IATA agrees new cabin luggage dimensions
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
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IATA agrees new cabin luggage dimensions
At the AGM in Miami this week, IATA have agreed a standard cabin luggage size for all airlines to adopt. The recommended size is 55 x 35 x 20 cm (or 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches) . According to IATA this gives everyone a chance to have their cabin luggage on board in aircraft with more than 120 seats.
This seems a really small size - I thought most wheelies are 40 cm at least, and some airlines allow 45 cm.
Also - while on the one hand standardisation is nice, it seems to be harking back a little to the old cartel days.
This seems a really small size - I thought most wheelies are 40 cm at least, and some airlines allow 45 cm.
Also - while on the one hand standardisation is nice, it seems to be harking back a little to the old cartel days.
#2
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Here's a direct link to the article/press release.
If United or Delta adopt this, my TravelPro carry on will be rendered useless!
http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pag...-06-09-02.aspx
If United or Delta adopt this, my TravelPro carry on will be rendered useless!
http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pag...-06-09-02.aspx
#3
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 8
Here's the official press release. If you follow the link there's a pdf with more details.
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/ops-inf.../cabin-ok.aspx
Interestingly the official pdf gives measurements in inches slightly larger than posted by BlackBerryAddict in the original post: 22 x 14 x 8. Which converts to 55.88 x 35.56 x 20.32, in other words slightly larger when measured in inches than in cm. Since this is all still at the proposal stage, I imagine that the airlines and luggage manufacturers will resolve the ambiguity before this is all finalized. The proposal calls for a universal label on luggage that all airlines will respect, at least for dimensions. Weight allowances will still vary by airline. And airlines can still permit larger bags if they so choose.
Personally, I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger on the Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Hybrid IATA I was looking at a couple of weeks ago. If this goes through that would have been a very expensive $700 mistake. I'm putting my buying plans on hold until this is all resolved.
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/ops-inf.../cabin-ok.aspx
Interestingly the official pdf gives measurements in inches slightly larger than posted by BlackBerryAddict in the original post: 22 x 14 x 8. Which converts to 55.88 x 35.56 x 20.32, in other words slightly larger when measured in inches than in cm. Since this is all still at the proposal stage, I imagine that the airlines and luggage manufacturers will resolve the ambiguity before this is all finalized. The proposal calls for a universal label on luggage that all airlines will respect, at least for dimensions. Weight allowances will still vary by airline. And airlines can still permit larger bags if they so choose.
Personally, I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger on the Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Hybrid IATA I was looking at a couple of weeks ago. If this goes through that would have been a very expensive $700 mistake. I'm putting my buying plans on hold until this is all resolved.
#5
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Hmmm, saw this yesterday, didn't get the chance to pose my thoughts till this morning - discussion thread already under the Travel Buzz subforum
But, those of us with slightly oversized softside carry-on might fly under the radar (under the old "guidelines") as long as we don't overpack - took another look at my TLS Weekender Convertible (full sized @ 22" x 14" x 9") should be okay with the straps tightened up & not stuffed, with no wheels to protrude.
I do got a stinky feeling that many of the current "spinners" with 4 wheels are not going to make it - fees for the airlines or down into the basement/garage or attic for use as storage, and/or, the nice ones being put up for "sale" on eBay.
On a related note, we cruise every year nowadays to relax, sometimes twice - and, the mass cruise lines like Carnival & NCL already got rules in their TOC for luggage size & weight limits, although not enforced as it would be a nightware for ship turnaround days with as much as 7,000 to 8,000 pax. checking their giant "trunks" and 15,000 pcs. of bags handled between the pier porters (outsourced) and ship crew once they are loaded in a matter of hours - while screening for banned items & the rum/whiskey runners ...
But, those of us with slightly oversized softside carry-on might fly under the radar (under the old "guidelines") as long as we don't overpack - took another look at my TLS Weekender Convertible (full sized @ 22" x 14" x 9") should be okay with the straps tightened up & not stuffed, with no wheels to protrude.
