Oh Please No....

And if you have to ask why, please see all the comments from the blog about putting shoes on the conveyor belt and not the bins. The gist of all those comments "TSA screening is not consistent". You can just see some unlucky passenger going through security, get her/his carrier cleared at one airport, only to be told that she/he has to check it at another. Oy vey!
Yes, I understand that the dimensions would be standardized, but I also thought that the 3-1-1 liquids requirement was standard too, until I had a TSA demand to know WHAT was in my standard size bottles and asked me pointedly if my contact lens solution was "really medically necessary"?

Posted By Aleska on June 19, 2009, 5:06 PM

No carry-on baggage at all, make everyone check their bags. Faster loading and unloading airplanes.

Posted By Jack on June 19, 2009, 7:11 PM

this is one of my pet peeves. i follow the rules and have paid for extra baggage at times. my only carry on is my laptop. those who take their suitcases as carryons (so they dont have take the time to go to baggage claim) use all the overhead space. its selfish and rude. i do feel that this is an issue that the airlines should deal with rather than congress.

Posted By Dutchess2 on June 20, 2009, 8:55 AM

To the people saying this is rude to rule-abiding passengers, I say: You're absolutely ridiculous. Guess what? I follow the rules too and if I want to bring my carry on sized suitcase on the plane for a trip rather than pay for checking it and risk it getting lost, I sure can! It isn't selfish and rude at all, it's following the rules. It's asinine to say things like "ban all carry ons", maybe if people were a little more courteous and stopped bringing on a suitcase, laptop bag, jacket, purse and so on, this wouldn't be a problem.

Posted By Princess on June 21, 2009, 10:40 AM

Yes, there are abuses. I have been victimized by the excess size and number of bags of other passengers. BUT, contrary to what Rowell suggests, I do not support this legislation. We don't need Congress starting to micro-legislate such matters. The airlines just need to enforce their own rules, as many of them do.

Posted By american travel man on June 21, 2009, 5:32 PM

Are we as a society so pathetic that we need Congress to dictate the size of our carry-on luggage? Can the airlines not determine what size they will allow to be carried on? Most, if not all, allow a passenger to plane check luggage that's too big to carry on, but not worth the hassle of checking in (and possible extra charges, but that's a different subject). Let's not bog Congress down with something so insignificant.

Posted By Traveldad on June 21, 2009, 8:00 PM

Why do politicians think they can fix any perceived problem by passing a new law. Carry-on bag size is something the government does NOT need to regulate.

Posted By KK on June 22, 2009, 12:32 AM

Again, why is the government sticking their nose into private enterprise? Did the Congressman have a bad experience? Let the airlines decide - it's their business! Congress should deal with important issues according to what is specified in our Constitution.

Posted By Di on June 22, 2009, 10:11 AM

Limit the size, charge for carry-on, this would make boarding and take-offs a lot quicker as everyone is abusing the carry on size. Pushing, pulling tying up the isles to fit their carry-on overhead. No room for a coat or cane of a handicap which will be shoved around. We think of this each time we fly. What is five more minutes at the luggage claim area going to hurt someone.

Posted By MMD on June 22, 2009, 10:13 AM

No, we do not need this! Doesn't Congress have other things to deal with right now? (hint, hint: the economy...) I am a diver, and prefer to carry on (in an appropriately sized bag) the gear I need. This ensures that the sticky-fingered folks at TSA don't help themselves to my gear, or that some nimrod doesn't route it to Hoboken. I only carry on what is allowed, and am willing to put up with the annoyance of finding room for it and getting it on and off the plane. True, there are abuses, but it's no more trouble, really, than dealing with the idiot that pushes a full grocery cart into the express line at the grocery store.

Posted By Teddy Gingerich on June 22, 2009, 10:18 AM

Airplanes are built to the specifications of the airline that ordered them which means that the overhead space can vary by airline. If the TSA were to regulate the size it would have to be to the smallest overhead space available which would be a waste of available space in many cases and force people to check bags (and pay for it) when it would not be necessary.

Posted By Ronald Welch on June 22, 2009, 10:23 AM

NO. TSA's decisions and behavior varies incredibly from airport to airport, why should I put any more power in their hands? Let the airlines handle it. Congress has other things to do.

Posted By ellen helms on June 22, 2009, 10:36 AM

I'm betting the only reason a Congressman is getting involved is because he has noticed, as have I, that airlines DO NOT regulate or even notice what is being put in overhead bins. The coach passengers who put their oversized carry-ons in the first class bins and who do not respond to P.A. messages to remove them are also a problem. The airline does not even move these items to the cargo hold. Congress should force the airlines to police themselves.

Posted By Mary Ann Papay on June 22, 2009, 10:40 AM

No carry on at all should be the law or at least allow passengers without a carry on to get off the plane first. I resent waiting for the passengers fighting to get their oversize bags down from the overhead storage.

Posted By Jim on June 22, 2009, 10:49 AM

As a flight attendant, I can tell you that the rules are abused and that the airlines will never enforce the rules because they can't risk losing even one customer in today's environment so unless the size is standardized and enforced by an outside source, things will not change.

Posted By Flight Attendant on June 22, 2009, 11:00 AM

I have never taken a big carry-on. My company for Christmas one year gave each employee a "legal-size" carryon. Loved it. And besides I am not strong enough for those overstuffed, "pound-it-into=the-bin" kind. Due to limited physical strength, I can't even lift the small one up there. And it slows boarding-deboarding. by the way, I carry a very small purseas well; about 9x9 inches. Rules are rules; congress shouldn't need to be involved.

BUT... if a certain Northwest airline is having a bad day and decides my little bag is too big, she says pay up, or else! INJUSTICE will still rear its ugly head.

People, be nice, be fair, and have a good trip.

Posted By Patricia Peyton on June 22, 2009, 11:04 AM

I don't care who sets the regulations regarding carry-on luggage AS LONG AS THEY ARE ENFORCED. The other item to be enforced is the call-up sequence. I get on the plane and see people sitting in rows that have not been called. Pure fantasy but it would be nice if people just followed the rules. If you need special treatment (children or infirmities) I have no complaint, otherwise pay your way go 1st class and pay for it.

Posted By Tom Conley on June 22, 2009, 11:15 AM

NO ! Congress does NOT need to be involved with this. I agree with Traveldad...'Are we as a society so pathetic that we need Congress to dictate...' and Ellen...'TSA's decisions and behavior varies incredibly from airport to airport'.
This is one of life's little annoyances that does NOT need to legislated by a federal law!
That is just crazy talk.

Posted By MAT on June 22, 2009, 11:21 AM

i definitely think we should be allowed a decent sized carry on.....nothing fits into the small carry ons so they are just a waste of time and money....and when we travel for a month or longer the carry on is extremely important...its bad enough we have all these added costs....my lord...........please dont start limiting me on my carry on................

Posted By l.wolfe on June 22, 2009, 11:22 AM

I think he is nuts.

Posted By Alberts on June 22, 2009, 11:24 AM

How about a sample overhead bin at check in. If you can not get your carry on in the bin by yourself and in one try it goes in checked baggage.

Posted By Pete on June 22, 2009, 11:41 AM

I say ban all carry on. During my last flight to Europe I placed my stuff in the over head and then had to use the Restroom. This woman who came on after me with a purse that looked like she was taking a family of twelve to the beach a lap top and a carry one Opted to move my stuff. Seat mate told me about it, When she fell asleep I retrieved my small bag and placed her stuff in different overheads. When we landed at Frankfurt she was pissed and she missed her connecting flight SO Lets ban all carry ons

Posted By Joe Downey on June 22, 2009, 11:42 AM

YES! I am sick of people showing up on the plane with bags large enough to pack entire kitchens in. Since the airlines have shown that they can't agree on this I don't see the harm in having Congress define a carryon. The one listed in the bill is actually larger than what my latest airline permits, not that anyone except me ever does what they say.

Posted By C Beck on June 22, 2009, 11:43 AM

Against this rule. TSA already has a bit too much power.

Posted By Mary on June 22, 2009, 11:50 AM

Like everyone else I have stared agape at the two extra suitcases or pair of maxi-Peruvian planters someone brought on as "carry-on". Airlines will make better decisions responding to a given situation at the time than having to standardize procedures. If a plane is almost empty why not let flyers carry-on almost anything?

Posted By moth on June 22, 2009, 11:57 AM

If governments and regulators want to get involved, they should be banning airlines from charging for the first item of luggage. The overheads are full because of suitcases that people don't want to pay to have put in the hold. I prefer to sit nearer the front of the plane, so have to board last. I am glad that I travel light, cos if my bag was the size of the average item of cabin baggage, there is no way I would ever be able to find space.

