IATA agrees new cabin luggage dimensions
#46
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
I belong to a group of travelers, who are really unable to avoid LH, thus I have to align my plans with the airline. Assessing worst possible scenario, I have to assume, that LH at some point will change internal regulations for their carriers, since they endorsed the initiative, and I think they will go with IATA's cabin size (50 x 35 x 20), despite that is merely recommendation at this point of time.
Whilst it is true process has been suspended for re-evaluation, but it is hardly dead, and the airline can do as they like. Manufacturers began re-tooling and I expect smaller bags on the market soon. My old trusty 22" Rimowa Topaz was confiscated by my nephew, and I need therefore a replacement. Challenge is in reading a crystal ball and plan for next a few years, not a next week, especially when a suitcase of the Lufthansa World-shop is running in the range EUR 500 - 700, and I really do not cherish to buy one case today, and before I manage to return from (extended) the trip, I will have to buy a smaller one or accept penalties.
Whilst it is true process has been suspended for re-evaluation, but it is hardly dead, and the airline can do as they like. Manufacturers began re-tooling and I expect smaller bags on the market soon. My old trusty 22" Rimowa Topaz was confiscated by my nephew, and I need therefore a replacement. Challenge is in reading a crystal ball and plan for next a few years, not a next week, especially when a suitcase of the Lufthansa World-shop is running in the range EUR 500 - 700, and I really do not cherish to buy one case today, and before I manage to return from (extended) the trip, I will have to buy a smaller one or accept penalties.
#47
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
Just went on the Rimowa website, be it China, UK, or USA sites, Rimowa has REMOVED its "IATA" suffix on their Cabin Multiwheel Topas, Limbo and Salsa Deluxe lines! I could swear they were still there yesterday! Mmmmm, I wonder what Rimowa up to? Anyone shed any light on this as on another thread similar to this one under Travelbuzz someone has confirmed IATA have reviewed, albeit retracted what they proposed last week.
Für alle die hoch hinaus wollen.
Besuchen Sie doch gleich mal den WorldShop der Lufthansa. Hier finden Sie alles was das Reisen mit dem Flugzeug leichter macht: Die Lufthansa-Collection by RIMOWA. Hochwertige Produkte, speziell nach den aktuellen IATA-Normen für die Luftfahrt entwickelt.
Besuchen Sie doch gleich mal den WorldShop der Lufthansa. Hier finden Sie alles was das Reisen mit dem Flugzeug leichter macht: Die Lufthansa-Collection by RIMOWA. Hochwertige Produkte, speziell nach den aktuellen IATA-Normen für die Luftfahrt entwickelt.
- conformance to IATA norms (probably mis-statement)
#48
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
IMO here is what will happen:
1. The airlines will hide behind this and gradually (or even quickly) move to adopting this standard as it will clearly line their pockets sticking our old fashioned acceptable cabin bags in the hold.
2. The luggage manufacturers must be laughing all over their faces A completely new market re-tooling frequent flyers with new cabin bags
3. The several hundred pounds I have recently spent on two 'life-time guaranteed' Briggs & Riley cabin bags will be money down the drain. If I need a checked bag they will be too small, and under these guidelines they will be too big.
In short, the airlines are expecting us, the passengers, to pay to solve a problem of their own making.
Many of us, like me, don't carry cabin bags as an 'extra'. Luggage for a business trip of 2 or 3 days can easily be accommodated in a reasonable bin-fitting bag. But take a look at just how slim 7.5 inches is! Even the British Airways additional 'personal item' would not fit this ludicrous new proposed size.
Class action suit anyone?
1. The airlines will hide behind this and gradually (or even quickly) move to adopting this standard as it will clearly line their pockets sticking our old fashioned acceptable cabin bags in the hold.
2. The luggage manufacturers must be laughing all over their faces A completely new market re-tooling frequent flyers with new cabin bags
3. The several hundred pounds I have recently spent on two 'life-time guaranteed' Briggs & Riley cabin bags will be money down the drain. If I need a checked bag they will be too small, and under these guidelines they will be too big.
In short, the airlines are expecting us, the passengers, to pay to solve a problem of their own making.
Many of us, like me, don't carry cabin bags as an 'extra'. Luggage for a business trip of 2 or 3 days can easily be accommodated in a reasonable bin-fitting bag. But take a look at just how slim 7.5 inches is! Even the British Airways additional 'personal item' would not fit this ludicrous new proposed size.
Class action suit anyone?
Last edited by Sakae; Aug 3, 2015 at 6:22 am
#49
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
Well we have a official statement of Rimowa:
Rimowa will not support the plans to reduce the standard size of 55x40x20cm and neither have we provided such a recommendation to IATA or any airline company.
Furthermore they say that there is no standardised guideline for carry-on luggage in the past despite previous recommendations from IATA. Airlines are still able (in the end) to decide for themselves which dimensions they permit.
Well this says it all, in my opinion it is the whole British Airways debacle with the 56x45x25cm carry on that will not be going in the new dreamliners of Boeing. Case closed.
