Airline chiefs are considering rules that could answer one of the most vexing questions for travellers – will my bag fit in the overhead bin?
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has revealed plans to optimise the accommodation of carry-on bags and harmonise airline policies.
Iata has said that a bag 55cm x 35cm x 20cm is the optimum size, and would allow for everyone to take one on-board an aircraft with 120 seats or more.
Some major international carriers have expressed interest in joining the initiative, according to Iata.
“The policy would give all airlines a uniform set of directives besides helping passengers who might have connecting flights on a different carrier, thus avoiding the risk of paying extra fees if it has to be checked into an airplane hold, as current bag size rules aren’t always the same among airlines,” said Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research.
“Flyers with bigger bags would be forced to downsize, but from a security standpoint, if all airlines use the same baggage dimensions, it will speed up check-in and security processing at airports.”
Some UAE carriers – such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia – already require cabin baggage to have dimensions close to this size.
Iata has developed an “Iata Cabin OK” badge aimed at helping airline staff to identify bags that meet the size guideline. These would also carry a unique identification code.
A flydubai spokeswoman said the airline would study the Iata plan.
The Iata badge would be built into luggage and Iata is working with Okoban, a luggage tracking solutions provider in Geneva, to manage the approval process for luggage makers.
Some luggage makers have developed products in line with Iata’s size guideline, and bags carrying the Iata badge are expected to be available at retail shops this year.
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