.
Many bags already marketed as carry-on compliant aren't.
The Rockland Luggage Sonic 20 ABS Spinner Carry On is the right height and width but is 1 inch too deep for current U.S. airline rules. Samsonite's Silhouette Sphere bag is marketed as meeting "carry-on requirements for most major airlines" but the bag is 15 inches wide, 1 inch too large.
Theoretically, if airlines follow this guideline "everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board aircraft of 120 seats or larger," the trade group said. Today, it's typical for the last 20 or so passengers to board to be forced to check their bags at the gate because the bins are already full.
Nine major international airlines will soon introduce the guideline into their operations. Chris Goater, a spokesman for the transport association, said they are: Avianca, Azul, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, China Southern, Emirates, Lufthansa and Qatar.
No U.S. airlines have yet signed on, but Goater expects more carriers to quickly do so.
The airlines said they are working with several large luggage manufacturers including Samsonite, Delsey and Tumi but none have yet signed on. Bags with new labels, designating them as "Cabin OK," are expected to be in stores by the end of the year.
Airline consultant Robert Mann said that if airlines did a better job of handling checked luggage, passengers wouldn't bring so many on the plane and fight for overhead bin space. Those $25 or higher checked bag fees don't help either.
"They literally create a disincentive to play their game," Mann said.
In the end, Mann said airlines will do very little -- regardless of bag size -- to separate frequent business travelers who account for the bulk of their revenue from their suitcases.
Travel on 06/21/2015