Also a official statement from Lufthansa themselves: They signed the agreement that IATA search for a solution for recommended worldwide cabin baggage. They don't say anything about a 55x35x20cm. Also it is stupid to think that Lufthansa is going with this because they have a special Rimowa collection in Size 55x40x23cm for cabin.
Rimowa will not support the plans to reduce the standard size of 55x40x20cm and neither have we provided such a recommendation to IATA or any airline company.
Furthermore they say that there is no standardised guideline for carry-on luggage in the past despite previous recommendations from IATA. Airlines are still able (in the end) to decide for themselves which dimensions they permit.
Well this says it all, in my opinion it is the whole British Airways debacle with the 56x45x25cm carry on that will not be going in the new dreamliners of Boeing. Case closed.
Also a official statement from Lufthansa themselves: They signed the agreement that IATA search for a solution for recommended worldwide cabin baggage. They don't say anything about a 55x35x20cm. Also it is stupid to think that Lufthansa is going with this because they have a special Rimowa collection in Size 55x40x23cm for cabin.
Well, I got it, and as someone already pointed out, Rimowa is distancing themselves from this initiative, however, without telling me how proactive they are, what I was told, that if and when the airline shall accept such dimensional restrictions, Rimowa will support it, and make necessary changes on their product line. Nothing however in advance. I must of course thank Rimowa for prompt and kind response to my inquiry.
Last edited by Sakae; Aug 3, 2015 at 7:54 am Reason: Response from Rimowa was received
#50
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BUR
Posts: 769
http://www.theguardian.com/world/201...after-backlash
and I quote:
Two US senators criticised the idea, saying it would require passengers to pay more and buy new luggage. A top US airline group that includes the world’s three largest air carriers – American, Delta and United – also formally came out against the proposal on Wednesday.
and I quote:
Two US senators criticised the idea, saying it would require passengers to pay more and buy new luggage. A top US airline group that includes the world’s three largest air carriers – American, Delta and United – also formally came out against the proposal on Wednesday.
#51
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BUR
Posts: 769
#52
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
http://www.theguardian.com/world/201...after-backlash
and I quote:
Two US senators criticised the idea, saying it would require passengers to pay more and buy new luggage. A top US airline group that includes the world’s three largest air carriers – American, Delta and United – also formally came out against the proposal on Wednesday.
and I quote:
Two US senators criticised the idea, saying it would require passengers to pay more and buy new luggage. A top US airline group that includes the world’s three largest air carriers – American, Delta and United – also formally came out against the proposal on Wednesday.
#53
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About a month ago I had a long conversation with an apparently very knowledgeable Tumi store manager. He said that Tumi's plans to make new sized pieces were on indefinite hold because the major USA legacy carriers weren't planning to adopt the new standards.
#54
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
I was actually checking Tumi as well, and I would not mind to get their CFX carry on. Problem is, even today, since it is 22", I would not be allowed to board the plane with it, because it might not fit into a sizer neither in Frankfurt, or Narita. I wonder how many flyers are really buying those beauties in EU. Otherwise very light, durable, and innovative - but BIG. Maybe they are really only after NA market, but then, why do they advertise it in EU? I am however taking with me their Marina CFX.
#55
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BUR
Posts: 769
I was actually checking Tumi as well, and I would not mind to get their CFX carry on. Problem is, even today, since it is 22", I would not be allowed to board the plane with it, because it might not fit into a sizer neither in Frankfurt, or Narita. I wonder how many flyers are really buying those beauties in EU. Otherwise very light, durable, and innovative - but BIG. Maybe they are really only after NA market, but then, why do they advertise it in EU? I am however taking with me their Marina CFX.
Last edited by Mellonc; Aug 3, 2015 at 11:22 am Reason: typo
#56
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
Hmm, OK, but it is strange. Last time a person I dealt with at Narita, she was measuring and weighing my stuff, while apologizing that she had to do that, since she was at LH counter, and was so ordered by a LH supervisor. That's weird how experiences do vary. I paid of course penalty (not first time), but that was best I could do under those circumstances, never-mind that part of my stuff was placed into a cardboard box, which upon arrival I have found sitting in the middle of a large room without any supervision, and when I picked up, no one asked me, if I actually have any right to it. Now I had enough, and I am pretty much determined not to take too many chances anymore.
#57
Join Date: Jun 2007
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I am not sure about relevancy what US based airlines decide, and how it affects LH. This is an airline which has tighter control over cabin carry on for years. I think they simply will do whatever they decide traffic will bear, without loosing much of their business as a Star Alliance member. I might meanwhile end up getting Rimowa kiddie trolley. For a while I thought about it as a joke, but since I am a minimalist anyway, 20" mini could carry enough of my stuff for one or two business days, and I might get this issue out of my sight.
http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pag...-06-17-01.aspx
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it was pausing the rollout of its Cabin OK initiative and beginning a comprehensive reassessment in light of concerns expressed, primarily in North America. This will include further engagement with program participants, the IATA membership, and key stakeholders...