Posted By Nicko on June 22, 2009, 12:11 PM

As long as airlines continue to lose bags and ruin vacations and business trips, passengers should be allowed to carry on one bag as the current rules allow. Most professional travelers do this with ease. This issue seems to be a new tactic airlines want to use to collect even more fees for normal behavior. Passengers need to carry luggage, but no one needs to carry multiple large bags. These are inexperienced travelers. See onebag.com.

Posted By Hal on June 22, 2009, 12:27 PM

I fly every week for my job. If I can't carry it, I don't take it. My bag fits in all overheads, wheels first except for the pubble jumpers and I just gate check it. The two times I have checked a bag were the two times my bag went missing. I also carry on my briefcase. Two carry-ons as the rules specify. I don't need some idiot in congress telling me what size, shape, or weight my bag should be, that is the individual airline's job. BTW I work for the FAA.

Posted By ICUFLY on June 22, 2009, 12:28 PM

I believe that the size of carry-ons should be regulated but not by congress. The airlines should be enforcing their own size limits. Ever since the airlines started charging for luggage, people started carrying on larger & larger pieces of luggage. I have had to sit with my carry on under my seat(after paying for my checked luggage)because the overhead compartments were full of oversized carryons that people were to cheap to check.

Posted By Luann on June 22, 2009, 12:29 PM

I wish the flight attendants and the gate agents were a little more strict with what passengers carry on the plane.
Yes, they are overworked and yes, they are not treated well by the flying public, but safety and ontime departure should be on the forefront of the airlines' regulations.
Face it, many people abuse the system and leave no room for the passengers who do follow the rules.
On a recent flight to Europe, some of the passengers looked like refugees fleeing a war-torn country with all their "stuff."
If you can't afford the $15 to check a suitcase, you can't afford to go to Europe.

Posted By Kathleen J. on June 22, 2009, 12:31 PM

Please, government, handle the needs of our country and its citizens. That does not include carry on luggage on airplanes. You have so many important things to take care of. Let the airlines, which are private enterprises, handle their own business! There are always those who take advantage of rules, or even break the rules, but they don't ruin my day or my trip. I choose not to give any energy or emotion to the rule breakers. Not worth my time. I travel often, and just don't worry over other travelers' luggage. I don't care. I just want our government to put their energy and time into running our country, not our baggage issues on privately owned and operated airlines.

Posted By gu on June 22, 2009, 12:31 PM

Doesn't congress have more important things to worry about? I fly every week and if I can't carry it, I don't take it. The two times I check my bag were the only two times that my bag went missing. My bag fits just about all airplanes, wheels first. The only ones where it is too big are the pubble jumpers, and I just gate check it. I follow the rules, one bag, one smaller carry-on that fits under the seat.

Posted By ICUFLY on June 22, 2009, 12:39 PM

Oh absolutely yes. I am tired of being forced to place my belongs at me feet so that some rude, selfish person can place their belongs above my head because they will to check in their belongs, that the check-in people forced me to check in. It is not only a nuisance but a dangerous practice to place belongs over people's heads that can weight up to 50lbs. These same people force their way up or down the aisles as they see fit to get their belongs while the rest of us are forced to duck, squish back into our seats or get hit in the head as they rudely pull their items down on top of us.

I am all for a new regulation forcing the limit of size of these carry-ons just like they do every where else in the world.

Posted By Tracy on June 22, 2009, 12:45 PM

The notion of size and quantity of carry-ons should definitely be a law and enforced vigilantly. I'm disgusted with the complete arrogance of many passengers and the impotence of those of us following the rule.

Posted By John on June 22, 2009, 1:15 PM

Not a bad idea escept that it should be done by some airlines association (there must be one) instead of Congressional action.

Posted By A. Rudakewych on June 22, 2009, 1:16 PM

I'm not against government intervention in things that protect the public's health and welfare, but this strikes me as meddling. Sure, it's confusing as to who allows what, and I too get p.o'd when folks bring half their household on board, banging into everyone and needing help lifting them into the bins. Standardizing carry-on luggage just doesn't seem workable given the varying size of planes and inside luggage compartments.
I just wish the airlines would enforce their own rules. The way it is now, the most obnoxious can get away with murder and the rest of us have to put up with it.

Posted By tedd E on June 22, 2009, 1:19 PM

I support this idea in principle, but I'm concerned that we would end up with a rule based on the smallest overhead compartments

Posted By Gabrielle on June 22, 2009, 1:23 PM

This is typical one-size fits all thinking and it never works! The airlines should enforce the rules. Everyone must have their boarding pass presented and at that time the agent should stop anyone with baggage that is obviously too large. Some airlines allow a total number of inches:width+length+depth. That seems to work and allows for varying shapes. Latitude is usually allowed for people in Business Class and First Class as well. That is o.k., they're paying for it. Dealing with erratic and illogical TSA personnel is maddening enough as it ease. Please don't give them more room for mayhem.

Posted By Fred on June 22, 2009, 1:24 PM

I say the Airlines should be more involved with the carry on baggage. People walk on with large suitcases. Yes we are being charged for every little thing now by the airlines, take the 1st baggage fee away, limit the size of the carry on. They must enforce this. I need a small carry on for medicine that I will never pack below. That would be the bag the airline loses.

Posted By Pat on June 22, 2009, 1:31 PM

I know I am not the only one who has had checked luggage lost (three times so far). I try to avoid checking luggage whenever possible, but this doesn't mean that I bring the the equivalent on as carry-on. Judicious packing should allow most trips' neccessities to fit into the currently allowable carry-on allowed.

Posted By Vina on June 22, 2009, 1:40 PM

You can't fix stupid! But you sure can deny stupid people their penchant for making everyone else suffer for their stupidity. Yes! Designate appropriate size for carry-ons and have mock bins right where you check in for your checked baggage. Try the carry on & the bin; no fit, check it. Easy-peasy.
The answer for people who need special stuff on board? Fly an airline that will allow it. Yes! You'll pay more, but you'll get what you want. Everything is for sale, at a price. You can't get something for nothing. If you value your stuff and want it with you in the air, then pay extra. Let the others who don't need the stuff fly less expensively and just check everything. Airlines need a whole new paradigm. They can't be all things to all people. If I wasn't concerned about showing up in Europe with my meds ending up in Utah with my expensive camera gear, I'd just check it too! But I am willing to pay just a bit extra to keep it with me, and a bit more for extra legroom to boot.

Posted By Eugene Gaudreau on June 22, 2009, 1:43 PM

Oh my god, no.

TSA needs to be abolished, not be given more inane jurisdiction. How does giving them control of our carry-ons keep the nation safer? Please, let's get rid of them. They are a holdover from the darker Bush age when the Patriot Act attacked civil liberties and removed many of them from Americans. Security and safety needs to be handled behind the scenes, as it was prior to 9/11. Harassing law-abiding Americans even more is not the answer.

Posted By John King on June 22, 2009, 1:44 PM

I admit, I like the idea of one standard set of carry-on rules better than checking with each airline and hoping I didn't screw it up. However, I do NOT agree with TSA having control over all aspects of travel, so I am opposed to this. The bottom line is that the real problems are caused by 1) passengers not following rules and 2) no airline reps enforcing said rules. No one has EVER checked my carry-ons for size compliance, ever. As a short, slight woman, I pack a light carry-on that I can handle myself, but more than once, a taller, stronger man has had to come to my rescue when I cannot budge the way-too-large suitcase of a fellow passenger that is hogging overhead space. I do not check luggage if I can avoid it, not because I mind the checked bag fee (even though I think that's crap--I have paid for a travel ticket, obviously, I will be carrying baggage!) but because it's hard enough for me to afford a well-deserved trip; I cannot afford to replace my lost luggage and essential contents with my vacation budget, nor do I want to spend my vacation doing so. Really, shouldn't the attention be focused on improving the treatment of baggage in cargo and the behavior of those in care of it? A friend recently got her "lost" luggage in the mail weeks after she returned from a spoiled vacation. Her things (what was left) were destroyed, and there was a note tucked among them "thanking" her for the bottle of wine she had packed. That's robbery, folks. There is a reason some of us cling to our carry-ons and even push the limits a little.

Posted By Bex on June 22, 2009, 1:47 PM

I don't think the government needs to be involved in this but carryons should not be banned as long as it will fit in the overhead without taking up all the room, not large suitcases or duffles that take up all of the overhead space.
We travel a lot and see bags put on that do need to be checked.
We travel a lot to Africa and take a lot of very valuable things like cameras, binouculars and very needed prescriptions for the long plane ride and for the trip, that are not safe at all to be put on the checked in baggage, but they are in a carryon size that fits overhead and still leaves room for others. The rest is checked on. So some of us definetly need to have a carryon for long and shorter trips when a lot of medicine is involved or valubles is involved.

