Your carry-on bag could soon get even smaller - and this New Jersey politician isn't happy about it
Jun 16, 2015, 22:15 IST
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Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) - who was indicted in April on federal corruption charges alleging he took rides in a private jet in exchange for political favors - wants to help out those of us stuck flying coach. New recommendations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), known as "Cabin OK" would establish a new classification of carry-on sizes, designed to unify baggage rules and help ensure all travelers can store their luggage on board. In a perfect world, these size restraints would mean that all passengers on an aircraft could stash their bags, with no one being forced to check or pay excess fees. The recommendations also ensure that passengers traveling on multiple carriers won't be blindsided by unknown baggage rules. But this smaller carry-on size, if adopted by US carriers, could be used by airlines to make even more money on the backs of consumers, says Menendez. "I'm obviously concerned this proposal to cut the size of allowable carry-ons is a gimmick so airlines can keep padding those bag profits," Sen. Menendez said. "I'm telling U.S. airlines that if our luggage has to go on a diet, the result cannot be another airline-industry profit binge. We already have less seat-space, less leg-room, fewer options and higher costs - we have to stand up for consumers and say 'no' to the airline industry." 