While the value of this initiative has been welcomed by many, including a growing list of airlines expressing interest in the program, there has also been much confusion. In North America particularly, there have been significant concerns raised in the media and by key stakeholders.
While the value of this initiative has been welcomed by many, including a growing list of airlines expressing interest in the program, there has also been much confusion. In North America particularly, there have been significant concerns raised in the media and by key stakeholders.
http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product...ry-On/32340201 (same size specs as my bag)
http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product...ry-On/31318219 (3cm wider, otherwise specs equal to new IATA recommendation)
Last edited by gobluetwo; Aug 3, 2015 at 1:46 pm
#58
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
The impact of the North American carriers is that they (and others) have effectively forced IATA to put a hold on this Cabin OK initiative and to reevaluate. This means that the size recommendations likely will change. If you are very concerned about it, there is not much you can do except wait until IATA itself makes a new recommendation and LH subsequently (again) states that they will follow said recommendation.
http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pag...-06-17-01.aspx
Or if you're not one to wait, just get a bag that is already very close in size to the recommendations. My Victorinox Mobilizer NXT 5.0 20" suitcase is measured at 51x36x20, making it, relative to the initial proposals, 4cm shorter, 1 cm wider, and equal in depth. I seriously doubt anyone would quibble over 1cm in width. Victorinox have other similarly-sized suitcases. Here are a couple of examples:
http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product...ry-On/32340201 (same size specs as my bag)
http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product...ry-On/31318219 (3cm wider, otherwise specs equal to new IATA recommendation)
http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pag...-06-17-01.aspx
Or if you're not one to wait, just get a bag that is already very close in size to the recommendations. My Victorinox Mobilizer NXT 5.0 20" suitcase is measured at 51x36x20, making it, relative to the initial proposals, 4cm shorter, 1 cm wider, and equal in depth. I seriously doubt anyone would quibble over 1cm in width. Victorinox have other similarly-sized suitcases. Here are a couple of examples:
http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product...ry-On/32340201 (same size specs as my bag)
http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product...ry-On/31318219 (3cm wider, otherwise specs equal to new IATA recommendation)
Victorinox is a good company. I had several bags from them, all gone now, but one - 24" Tourbach upright, my checked luggauge of choice. At the end, there is really no point to worry about that, because I will have to get something, and move on. Proactively I thought I will play agressive defense with my selection of travel gear, but point is, I am not going to win this one.
#59
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BUR
Posts: 769
Hmm, OK, but it is strange. Last time a person I dealt with at Narita, she was measuring and weighing my stuff, while apologizing that she had to do that, since she was at LH counter, and was so ordered by a LH supervisor. That's weird how experiences do vary. I paid of course penalty (not first time), but that was best I could do under those circumstances, never-mind that part of my stuff was placed into a cardboard box, which upon arrival I have found sitting in the middle of a large room without any supervision, and when I picked up, no one asked me, if I actually have any right to it. Now I had enough, and I am pretty much determined not to take too many chances anymore.
The OP is dealing with the size of the bags which IATA was trying to impose to very little fanfare.
Weight is a different thing altogether. If you were concerned about weight then perhaps you'd go with an all fabric bag like a Tom Bihn, RedOxx, REI bags, or even a hybrid like a Tumi Super Leger or Lipault.....
Last edited by Mellonc; Aug 3, 2015 at 6:43 pm
#60
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 65
I am not I following your logic here. Are you referring to weight or size? Many international carriers have strict limitation on weight. I was replying to your size comment on the 22 inch Tumi bag. The weight will simply depend on how much you put in there and the empty bag weight.
The OP is dealing with the size of the bags which IATA was trying to impose to very little fanfare.
Weight is a different thing altogether. If you were concerned about weight then perhaps you'd go with an all fabric bag like a Tom Bihn, RedOxx, REI bags, or even a hybrid like a Tumi Super Leger or Lipault.....
The OP is dealing with the size of the bags which IATA was trying to impose to very little fanfare.
Weight is a different thing altogether. If you were concerned about weight then perhaps you'd go with an all fabric bag like a Tom Bihn, RedOxx, REI bags, or even a hybrid like a Tumi Super Leger or Lipault.....
I am not expert on this topic, however it stands to a reason, that a sizing frame for standard applicable to NA airlines (allowing 22") should not be of the same size as one for LH with a different requirement (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9). I have my sizes checked in hand, and weighed as any other passenger.
From technical point of view objects aren't perfect geometrical bodies, and together with manufacturing tolerances of sizing frames it stands to a reason, that such gauge has to be large than nominal sizes stated by the airline. How much that is, of course I do not know, and it can somewhat vary from a station to station. Several months ago I send enquiry to Lufthansa, requesting information regarding permissible variances on the luggage, and they responded that I should follow instructions on their website, which of course states one number. Whether it is a nominal or max. limit, I have no clue, but that's what it is, and enforcement of that standard seems depending how it is measured, actual size of the case, actual size of the frame, and if measured in hand, add also perhaps mood of the person who does the check. Definitely it is not a precise process.
Last edited by Sakae; Aug 3, 2015 at 11:00 pm