Posted By Barbara on June 22, 2009, 1:54 PM

TSA is already bad (inconsistent, ineffective, security-theater) at what they're supposed to do. They, and DHS, have neither mandate nor ability to do something not-security related.

Indeed, if they can't do their existing job properly ("is 100% of air cargo screened" is the question to ask), what kind of morons are suggesting TSA do something superfluous to further inconvenience travelers who have little reason to love TSA's current ineptitude?

Posted By omars on June 22, 2009, 2:09 PM

Following are posted comments and my take:
"The airlines just need to enforce their own rules, as many of them do." My take: But many don't.
"TSA screening is not consistent" My take: But neither is airline enforcement.
"Dealing with erratic and illogical TSA personnel is maddening enough as it is. Please don't give them more room for mayhem." My take: But airline personnel, who are equally erratic and illogical, also give rise to mayhem.

I see the word "should" in a number of posted comments. If everyone did as he should, we wouldn't need 90% of the laws and regulations currently on the books. Sadly, I cannot trust many of my fellow travelers to do as they should.

Posted By Arnie H of Plainview on June 22, 2009, 2:13 PM

In general, people will not self regulate. Someone will always try to bend the rules. Charging for checked baggage has already compounded the problem. So it is up to the airlines to enforce their carry on limits by using an appropriate device like the ones made of metal tubing. If the bag doesn't slip into it, it must be checked. There is also the safety issue of damage to the hinges and latches of overhead bin doors by passengers forcing the doors closed on their oversized bags. I have seen some heavy handed tactics in this regard! And of course the weight of many of these oversized bags would be deadly in the event they got loose during an emergency landing. In the last 40+ years that I have been flying the general public has become less courteous, Much like the drivers on our roads.

Posted By astrid on June 22, 2009, 2:20 PM

Oh, don't I wish they would regulate the size of on board luggage. So tired of squishing my regulation size carry-on while others carry all but the "kitchen sink". It delays boarding and also exiting the aircraft while people attempt to remove their top to bottom/wall to wall luggage from a "TOO SMALL"OVERHEAD BIN.
Frequent traveler says yes to limiting the over-size gynormous bags which should be in the cargo hold......
Thanks
Barb

Posted By Barbara Roberts on June 22, 2009, 2:24 PM

quote from TSA: "We are your neighbors, friends and relatives. We are 50,000 security officers, inspectors, directors, air marshals and managers who protect the nation's transportation systems so you and your family can travel safely. We look for bombs at checkpoints in airports, we inspect rail cars, we patrol subways with our law enforcement partners, and we work to make all modes of transportation safe."

How does enforcing bag limits fit into that description? Bag size limitations are loose by nature. Define the size of a purse. Is that next? Air travel has become a huge pain in the...backside and just isn't fun anymore. More regulations are not going to reverse that trend.

Posted By Diane on June 22, 2009, 2:35 PM

I have two main objectives to this legislation. 1) TSA is for security. They are trained for security and some of them are actually good at it. If we start increasing their responsibilities, we will either have to increase training or put up with incompetence. We might also have to hire more of them. Who pays for this? We do. Reason 2) is that this is not our federal legislators' job. They are elected in order to run our country, not to micro-manage airlines. If this were a serious problem, then maybe, but this is really only an irritation. How many people here have written about anything life-threatening, or even health-threatening? Do we really want our legislators sticking their noses into every little irritation in our lives?

Posted By Duane on June 22, 2009, 2:36 PM

Standardize the carry on requirements.
Sometimes the return carrier changes due to cancelled or delayed flights.
I would like to know my carry is acceptable for all airlines prior to arriving at the departure gate.

Posted By Mark Theken on June 22, 2009, 2:38 PM

The buffoons in Congress should utilize their time on making this a better country, not legislating what is an ailine's right to decide. It is also the airline's job to enforce their rules. I am tired of being overcharged and nickle and dimed to death by the airlines. Travel used to be a fun adventure. At every turn, it seems that someone wants to make it harder and more expensive on the traveler.

Posted By jsw842 on June 22, 2009, 2:38 PM

I hate to have all the bins filled with everyone's luggage that should have been checked. The last time I flew, I had someone ask me to move my smaller bag from the bin so they could put their big one there. I know no one wants to pay extra to check a bag but be fair about it. We all have something we need to carryon so give us the room to do so!

Posted By Merilyn on June 22, 2009, 2:39 PM

No new rules needed for carry on bags. But the ONE THING the airline COULD do is if a passenger seat is in the back of the plane that passengers carry on has to go in the over head bin over his/her seat. Not in the overhead bin of the passenger in the front of the plane.

Posted By Eve on June 22, 2009, 2:40 PM

I work at the gates for an airline and I agree with the TSA enforcing the rules. The TSA rule now is for one personal item and one carry on, but they aren't enforcing that one either. Sometimes I have to check as many as 20 bags in the jetbridge because the overhead bins are full.

Posted By Larry Light on June 22, 2009, 2:41 PM

Sociological Observation:

Families board first and seemingly are entitled to all the overhead bin space they want. It should be interesting to see them limited in what they can carry-on. Why aren't Mom's in this discussion crying that they need the space? Duh, because they already get it. Why rock the ride by mentioning it.

On the last flight where my bag had to ride far from where I had been seated amidst the families, I watched (what else was there to do?) how much of the bin space they used during the flight.

The Mom's had what they needed in the bag under the seat. It was Dad who was up and down all flight pulling out laptop and reading materials from the overhead bins. Kids with their own seats were content to play with the bag of toys under the seat.

Impossible conclusion that couldn't possibly be true: During the flight there was very little that the families used from the overhead bins.

Posted By moth on June 22, 2009, 2:46 PM

What congress should do is mandate that if an airline is code sharing with another on a leg of your trip that carrier should be bound by the rules of the carrier you set the trip up with.

For instance last year we set up a flight to fly from Newark to Homer, AK. We flew with the same carry on bags that we have been flying in this route each year for the past 20 years. They are standard size carry on luggage by a well known luggage manufacturer. Not overly large or some of the jumbo carriers produced today.

When we got to the Anchorage airport for the last leg to Homer the flight was being codeshared by Alaska Airlines and operated by Era Aviation.
We were told our carryons did not match their templated size for carryons and would have to be checked as carry on luggage at a cost of $75 per bag for a total of $150.

Since we had arranged our return via the same carrier and did not want to incur the extra $150 charge we had to discard our carryons and search for a bag that fit ERA's template. Search as we might we couldn't find airline luggage that matched that template - we ended up with two gym bags that pretty closely matched it.

This year we are traveling again. We travel with two small dogs in under the seat carriers. We are normally charged from $75 to $125 for each dog. However on this trip we learned that Alaska Airlines is codesharing the first leg with Continental. Normally we would pay one charge per dog and that would carry them to the destination in Homer. However in this case Continental is charging us a $100 per dog fee to carry them on that first leg and Alaska airlines is also charging us a fee for carrying the dog on the next two legs.

On the return since all of the legs are flown by Alaska Airlines we will only be charged one charge to carry the dogs the entire way.

When the consumer makes his reservation he is not aware of codesharing and should not be subject to inconsistant regulations that double charges for services.

I don't think the travel agent was even aware of the effect of the codesharing problems because she could have put us on a plane 40 minutes later for that first leg that was operated by Alaska Airlines and we would have avoided the double billing. All codesharing partners should have to abide by the same rules put in place by the carrier you booked your tickets with.

All the best,
Ted Sudol

Posted By Ted on June 22, 2009, 2:53 PM

I am for this legislation. I always carry one small piece of hand luggage on board. Recently, on a trip from Cairo to JFK a person boarded with two outsize bags. He tried to put one of them in the bin with my bag and just could not get it to fit. The male flight attendant came along and grabbed my bag and smashed it on top of another bag and forced the large piece of luggage into the bin. When I got home, the lovely onyx dish which I had purchased in Egypt, and which was well packed, was in smithereens. Bring on the rules.

Posted By Leonie on June 22, 2009, 2:54 PM

PLEASE do standardize on 22x14x10 To much is presently carried on - takes up all and more of the overheads starage space and leaves no room for coats and hats. Also ADDS time to planing and deplaning as it is necessary to secure and thren to unsecure baggage from its resting space. A standardized rule which is enforced by TDSA (not the airline) is necessary to ensure safety in travel.

Posted By David Parry on June 22, 2009, 2:54 PM

I don't care what size bag is allowed, I just want the airlines to enforce it! I've seen women board with bags that are too heavy for them; men board with a suitcase, a dufflebag AND a laptop and not even look chagrined. Just enforce the darned rules, no matter what they are!!!

