Carry on! Smaller- bag plan nixed

A global airline association said Wednesday that it was scrapping its recommendation to reduce the size of carryon bags for air travelers after an “intense” response in North America. The International Air Transport Association, a Montrealbased trade group whose members represent nearly 85 percent of total air traffic, said that it is canceling its proposal after “significant concerns” were raised.

“This is clearly an issue that is close to the heart of travelers. We need to get it right,” said IATA Vice President Tom Windmuller.

The group recommended last week that airlines require carryon bags to be 20 percent smaller than now allowed for more space.

Two US senators criticized 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 opposed the plan Wednesday.

The current maximum carryon size, depending on the airline, ranges from a length of 22 to 24 inches, a width of 14 to 18 inches and a depth of nine to 16 inches. The airline groups suggested standardizing the size to 21.5by13.5 inches and depth to 7.5 inches.