I do got a stinky feeling that many of the current "spinners" with 4 wheels are not going to make it - fees for the airlines or down into the basement/garage or attic for use as storage, and/or, the nice ones being put up for "sale" on eBay.
On a related note, we cruise every year nowadays to relax, sometimes twice - and, the mass cruise lines like Carnival & NCL already got rules in their TOC for luggage size & weight limits, although not enforced as it would be a nightware for ship turnaround days with as much as 7,000 to 8,000 pax. checking their giant "trunks" and 15,000 pcs. of bags handled between the pier porters (outsourced) and ship crew once they are loaded in a matter of hours - while screening for banned items & the rum/whiskey runners ...
#7
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#8
Join Date: May 2012
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If someone stows their bag as they should (wheels first) it is only a .5" decrease in size where it matters for most aircraft currently being used. This will be a 3.6% increase in capacity at most.
I fail to see the need for reducing the length measurement.
If the Boeing "space bins" weren't configured in sections like they currently are there MIGHT have been a potential win there. As they currently exist I don't think the change in height from 9" to 7.5" will result in any real extra capacity.
Better idea: have travelers store their bags properly. If it doesn't fit, check it. The capacity gains from enforcing this would be much more pronounced.
I fail to see the need for reducing the length measurement.
If the Boeing "space bins" weren't configured in sections like they currently are there MIGHT have been a potential win there. As they currently exist I don't think the change in height from 9" to 7.5" will result in any real extra capacity.
Better idea: have travelers store their bags properly. If it doesn't fit, check it. The capacity gains from enforcing this would be much more pronounced.
#9
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 825
As I said in the TravelBuzz thread, I think it would be a great idea for the airlines to have a standard carryon size. The thing is, we effectively already do: 22" x 14" x 9" (or its metric equivalent). So why not just go with that? What's gained by making everyone who already has a currently compliant hard-sided rollaboard buy a new one that's only trivially smaller?
#10
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 267
As I said in the TravelBuzz thread, I think it would be a great idea for the airlines to have a standard carryon size. The thing is, we effectively already do: 22" x 14" x 9" (or its metric equivalent). So why not just go with that? What's gained by making everyone who already has a currently compliant hard-sided rollaboard buy a new one that's only trivially smaller?
I guess they need more space since less legroom means more passengers (and bags). Also by charging flyers to check bags, more are being carried on board and need space.
#11
Join Date: May 2012
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One of the other threads had a photo from Boeing that may have a clue. With the somewhat smaller dimensions the bags can all go in on their side, meaningfully increasing the number of bags that can be stowed.
I guess they need more space since less legroom means more passengers (and bags). Also by charging flyers to check bags, more are being carried on board and need space.
I guess they need more space since less legroom means more passengers (and bags). Also by charging flyers to check bags, more are being carried on board and need space.
#12
Join Date: May 2012
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http://www.aa.com/i18n/aboutUs/ourPl....jsp#!gen-info
These are dimensions of bins for aircraft which have old-style bins. Different plane, but limited information is available and it gives you a good idea:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/aboutUs/ourPlanes/boeing757.jsp
No way in hell will my bag fit in sideways unless it is a Boeing "space bin"... even if it loses .5" in width.
#13
Join Date: May 2015
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I'm bummed. My husband and I were gifted with two Rimowa Salsa Air cases as a wedding gift. They've been on ONE trip (I won't let hubby use one for business travel!) and now it sounds like the lovely cabin trolley may be headed for the rubbish bin.
#15
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 241
My Goruck GR1 complies with that new standard...
http://www.goruck.com/gr1-black-/p/GEAR-000066
...BUT, it does not, of course, have that IATA label.
If all this comes to pass, I wish they would make retroactive labels available for bags that comply.
http://www.goruck.com/gr1-black-/p/GEAR-000066
...BUT, it does not, of course, have that IATA label.
If all this comes to pass, I wish they would make retroactive labels available for bags that comply.