Posted By El on June 22, 2009, 2:59 PM

Both my husband and I have sleep apnea and must use C-Pap machines. We have been advised by our doctors and airline employees not to ever check our machines. The machines are in luggage quality bags and are both under all carry on baggage regulation sizes. We never put them in the overhead, but place them under our seat, or the seat ahead. I have had "discussions" with flight attendents about this. They wanting us to use the overhead storage. I finally got upset and asked if it would hurt more to have the bag fall out of the overhead and hit them on the head (think bowling ball), or have it stuck under the seat. These are the only things we carry on except my medium size purse. I agree some people try to bring everything except the sink onboard. These are the same people who hog the overheads on bus tours and over pack and over buy on cruises. I say pay for everything after one bag and one purse or laptop. A pox on all who are so rude and selfish.

Posted By LibLady on June 22, 2009, 3:02 PM

Yes, yes yes, please make this a standard regulation that TSA enforces. All those little princes and princesses that think they can bring that giant bag and try to stuff it overhead take up extra time and room for those of us that follow the rules as usual.
Enforce, enforce, enforce

Posted By joyce on June 22, 2009, 3:04 PM

There are basically no bags 10 inches deep. Forget the TSA.

Posted By richard reina on June 22, 2009, 3:06 PM

Carry on baggage should be limited to laptops, cameras, medicine, and a jacket or hat and purse. Everything else should be checked. and with the checking fees, before long..people will not overpack. Thus making the plane lighter. and before long, the fees on the luggage will be dropped due to the plane burning less fuel.
I am 1000 percent sure this will happen. Just as I am sure that the sun will rise from the western horizon above Los Angeles

Posted By Pete Scholls on June 22, 2009, 3:14 PM

Does congress want to simply take over our lives. They meddle in EVERYTHING...I, for one am sick and tired of this congress ( regime) and wish they would just get lost...they must set up nights trying to figure out how to get a bill introduce since about everything else already has their hands on every day life now...!

Posted By Patiort on June 22, 2009, 3:17 PM

I don't think the government should be involved with carryon sizes. I do, however, think the airlines should enforce their own rules. We have been late leaving the gate on several occasions because a passenger and/or the flight attendant spent several minutes (sometimes as much as 10 minutes) trying to stuff an oversized/overstuffed carry-on into the overhead bin. These rude people are no more important than the rest of the passengers who checked their bags. Get over yourselves.

Posted By Judy on June 22, 2009, 3:27 PM

NO, NO, NO. Until the current administration this was a free country. Companies and states were running themselves and this is an area where the Feds should keep out. If they want to do something constructive, they can pop for the money to upgrade the equipment for the traffic controllers and bring it into the 21st century.

Posted By Soxlady on June 22, 2009, 3:34 PM

No. Heathrow Security personel are the among the world's rudest. I believe their carry-on size limits are smaller and different than any carrier that connects via LHR. Connecting through NYC (especially JFK) is already a horror show. We don't need any more hassles under the guise of safety or economic sanctions on the flying public.

Posted By J on June 22, 2009, 3:38 PM

First of all airlines need to enforce the rules all ready in place as to carry on luggage. Next, people should only use the bin over their seat. No leaving bag in up front bins and go sit in the rear making it difficult to find space over your seat when seated in the front- especially in a balkhead seat with no under seat space. As for size, as long as I can carry my meds, change of clothing, zip lock bag and important papers I'm happy.

Posted By Eleanor Hughes on June 22, 2009, 3:41 PM

There are bags 22x14x10. We have a second set this size. You can't prevent people from overpacking, but one way or another rules regulating carry-on bags needs enforcement, and I don't care who does it.

Posted By Don on June 22, 2009, 3:58 PM

Standardizing the size of carry-ons throughout the industry would remove one of the most irritating aspects of contemporary flying: constantly being surprised, confused and frustrated by inconsistent rules and regulations regarding baggage.

As much as we would hate losing our freedom and flexibility regarding our carry-ons, we would adapt to any new system- much as we've adapted to the TSA's other sometimes irrational rules- while gaining the benefits of knowing what to expect when we get to the airport and board a flight.

The problem is, of course, that standardizing carry-ons is only part of the solution: without standardized overhead bins and under-seat space across the wide range of airplane models there is still going to be uncertainty and exasperation with carry-ons.

Posted By Dennis on June 22, 2009, 3:58 PM

The government is trying to control everything else we do, why not tell us what we can carry on the plane. And I'm sure they will pay to replace anything that is lost or doesn't make it to the correct destination on time. And of course no carries anything that can't be replaced at the next airport. Maybe the majority in Congress will pass another tax on carry on's - that should solve the problem.

Posted By Jim on June 22, 2009, 4:00 PM

It's obvious from reading all the comments, who are the rule-followers, and who are the rule-breakers. I too am disgusted with all of the people who bring these huge amounts of luggage into the cabin and hog all of the overhead space.

However, a TSA rule would be no more effective than the unenforced airline rules, for all of the reasons already stated above. (Namely, the airlines could enforce the rules, but don't.)

I suggest the following:

(1) Have a plastic or metal form at the gate that all carryon's must fit through. If it doesn't fit, it has to be checked. (The airlines did this before 9/11.)

(2) Stop charging for the first bag (if necessary, add that charge to the price of the ticket.)

(3) Alternately, charge the same for carry-on luggage as for checked luggage (after all, it weighs just as much or more.) (Or, this charge would only apply to carry-on's over a certain size.)

Anything would be better than the current situation. I am tired of being hit over the head with other people's giant carryon's.

Posted By Elizabeth on June 22, 2009, 4:04 PM

Absolutely there should be one standard and it must be enforced before proceeding through TSA checkpoints. This would diffuse all vagaries between airlines, prevent random gate checking, speed the boarding and unboarding process, and allow airlines to compete on their "a la carte" amenities.

Posted By Ralph on June 22, 2009, 4:11 PM

Congress to manage carry on luggage?! What is next, someone from the government telling me when and how often to go to the bathroom? As it is today, I might be in there when someone else wants to use it. Let the airlines manage their business and profit appropriately from it.

Posted By huskerrock on June 22, 2009, 4:15 PM

No NO NO we do not need congress wasting time micro managing such little matters. Please Congressman Lipinsky spend our time more productive that spending it on your own pet peeve.

Posted By Gary on June 22, 2009, 4:17 PM

Standardizing carry on luggage is the right approach here. Airlines vary widely in their dimension requirements and one size would make for easier loading and unloading of passengers. A purse or laptop and one standard sized piece of luggage is all that should be allowed to be brought on. The moans and groans from frequent travelers is merely due to the fact that they would no longer be able to take more than fair share of overhead space on regional jets and fuller flights due to airlines cutting down on frequency between destinations to make money. The airlines are forcing the TSA to get involved as they have caused wide-spread inconsistencies because of the varied policies at each one. Airlines have unbundled the cost of a fare so much that getting your luggage to your destination now costs nearly as much as you to travel there.

Posted By Bill on June 22, 2009, 4:23 PM

I agree with those who say the airlines should enforce their own rules, but, and let's face it, they won't do so. The only effective way to enforce the rule is to take the decision out of the hands af the airlines. I am very much in favor of a rule considtent with a reasonable overhead/under seat dimension for carryons. Nothing infuriates me more than to find someone's four foot long duffel bag in the overhead and no room for my small, compliant bag.

Posted By Charles Jaco on June 22, 2009, 4:27 PM

For heaven's sake, don't encourage the government to stick their big fingers into anything more. Will they take over the airlines next? Maybe we should all tell the airlines that we WANT the rules enforced. Personally, as a "large" person, the huge debate about bodies taking more than their share of space is insulting to me if the stupid baggage can be as big as a person can carry without tipping over. I've seen comments about my excess weight being a safety factor, but apparently the poundage of baggage is not a factor. Go figure! Note: I'm not THAT big. Just your typically overweight ugly american. I also like the idea of bins to check size since it has also been suggested that we should have to sit in a seat prior to boarding to see if we need to pay for two seats.

Posted By Terri Anderson on June 22, 2009, 4:37 PM

Throw the oversized carryon and it's owner out some where over the Rockies

Posted By Conrad Bobick on June 22, 2009, 4:37 PM

agree, but enforce it no matter what the final outcome, and that goes for ALL classes first, business, coach etc. NO special privleges for anyone, includes you butt head politicians too

Posted By John George Hatem on June 22, 2009, 4:41 PM

I don't want my tax dollars being spent on this! NO NO NO - congress regulates it and we pay to prove they are doing it correctly and meet the regulation. It's silly. Let the airlines deal with it. It's not that hard to check before you fly what your limitations are to carry-on.

Posted By Ilene on June 22, 2009, 4:45 PM

Heaven forbid! Let private industry enforce their micro-level rules and keep the government focused on getting us there safely. Size restrictions already exist. If you're unhappy with the abuse allowed, then file a complaint and take your business to a competitor -- afterall this is a very, very competitive industry.

