Hand luggage rethink

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), has announced a new initiative to optimise the accommodation of carry-on bags.

Working with airline members and aircraft manufacturers, a guideline has been agreed that will make the best use of cabin storage space. It is not mandatory and individual airlines will set their own sizes.

By maximising 55x35x20cm (or 21.5x13.5x7.5 inches) this means that theoretically everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board aircraft of 120 seats or larger.  This does mean a reduction of bag size just as manufacturers are increasing cabin overhead storage capacity.

An “IATA Cabin OK” logo to signify to airline staff that a bag meets the agreed size guidelines has been developed.  A number of major international airlines have signalled their interest to join the initiative but have not been named.

Not all large airlines are members of IATA including many so called ‘low-cost' carriers.  With easyJet the current maximum allowed is 56x45x25cm. 

Wizz has a new policy due to be implemented from 24 October.  Passengers can travel with a free small cabin bag (up to 42x32x25cm) or pay a ₤9 online fee to bring a large cabin bag (up to 56x45x25cm) on board.   www.iata.org

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Roger Gibbs, UK/Benfleet

Problems normally occur because airline staff don't enforce their size limits. Hence new sizes alone won't make any difference.

Edward Harrison, UK/Yeovil

Another money making wheeze! I'm waiting for the first airline to graciously allow me to purchase extra space in the bin.