After an outcry from U.S. airlines, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has decided to "pause" the rollout of its Cabin OK initiative, it announced today.
Introduced on June 9, the Cabin OK initiative was designed to optimize and standardize carry-on baggage policies across commercial airlines around the world. As it stands now, IATA says, different airlines have different standards regarding the size of carry-on luggage; as a result, many passengers end up having to check their carry-on luggage because there isn't room for it. To solve that problem, the Cabin OK initiative would limit carry-on bags to a size of 21.5 inches by 13.5 inches by 7.5 inches.
Through a partnership with baggage manufacturers, bags designed to meet the specified dimensions would carry a special label as well as a unique identification code signaling to airline staff that the bag complies with optimum size guidelines.
"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.
U.S. airlines unanimously denounced the proposal through their trade group, Airlines for America (A4A).
"A4A and its members reject the recent carry-on size initiative put forth by IATA because it is unnecessary and 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," A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio said in a statement. "Our members already have guidelines in place on what size bags they can accommodate, making this action unnecessary."
Echoed U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow, "We've had our differences recently with A4A, but when they get it right I want to make it a point to say so. The crackdown on the size of carry-ons that was proposed by international carriers would have been unnecessary and yet another slap in the face to travelers."
In response to U.S. airlines' feedback, Windmuller today issued the following statement: "Our focus is on providing travelers with an option that would lead to a simplified and better experience. While many welcomed the Cabin OK initiative, significant concerns were expressed in North America. Cabin OK is a voluntary program for airlines and for consumers. This is clearly an issue that is close to the heart of travelers. We need to get it right. Today we are pausing the rollout and launching a comprehensive reassessment of the Cabin OK program with plans to further engage program participants, the rest of our members, and other key stakeholders."
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