Posted By Artist kathy on June 22, 2009, 4:49 PM

I recommend that airlines not charge for the first two bags of checked luggage--but charge for anything placed in the overhead bins. Then I would place a fine on the airline for lost or misplaced luggage. This would have fewer people with carryons--would cut down on the time needed for passengers to get on and off the planes; and the wait would be in the baggage claim area, where there is more room and the airline employees would have more time to ensure that the plane is ready for its next flight. The problem with all the overhead bins getting full is caused by the airlines charging for the checked baggage. Planes are designed to have more weight in the belly--not in the overhead bins. Passengers are getting heavier and heavier --it is safer to control where the weight is being placed on the plane. Let Congress handle more important issues than deciding what size or weight a carryon piece should be..... Airlines are always looking for ways to charge their flying passengers more--paying for the first suitcase or for the meals is getting a little greedy.....

Posted By sheryn on June 22, 2009, 4:51 PM

Before 9/11, in Chicago Ohare's United Terminal, there used to be a carry-on template that was attached to the entrance of the xray machine. If your bag did not fit, it did not go through and you were told to go back to the check-in counter to have your bag checked. This was so loved by the flight attendants because we knew that mostly every bag coming on a plane in Chicago was good to go (we still had to deal with connecting passengers). We often asked why didn't every airport have this. The problem with over-sized bags was solved before the person even got through security. That is what needs to be brought back. Why they got rid of it is beyond me!

Posted By Another Flight Attendant on June 22, 2009, 4:51 PM

NO, NO, NO. Thats all we need is something else for the govenment to do poorly, and at our expense. They should fire half of the TSA (totally standing around) and leave it up to the airlines to establish their own policies.

Posted By ed schwaneke on June 22, 2009, 4:59 PM

NO! NO!! NO!!!

Keep government out of this.

If you live in this bozo Lapinski's Illinois congressional district, write him with your opinion. If you don't live there write your representative and ask him not to support the resolution and tell him you'll remember his choice at election time.

Posted By mcmax on June 22, 2009, 5:25 PM

There is no constitutional authority for the Congress to pass such a law, but the constitution has never stopped congress from passing moronic laws, its in the genes.

Posted By Steve Sanderson on June 22, 2009, 5:29 PM

I agree that something should be done to remove the abuses that have crept into the system, and lacking any action from the airlines I would support action on a broader legislative level. Passengers are carrying more and more items on board, slowing down not only the boarding time for each leg of their journey but also increasing the time needed for passing through security. And this is often done to avoid the fee for checked luggage. Perhaps a middle ground in a solution is to remove the fee for the first bag (and of course let the fare go up so as to have that necessary cost hidden). Some would say that such fare increase is unfair to those who check no luggage (but would be paying the hidden fee), but they can also see themselves as helping to pay for faster and safer boarding routines as they travel.

Some fear checked luggage being misdirected and lost. Check-in procedures now have the passenger declaring his destination with his name and routing printed on the claim tag. A quick glance at check-in can assure a passenger that their bag has been tagged to go to their intended destination -- and flight departure procedures are now such that bags in a hold without their owner on board are removed. Would you still have to wait at the luggage carousel? Yes, a small exchange of time for the time saved at the start of the flight.

Posted By PGT on June 22, 2009, 5:31 PM

If the overhead compartments were standard size this would make sense but different planes have different sizes and so this is just silly. Methinks the Congressman was having a snit this day.

How about standardizing the seat size and pitch to meet adult standards instead of child size?

Posted By karen on June 22, 2009, 5:42 PM

I do not like the idea of more government regulations in this area. Traffic is slow enough as it is.

Posted By Colette DeVore on June 22, 2009, 5:59 PM

Ok Folks, I personally feel that we, the passenger, and all of our stuff (purse, shoes, baggage, computers, etc) step on a scale and pay according to the total weight. In other words, say you have a total body and baggage weight of 150-225 lbs. you would have your flight charges adjusted down to coordinate with the weight chart. The more you weigh, bags and all, the more you pay. Still with me? An average build adult who is a frequent flyer and knows how to pack efficiently will uber benefit! If someone wants to bring 15 pairs of shoes and half the closet, they'll pay more or they'll learn to pack more efficiently. It works for me. No, The government needs to stay out of business and church, they'll never stop if you give in even one little inch!

Posted By Debra on June 22, 2009, 6:03 PM

Am I the only person who has LOST luggage...never to see it again! Not once but twice! I carefully pack night wear, toothbrush,medications, a extra outfit, shoes, jewerly, a sweater and something casual into my carry on. This gives me a fighting chance to survive where ever I land. That wonderful carry on means a lot to me......does anyone think I am wrong??? And, no I don't want to live under rules and more rules for everything,

Posted By Sue on June 22, 2009, 6:08 PM

I think they should worry more about the really important stuff, like Cheerios for instance. That way, the government will do us far less damage.

Posted By sCOTT on June 22, 2009, 6:13 PM

We already have too much interference by the government. If it is not broke, do not fix it!!! I would hope Congress has more important things to do with their time. Let the airlines regulate themselves. If I do not like the rules of a particular airline, I will avoid flying with them. Southwest has my business and will as long as they keep their current baggage rules, and continue to treat me like a valued customer. No other US airline is worth flying in my opinion.

Posted By Glenn on June 22, 2009, 6:19 PM

Come on, America! As Washington takes power over our country away from we the people, do you actually want to ENCOURAGE more control and regulations?

Posted By SUSAN on June 22, 2009, 6:47 PM

I've been mailing (US Mail)my suitcase ahead when I fly these days. I live in Hawaii. Two checked bags lost taught me my lesson. Now if Southwest would only fly to Hawaii, my dreams would come true. They certainly get all my business on the mainland.

Posted By normaparker on June 22, 2009, 7:10 PM

If it fits under the seat or in the overhead then let it on. Just enforce the NUMBER of carryons. I suspect the airlines themselves would like us to have to check ALL luggage as an additional source of revenue!

Posted By George on June 22, 2009, 7:15 PM

I've been mailing (US Mail)my suitcase ahead when I fly these days. I live in Hawaii. Two checked bags lost taught me my lesson. Now if Southwest would only fly to Hawaii, my dreams would come true. They certainly get all my business on the mainland.

Posted By normaparker on June 22, 2009, 7:20 PM

Point of clarification - many people already seated in row 6,8, or whatever, when you board are NOT breaking the rules. They likely are "elite" level flyers, who have earned priority boarding status. We try hard to reach that level each year just so we DO have room to put our ONE carry-on and not have the hassle of lost/delayed baggage or the 45-min./hour wait for luggage at the airport we use most frequently - and yes, I can pack for a week in Paris in one bag! The carry-on situation has gotten much worse since the fees and those rules NEED TO BE ENFORCED! On a recent Air Tran flight, gate agent annouced "this plane is very full, so we will gate-check any carry-on AT NO COST and about a dozen people took advantage of that. Good common sense by the airline!

Posted By Travelgranny on June 22, 2009, 7:37 PM

Let's see. We are told not to have our medicines in our checked luggage or jewelry and cameras. We are to pack our cosmetics in our checked luggage. I spent two days in the Amazon jungle with no deodorant when my luggage did not arrived. Perhaps younger passengers' medicine bag does not contain as much as we geezers does. In order to carry all this without a carry-on would require a pocketbook that "ate the world." Haven't the airlines and the government made it difficult and uncomfortable enough to travel without making it more difficult? I now drive to places I used to fly in the US. Do something about the incivility of the TSA at the airports before beating up on the poor passengers.

Posted By Phyllis on June 22, 2009, 7:56 PM

Here's an idea that would cost the taxpayers nothing, solve the jammed overheads & excessive weight of the carry-ons:

If it fits under the seat, it's free. If it needs to go overhead, charge a fee for it. If the airlines have made charging baggage fees a permanent practice, the practice could be first bag free, fees on additional bags. Fees paid at check in.

Simple solution, no hassle, no disagreements on the plane or slowing down the TSA lines & doesn't cost any more except for the people who are using the premium space.

Posted By KAYLA97 on June 22, 2009, 8:11 PM

This would be a nightmare. The TSA already is inconsistent with their policies regarding what can or cannot go through security. Worse yet, if you attempt to "negotiate" with them, they invoke Federal Law and threaten to arrest you. At least an airline employee has some incentive to listen to you plead your case as to why your carryon needs to stay with you. I carry medical equipment that I cannot be without, so yes, I am one of those people that usually has 1 too many carryons, but only because I've learned the hard way that if you don't carry it on, you stand a good chance of losing it.

