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Size of carry-on bags unchanged

June 18, 2015

The International Air Transport Association IATA put a halt to its controversial proposal to reduce size of accepted airline hand luggage. The guidelines were widely criticized, especially in North America.

https://p.dw.com/p/1FjEj
Frankreich Steward Air France
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M. Müller

The association reported last week that many airlines would agree to follow the new IATA recommendations called "Cabin OK." According to these guidelines, hand luggage should be restricted to a size of 55 x 35 x 20 centimeters, instead of the previous maximum size of 55 x 45 x 25 centimeters - a volume reduction of almost 40 percent.

In Germany, consumers' protection organizations criticized the recommendations. There were strong protests from a number of airlines and lawmakers in the US.

US travelers are particularly accustomed to large hand luggage. The German airlines with the most generous authorized size for cabin baggage are Lufthansa and Air Berlin. They allow 55 x 40 x 23 centimeters, which is actually less than then existing IATA specifications. In addition to cabin luggage, both airlines allow economy class passengers to carry an extra handbag or laptop case.

IATA now made clear that its recommendations should not set a new industry standard.

ot / ak / eg (AP, AFP)