Tuesday, August 4, 2015

TIMES ARE CHANGING

When Kate was about 4, I bought a carry-on with the specific measurements so that it would fit under the seat in front of her.  Snacks, books, toys, juice boxes, change of clothes, stuffed animal, blankie.  Essentials at my fingertips.  Last night as I was rolling laptop(s) to Apple ... the outer hard plastic on the wheels broke off.  So imagine my surprise when I went online to get a replacement!

In early June, the International Air Transport Association issued new carry on luggage size of 21.5 inches by 13.5 inches by 7.5 inches for carry on bags,  (smaller than the 22-by-14-by-9 limit used by most travelers).  So yes!  Seats ARE getting smaller … all the while I am getting larger.  And overhead storage must be also.

BUT Air Travelers have been heard! Under immediate pressure, the International Air Transport Association has clarified an announcement that had carry-on road warriors prepared to reluctantly toss their bulky rollaboards for a forlorn future of tighter luggage and fewer changes of underwear.

And indeed, some airlines have expressed interest in a system where smaller bags could get priority to stay on board with a “Cabin OK” logo attached. When space is tight and  bags have to be gate-checked, the ones without the tags would go first. Nine non-U.S. carriers have confirmed interest in the new size, but not as an absolute limit. United States carriers seem less enthused about Cabin OK preferences, and none have yet expressed plans to change their carry-on size limits.


IF ONLY each airline would enforce their own rules about one carry one and one personal item, we wouldn’t have to change anything.  When I see what people expect to put on a plane (free, goodness knows they wouldn’t want to pay $25) it astounds me.  


Pet Peeve 4,297.

3 comments:

  1. I am so glad I don't want to fly. I didn't like it when I was younger and they gave you service up the yang-yang. I can't imagine what's it's like now.

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  2. I think if it weren't for Kate and family ... I wouldn't fly either. It's bloody expensive, cramped, food for purchase, 30 minute wait for luggage and often are too late to make your connection. There is no glamour in it for me!

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  3. The last time I flew, everything had to be loaded in the hold. NO carry-on's except my purse! The over heads were where a man's briefcase, blankets and pillows went. You couldn't pay me to fly now. I hated it then and certainly wouldn't like it now--with my bad hips and long legs!!

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