Posted By Jeff on June 22, 2009, 8:14 PM

I think the airlines should regulate the size of the bags, not the government. But the regulations MUST apply to all passengers, not just those of us that choose to obey the rules and are considerate of others. The me first and me only rule sucks. Travelers have certainly forgotten the golden rule and only do unto others what they can get away with. Until the airlines make rules and enforce them the skies will continue to be unfriendly.

Posted By suzii steinbrech on June 22, 2009, 8:14 PM

I would like to see carry-on bags (size and weight) standardized as well as check in bags WORLD WIDE. It is difficult to take an international flight and be allowed 50 pounds only to find that the limit is 44 pounds when you travel between countries in Europe.

Posted By Judith on June 22, 2009, 8:35 PM

Stop dictating to us all the time-enough already--Get the Gestapo out of the airways,PLEASE!!!!

Posted By sally kourousis on June 22, 2009, 8:42 PM

YES, there are too many over sized bags in the overhead bins. Most are already larger than they should be. We never carry more than small items with us on the plane. For one thing, it is too much to lift to the overhead the then retrieve at the end of the flight. Most airlines has the bags off the plane by the time you get to the baggage area. I get very tired of people trying to shove a large bag into a space that is too small. These people are inconsiderate to others.

Posted By Sandy on June 22, 2009, 8:45 PM

I think it would be great if we could just get the TSA to do the job that is already clearly beyond them...providing security. Giving the any additional responsibilities is pure madness.

I do think, however, that is equally crazy to penalize folks (like me) who check their luggage gladly, and by the way, I fly quite often, and I've NEVER lost a bag. There are folks who, when given an inch, will take a mile, and hold up a flight while they fuss with their excess or oversize luggage, and block the isle. It falls to the airlines to do the right thing, and control any such problems.

Of course, if idiots weren't making the rules, they'd load a plane from the rear, forward, but, apparently some would prefer to go out of business than use that sense that is not so common. Good riddance to bad rubbish, I say.

Posted By Pete on June 22, 2009, 9:08 PM

Oh yeah, I has to do with our safety, after all! Especially since the extra baggage charges, I've seen little-old people trying to jam huge duffels into those overhead racks and the stews can't get the darned lids latched after the do get 'em up there. Absolutely, it's a good idea. This way all the guess-work is taken away. I vote YEA!

Posted By IndyMo on June 22, 2009, 9:09 PM

I love the idea! I too watch the people board with their oversize luggage and hog the space. It is often the law abiding passenger who must stuff a small carry-on at the feet and be more comfortable. Wouldn't the airlines like to place the enforcement elsewhere so they don't offend the passenger? No matter what, the airlines should stick together and establish a rule and then enforce it. Perhaps they could enforce bag size and then offer an off-setting lower check-in fee.

Posted By Kent Johnson on June 22, 2009, 9:28 PM

No one pays attention to the rules ! I am sick of not being able to even stow my computer at the top bins.
I travel checking my luggage, because of such inconsiderate people. I would love to keep my luggage with me and just walk of, but I follow the rules, stupid me !

All Airlines should have a bin at the boarding area, all carry-on luggage will be dropped in there at boarding, and if it does not fit, will be checked. finished, amen, that's it. Everyone is happy, since everyone is treated alike !!!
Dagmar Graham

Posted By Dagmar Graham on June 22, 2009, 9:37 PM

ABSOLUTELY NOT The govt needs to stay out of this. At every turn now there is the govt! With every legislation passed we are loosing freedoms and the right of choice, The airlines need to step up and enforce their own rules,like the sizes .,They have them just enforce it . It is like any rule if not enforced people will continue to abuse it. Unfortunately there are always those who think rules are not made for them

Posted By louie on June 22, 2009, 10:04 PM

Absolutey "YES"! Not only should security monitor the size of carry-on luggage, but the size established should be small, and should be STRICKLY enforced!

Too many passengers have no regard whatever for the comfort and rights of other passengers!

Posted By EDWARD G. FELDMANN on June 22, 2009, 11:26 PM

Absolutey "YES"! Not only should security monitor the size of carry-on luggage, but the size established should be small, and should be STRICKLY enforced!

Too many passengers have no regard whatever for the comfort and rights of other passengers!

Posted By EDWARD G. FELDMANN on June 22, 2009, 11:53 PM

1. Oh, no! Please! - Not the feds about to mess us up yet again?

2. I use a soft back-pack. Never, never would it fit specific measurements; but it certainly can be crammed nicely into available spaces.

Posted By F H Shoffner on June 23, 2009, 12:07 AM

I would support a rule giving a minimum size that the airline must accept, but I think airlines should be allowed to accept larger carry-ons, and they should enforce their own rules.
My reasoning is that many people carry-on their luggage on their usual airlines, only to find that a different airline does not allow the generous size of their usual airline.
When a person purchases carry on luggage, they should know that every airline must accept that as carry on. But, I don't believe that TSA should enforce that. If other airlines wish to be more generous in size of carry ons, then they should be allowed to use that in advertisements and perhaps attract additional customers.

Posted By Ken on June 23, 2009, 1:53 AM

Carryon luggage should be consistently the same size & enforced by the TSA. It make no sense to have different sized carryon luggage for different airlines. I also think that a reasonable fixed amount of allowed luggage should be included in all airfare rather that an additional charge for luggage. People are tired of being nickle & dimed.

Posted By Morry Korman on June 23, 2009, 2:40 AM

no way should the gov't get in the middle of this but carry ons should be controlled at check in and given a sticker along with other carry ons such as lap top and purse that way the people could not even go thru security unless they had been pre-approved. entry on to the plane would be quicker and therefore on time service improved-i am tired of watching people take on huge garment bags because they don't want to be inconvenienced and they take up space of other passengers. if you get on last you often don't have room for your bag and as for coats and such they are supposed to be stowed under the seat in front of you.

Posted By sarah d petersen on June 23, 2009, 3:55 AM

Some of us need various medications during the day/week in order to live comfortably. I take 15 med's per day. These must be kept in their original containers for safety sake, and NEVER would I trust them to my checked luggage. I keep one days supply in my purse, but the original containers must be kept in a carry on due to the space they take up. And I plan on continuing to travel as long as I am able. Please be considerate when looking into this issue.

Posted By Fran Roberts on June 23, 2009, 4:08 AM

Yes, there is a problem with too many oversized bags being carried onboard, but, maybe the question should be, instead, "WHY are people doing this?" The simple answer, and the problem, as I see it, is that the airlines, in their quest to recoup losses, found another way to bleed the public; after taking away free meals, snacks and even on some planes, free beverages (even non alcoholic), somebody got the bright idea to charge for checked bags. If they would allow for 1 free bag to be checked, this would eliminate a huge portion of the problem onboard. Flyers these days are getting nickled and dimed all the way, and when a person buys a plane ticket, say 2 or 3 months before traveling, the flight expense is still not completely paid until meals and bag fees have been taken care of at the airport, making that plane fare a lot more expensive than the 'sticker price', so to speak. And, given the hassle from some TSA's, dealing with other stressed passengers, and all these charges, we could use a little good news for a change. Since people who travel for more than just a day flight need to take clothing (consider the alternative, wearing the same outfit for a week???), let's forget about trying to force people to carry less on by getting the government involved...instead, let's give people incentive to check a bag - I say airlines should consider giving us back 1 free checked bag per paid ticket. I really feel that if everyone were able to do this free, they would certainly go back to getting rid of the big bags, they're such a hassle to have to drag around the airport, anyway, especially during a layover. Maybe not everyone would take advantage of the free checked bag, but there are a lot of good people traveling who would be glad to do their part, if the airlines would just give in a little. Another advantage of motivating people to want to check their bag, would be smoother boarding all the way, the flight crew would not have to spend as much time hasseling people to give up their bags that won't fit, because there would be more space, and boarding would go much quicker and less stress would be passed around the plane. I really think the airlines made a big mistake by charging for every single thing that is checked, and government intervention isn't going to make that any better, it will just make everyone angrier in the longrun without really solving the problem.
FORGET THE GOVERNMENT, GIVE US BACK ONE FREE CHECKED BAG!

Posted By Jen on June 23, 2009, 4:09 AM

All airlines should have, at the check in counter a carry on baggage check thing. Where each passenger must put the carry on in - if it doesn't fit it must be checked. For those self checking, there should be the same check availible however, they will get a different colour ticket and have to check it as they board the plane - in front of the airline personel, if it doesn't fit - it gets checked with a surcharge.

Posted By MK on June 23, 2009, 9:00 AM

It seems silly to not allow bigger pieces on planes that have the room. There may be an item that is delicate and cannot be checked and if it does not meet those specified measurements what then? When traveling I check to see what the airlines itself allows and I go by those specifications. You will always have "selfish" people who do not follow rules that being said they should be obligated to check any extra or what the airlines considers over sized carry-on items.

