Commerical Appeal - Cohen's bill would keep airlines from shrinking carry-on luggage

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen is trying to stop U.S. airlines from shrinking the size of carry-on luggage allowed on planes.

The Memphis Democrat filed legislation late Monday that would bar airlines that charge passengers a fee for checked luggage from reducing the maximum size of carry-on bags.

The bill is in response to a recommendation last week from the International Air Transport Association, a trade group representing the airline industry, that proposed new guidelines reducing the permissible size of carry-on suitcases by 21 percent, compared to those currently allowed on most American flights.

“Consumers are tired of being squeezed — physically and fiscally — by airlines, and this proposal is a step too far,” Cohen said.

Under the transport association’s proposed rules, the maximum size of permissible carry-on luggage would shrink to 21.5 inches tall by 13.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches deep. Right now, bags that are 22 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 9 inches deep are allowed.

Eight international airlines already have adopted the new size guidelines, with more expected to follow.

Cohen, a member of the House Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation, called the proposed guidelines “a transparent attempt to squeeze even more money out of passengers by forcing them to pay baggage fees to check luggage they purchased specifically to avoid those fees.”

“The new proposed carry-on size limits should not be allowed to go into effect,” Cohen said, “especially at a time when the airlines already are making huge profits.”