Airlines for America, a trade group for U.S. carriers, has rejected proposed international standards for carry-on bags.
Last week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an initiative to "optimize" airlines' accommodation of carry-on bags by suggesting a new standard luggage size. Most standard carry-ons are larger than IATA's recommendations, meaning travelers would have to purchase new luggage if the smaller size was adopted.
However, the suggestion was smaller than many current size allowances -- IATA's maximum size is 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches, compared to the common 22 x 14 x 9 inches now in practice.
Backlash from travelers who are no doubt already weary from strict baggage requirements and airline fees was swift.
Noooo! This could cramp my #carry-on style. http://t.co/rCNeWUKOoy #Travel #AirTravel #Airlines— Susie Wellendorf (@SnapshotTravel) June 12, 2015
Smaller luggage is NOT ok. I live 30 hours away from everyplace except Australia, I NEED more than a book in my bag http://t.co/6OxmeqlaOe— Amerika (@amerikag) June 11, 2015
BBC says airlines are going to make carry on space smaller, which means I'll have to check my Doritos, even if I buy the snack size.— Paula Poundstone (@paulapoundstone) June 10, 2015
But travelers (and comedians) weren't the only ones concerned by smaller standards.
Airlines for America president and CEO Nicholas E. Calio said Wednesday the bag initiative was “unnecessary."
Calio said IATA's recommendation "flies in the face of the actions the U.S. carriers are taking to invest in the customer experience -- roughly $1.2 billion a month -- including larger overhead bins.”
Delta also released a statement rejecting IATA's recommendations.
"Delta has no plans to reduce the size allowance for carry-on bags, and we are concerned IATA called for a change without input from airlines," Delta said. "Our focus and investment in the carry-on experience have been on installation of larger bins on domestic and international aircraft, and will continue to be on delivering the reliable bag service."
After the backlash, IATA released a statement to say the organization would "begin a comprehensive reassessment in light of concerns expressed, primarily in North America."
Glad to hear IATA has "put on hold" its recently announced guidelines for smaller size carry-on luggage.Didn't know where I'd put my makeup!— FoodTravelPro (@FoodTravelPro) June 18, 2015