Posted By Maritza Monge on June 23, 2009, 10:57 AM

I've had the experience of one airline allowing my small carryon and the continuing airline tell me at the gate that it's too big. Air France is usually the one I've had the most problem with. This becomes very probematic as I only carry a fanny pack for a purse and have no place to put my camera equipment, jewelry, and all those other things that I don't want to leave in checked luggage! A standard size for carryons would make my life easier on International travel.
JMF

Posted By Jeanne Mitchler-Fiks on June 23, 2009, 11:36 AM

If the Airlines would enforce what people brought on board, there would be no need for legislation. I can travel for two weeks with a 22-inch roll-on, but I still check the bag. Everyone expects to be the exception to the rule. And if $15 is a deal breaker, then you can't afford to fly. Maybe if the airlines charged $15 for every rollaboard and let us have one free checked bag, it might stop. Imagine everyone running for the free checked bag? I have only had my luggage delayed four times, twice on the same trip, and while it it annoying as hell, I prefer it to the abuse my belongings have taken from other passengers trying to jam oversize bags in the overhead.

Posted By JKC on June 23, 2009, 11:58 AM

As a variation of the old saying, "If you think flying is bad now, just wait until the government makes it better!"
I think the problem is less with the carry-on rules and more with the rudeness of some travelers. Let's ban rude travelers! ~ Steve Booth

Posted By steve booth on June 23, 2009, 12:55 PM

I want the flexibility to pack and travel as I need to. I board quickly and work efficiently to store what I have. I do not need TSA, who are very inconsistent, giving me another potential travel speedbump. Getting through checkpoints behind some less-seasoned travelers is trying enough on one's patience, let's not have bag-size matters slow the works even more.

Posted By Kurt on June 23, 2009, 1:39 PM

We don't need any more government mandated laws. When they enter the picture, chaos reigns. Each airline should be allowed to run their own company the way they see fit. Set carry-on sizes and enforce it, or choose not to enforce it. The passengers grumbling about no bin space will make them see that they should enforce their own regulations or lose customer loyalty

Posted By Julie on June 23, 2009, 1:58 PM

You got to be kidding! tsa is already worthless at their job....let's not get them doing more screw-ups...the responsiblility of bags, fall on the airline shoulders, as does, the collection of extra fees they get for their hold-up (robbery) ways to the traveling public. they have the bag size allowable, just need for them to enforce their own policies...
JLR

Posted By Jimmy Rufus on June 23, 2009, 1:59 PM

While the idea of a standard size of luggage to no carry on makes sense to some, it does not make sense to those that travel with elderly parents and small children. Both these groups need lots of stuff to travel from entertainment to meds and food. Some of this stuff would be non standard. So should the mom have to fly sans diaper bag because it is half an inch too tall or too wide? And how about grandpa's bag that is stuffed with blood pressure monitoring devices and and blood monitoring meters as well as his vials of meds not to mention his folding walker.

Posted By Sonja on June 23, 2009, 2:09 PM

While I'm not sure I want either a limit or the TSA enforcing it, I do get irked at some travelers.

About two weeks ago I flew to Kuala Lumpur (I live in Bangkok) and a guy at the counter had a mountaineering backback with an attached fanny bag, and hand-carry bag -- and TWO duty-free sacks chock full. And he carried every single bit of it into the cabin. That's probably one of the worst I've ever seen.

Posted By Mekhong Kurt on June 23, 2009, 2:38 PM

Congress stay out of private enterprises! It seems many in our national government want socialism and/or communism. Are we going to let them legislate all our freedoms? This is the business of the airlines,their associations, and the flying public.

Posted By Annette on June 23, 2009, 3:44 PM

For Jack who thought it is a good idea for no carry on's. Have you every seen the way the airlines treat your checked bags? Would you like to see what would happen to a check laptop or digital camera? If it's not broken it will not be there on the other end of the flight. But that's ok, because airlines don't have to pay for losses of that much money. Oh, and don't forget in the UK they count purses as a carry on bag (does not matter the size. Good luck Jack on your next business trip or holiday, don't forget to check the wallat in the suitcase!

Posted By Kim on June 23, 2009, 5:07 PM

Do we really need another law????? If the airlines feel there is a problem, then they should address it.

Posted By Linda on June 23, 2009, 7:38 PM

The airlines want to be cost effective. I want them to be that way too. And in a commodity market, the most cost effective process is standardization -- and then enforcement. The airlines have neither. There is no standardization and there is definitely no enforcement as anyone knows who has watched another passenger stuff an oversized bag, a briefcase, and a coat into an overhead bin leaving no space for anyone else - at the same time the flight attendants are asking them over the intercom to place only one item in the overhead. If the airlines can't get it together, then Congress will step in because people are complaining and people vote. It is in the airlines' best interest to take control of the process, step up and institute some best practices - sooner rather than later. Whether they are interested or capable of such action remains to be seen.

Posted By Kathy on June 23, 2009, 8:44 PM

Leave me and my carry-on alone! I travel extensively and live abroad--in several locations--so, like a turtle, I need to carry my home on my back. I'm already battling the 50# weight limit and charges for first AND second checked bags. My carry-on is the one bag (and one personal item) over which I still have a modicum of control. Let the airlines determine what sizes they can handle--after all, not all underseat or overhead space is the same size.

Posted By Bobette on June 23, 2009, 9:30 PM

Is this a security issue? No. Then TSA has no reason to be involved. Leave it to the airlines.

Posted By Tom Shimmin on June 24, 2009, 3:51 AM

Better he should pass a law allowing for one FREE checked bag. Some of these over-stuffed carry-ons are to avoid checking luggage.

Posted By Steve Brooks on June 24, 2009, 6:42 AM

Great idea to have TSA limit carry on size. Let everyone have plenty of room in overheads. Faster boarding, more on time departures. Lift your own damn bag without assistance. If you packed it, you lift it.

Flight attendants cant enforce this rule, because Pax bitch to company and company kisses Pax ass. Plus Flight attendant has to be on aircraft with pissy Pax and serve them. Work an an airline people. Try it for a few weeks, and see what a PAIN carry on bags are...Pax in the US are way too spoiled anyway. Try flying domestic carriers in Europe. Pretty soon all those limitations will make their way here anyway. Dont like it? take a bus,car,train

Posted By hoff on June 24, 2009, 8:46 AM

Is this a security issue? No. Then TSA has no reason to be involved. Leave it to the airlines.

Posted By Tom Shimmin on June 24, 2009, 3:51 AM

Tom I agree with you wholeheartedly, we here at TSA have enough to do with passangers bitching at us about why we're taking their liquids, which by the way were 16+ fluid ounches when for 5 or more years now it's been known that the limit per container is 3.4fl oz. or why their cork screw with the knife on it is a weapon... my personal favorite is.."perfume isn't a liquid...is it?" and the woman who called me "tacky" for taking away her shampoo and conditioner which was 32 oz ABOVE the limit, I'm just doing my job. The reason most TSOs are bitchy, cranky and pissed off is because we get bitched at, cussed out, yelled at and told off every single day, we are doing the job we were hired for, hate to say this but if passengers hate us for what we are trying to do..aka protecting your butts from being harmed when you get on that plane, take a damn car or bus, one less person we have to worry about blowing up that plane or harming another passenger, I look at each passenger as if my son, my partner or my mother was getting on the plane with you. I want everyone I deal with daily to be safe, I care... I work hard to ensure that you are, if you all can't understand that, well quite frankly, your stupid.. grow up and remember 9/11... And yes, we will be telling passangers to go check that bag, because like it or not, it's part of our job. Remember, the 3-1-1 rule, take your large electronics out and have then seperate in a bin and shoes go directly on the belt now, not in a bin.

A TSO

Posted By A TSO on June 24, 2009, 3:47 PM

Several observations:
1] The air lines need to start doing their own baggage size screening and use a convenient template at the point of check-in. If it doesn't fit the template, it doesn't go in the cabin; 2] We don't need a security agency telling us what size carry-ons to take with us. this is not a security issue; 3] If baggage arrival was a surething, maybe passengers wouldn't be dragging their papers, computers,and clothes on-board with them; 4] Stop chargingthose insane baggage fees the people wouldn't be overloading the cabin with excess and oversized baggage; 5] And lastly, what ever happended to seats under which you could actually place a carry-on and what happened to that "closet" that some planesused to have for carry-ons?

