New sizes for cabin bags from IATA on all aircraft
View(s):A new guideline for carry-on bag sizes has been mooted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) allowing almost everyone this facility on a 120 seat aircraft to be accommodated onboard. This has been carried out in a bid to optimise the accommodation of carry-on bags given differing carry-on bag sizes and airline policies, a media release issued by the global aviation body stated.
In this respect, IATA is working with its members and aircraft manufacturers to make best use of cabin storage space with a size of 55 x 35 x 20 cm (or 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches), the release stated. 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 and will soon be introducing the guidelines into their operations, the release stated.
“The development of an agreed optimal cabin bag size will bring common sense and order to the problem of differing sizes for carry-on bags. We know the current situation can be frustrating for passengers. This work will help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience,” said Tom Windmuller, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security.
The release also noted that IATA is working with baggage tracking solutions provider Okoban to manage the approval process of bag manufacturers. Each bag meeting the dimensions of the specifications will carry a special joint label featuring IATA and Okoban as well as a unique identification code that signals to airline staff that the bag complies with the optimum size guidelines.
Several major baggage manufacturers have developed products in line with the optimum size guidelines, and it is expected bags carrying the identifying label will start to reach retail shops later this year, the release said.
Recognition of the IATA Cabin OK logo is expected to grow with time as more airlines opt-in to this IATA initiative, it was stated.