The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled details of a new initiative to optimise the accommodation of carry-on bags, given the differences in carry-on bag sizes and airline policies.

Working with IATA’s airline members and aircraft manufacturers, an optimum size guideline for carry-on bags has been agreed that will make the best use of cabin storage space. A size of 21.5×13.5×7.5 inches means that, theoretically, everyone should be able to store their carry-on bags onboard aircraft of 120 seats or more.

An “IATA Cabin OK” logo to signify to airline staff that a bag meets the agreed size guidelines has already been developed, and a number of major international airlines have signalled their interest in joining the initiative, and will soon be introducing the guidelines into their operations.

“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,” said IATA’s senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo and security, Tom Windmuller. “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.

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 idenitification 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 that bags carrying the identifying label will be seen in retail stores later this year. www.iata.org