Posted By H. Siag on June 25, 2009, 10:34 AM

Oh please, YES, YES, YES.
I would love it if travelers were courteous and considerate of others, but unfortunately there are too many who are not and need someone to set limits for them.
One of my worst experiences was taking a long distance flight, where I dutifully waited for my seat section to be called then walked on the plane and found most passengers in my section already seated and the luggage bins full! I had to store my extra piece under the seat in front of me and be scrunched up for the entire flight. I had checked my larger bag so thankfully did not have to cram that underneath.
When I complained to the flight attendant, she looked at me with a defeated expression and said "we try to enforce it but..." Let's face it, airlines do not have an interest in enforcing carry on luggage limits anymore than they had an interest in airplane security (remember 9/11). They want to fill their seats and if it means letting some passengers take up way more than their reasonable share, so be it.
I recently experienced a wonderful alternative while flying Horizon Air. They have a system called A la cart where they have carts in the outdoor boarding area (small plane) where you can put your carry on luggage for them to stow in a compartment behind the seat area. Getting off you just wait a minute for them to unload the extra luggage, grab your bag and go.
Until all airlines have this kind of feature, I say "You go, congressman."

Posted By John on June 25, 2009, 7:45 PM

Isn't it obvious that politicians are becoming more inept all the time? After airline bags, will they regulate the size of the trunks on autos? The airlines have created this overcrowded cabin condition because of their greed. I bet not one plane has reduced its weight since they started charging for bags. Maybe if they reduced the fees, more people would check their bags. I feel a little amazed that people carry on suitcases larger than the ones I check.

Posted By Fred on June 26, 2009, 8:00 AM

There is nothing more annoying than taking your proper sized carry-on on to the plane and seeing pigs with either extra carry-ons or huge carryons hog the space. It's really up to the airlines to enforce this, not the government, unless we start regulating airlines again - not a bad idea!

Posted By George Clarke on June 27, 2009, 12:45 AM

No. No. And No.

If the TSA is there fore security, and not for the draconian atmosphere of today's airports, they should not be used to regulate the SIZE of baggage being taken to the gate.

Posted By Kelly on June 29, 2009, 2:09 PM

Airlines should allow one bag checked free (up to a certain size and weight) and one carry-on that will fit under the seat. Any extra checked bags and any bags that must go in the overhead would be additional.

Or they should charge by the total weight of all baggage--with a certain amount free--whether it is carried on or checked.

Posted By Cheryl on June 29, 2009, 5:34 PM

No way should the Government(TSA), set a standard!!!

Posted By alsi on July 1, 2009, 1:04 PM

I agree with H. Siag's comments of June 25. Standard carry-on size used to be 22 x 14 x 9 inches and some airlines had cages at the airport to test your bag. I travel with a bag that is within 20 x 13 x 9 and squishable so it shouldn't be a problem but some airlines have remodeled their seats so that it might fit under only one of the three in a given row. That just goes to show how small the seats are nowadays! That little bag is enough for me to travel for months overseas. I do it by careful design of my travel wardrobes and miniaturizing most other items and you can learn how. Just put the dot com after my name and visit. Barbara DesChamps

Posted By Barbara DesChamps on July 2, 2009, 4:16 AM

My experience with those people who bring big carry-ons is that they usually end up gate-checking them, not stuffing them in overhead bins inside the plane. I never gate-check bags because I think it's a violation of the rules and the ethics of travel. But what do I really care? They don't slow down my travel time since I can waltz right by the poor schmucks as they wait for their bags to be pulled off the plane. It's the airlines that suffer from it - they have to allocate additional baggage handlers to staffing individual planes. I am AMAZED that they haven't changed their policies about this yet - surely there's a personnel cost, so why aren't gate-checking travelers being charged for the inconvenience?

Posted By Gazooby on July 2, 2009, 2:14 PM

I don't think that the TSA is the agency for enforcing carry on size. This idea is obviously ludicrous.
Having said that I and others that I know would love if there was minimum guaranteed carry on size. Note I did not say a legally mandated size. Rather, I said that it would be nice if we could guarantee that a bag of a certain size would be certain to be accepted. The problem isn't the USA or the TSA, for once, but the international carriers which (UK especially) seem to have problems with having sane carry on limits. IE. some charters want to limit to 5 kg for carry one baggage. I mean my camera bag weighs more than this.

I don't mind if the airlines start charging for total mass traveling. Ie, my mass plus the mass of my baggage. Maybe a minimum of 220 lbs. What is the problem with this. Then you would also cut the bitching by the carriers about people who weigh more. And also guarantee their extra seat bookings by law, instead of stealing seats from those who do the right thing and book double only to have their money stolen from them. If they argue, they are treated as terrorists.

Pure rubbish.

Posted By Brian on July 2, 2009, 6:28 PM

Ummm... how about we keep the government out of it? They have such a track record of mucking things up that we don't need to give them anywhere else to get into our lives. I would suggest instead that the individual airlines set their limits AND enforce them. I travel a lot, both on business and with my family, and I have seen people boarding flights with what looks like all their worldly posessions. Rarely does anyone stop them. After an airline lost my luggage and I was forced to attend a business meeting soaked to the skin because it was pouring rain and I had no change of clothing available (and no time to go shopping because my flight was delayed 2 hours), I stopped checking luggage. Now, I carry a modest sized carry-on bag and have become a packing expert. If it doesn't fit, I don't take it. Even my four kids (ages 5-18) have learned to only take what they really need. We each carry our small case and a laptop bag, nothing else. We can do laundry or get cleaning done anywhere in the world. If you just have to buy the giant-sized Minnie Mouse at Disney World, box it and ship it home.

Posted By Jodee on July 4, 2009, 6:46 PM

Standardizing a reasonable carry-on is not objectionable; being allowed two items is fair. For health reasons I need to use the carry on service to keep meds and necessary equipment with me at all times, not being allowed a carry on would eliminated my ability to travel by air and severly limit my work. The two choices for me are a medium sized purse and a medium sized soft backpack. Yes, it takes me a minute or two to stow the backpack in the overhead bins, just when did it become a crime to take the time to do this; I paid for my ticket just like everyone else.

Posted By PMPD on July 5, 2009, 11:12 AM

Please do not make the TSA responsible for our bag size. Being treated like a terrorist because I don't jump when they say is already bad enough. Now we want to let them have the responsibility to arbitrarily deny us the right to carry on our personal/precious cargo. Again, Please NO.

I've seen what happens when security gets this kind of responsibility. In the UK the security staff can be very nice but just same they can also be overtly hostile and rude and any misstep on your part is grounds for more scrutiny. This has gotten worse since they won't let you travel with more than X number of bags, regardless of size.

This lack of logic is endemic in this sort of bureaucracy and doesn't seem to be based on what country you are in. Let's not have this in the USA as well.

Oh, and NO ROLLING BAGS on the aircraft! If you can't carry it you should reduce or check. Even my 5 years old doesn't roll her bag on the aircraft.

Posted By Brian on July 5, 2009, 2:07 PM

My pet peeve is that the rude passengers sitting in row 25 just put their bags in the bin above row 12. Don't they know that the bin above their seats is for them? I use a smaller purse (with my phone, passport, ID, credit cards & money) that I put in a carry-on tote which will go under the seat in front of me. The tote also has my pashmina or sarong (to be used as a blanket once I am seated), my book, food and quart size baggie which has face cream, toothpaste and contact lens solution (3 oz)-ask your optometrist for a sample size-to use on board &/or on arrival. That way you have it if your checked bags are lost or delayed. My overhead bag has clothes for the first day, camera and fun jewelry (I never travel with the good stuff), phone & camera chargers, and essentials (hotel info, car rental info & itinerary). All the things that I must have on arrival.

Posted By jltod on July 6, 2009, 8:59 AM

ONLY ONE (1) - 22 X 18 X 10 is exceptable along with laptops & purse/bag that fits under the seat.
The airlines MUST STOP all the carry on luggage. It causes an inconvenience to the other passengers.
Those OVERSTUFFED duffles need to be banned. These women carry these on then look for someone to help them heave them up & down from the overhead carriers for them. Let's make airline travel a bit more enjoyable again.

Posted By Betty on July 6, 2009, 11:02 PM

Even if the TSA regulates carry-on bag size, wouldn't that only apply for airlines in the U.S.? You still have the issue of differing bag sizes when traveling internationally. For what it's worth, if you want to take a carry-on bag on any airline in the world, the maximum bag size you can travel with is 21.65" x 14" x 7.87" (according to this page on International Maximum Carry-On Bag Size and Weight Limits).

Posted By Angel on July 16, 2009, 9:41 AM

Let the passengers decide.If someone from another seat area puts their bags in your overhead,throw them in the isle. If there's obviously something thats way too large,throw that in the isle also.

Posted By morgan on July 25, 2009, 11:58 AM

I can see both sides to this agreement and I just wish whatever the policy is of any airline that it is enforced equally. All to often it is the gate that will make the decision on if a bag is a carry on. Recently on Air France they told me that my bag was a carry on when I tried to check it, then on the return flight with Air France the gate person said it was to large and I had to pay an excess baggage fee, only to observe larger carry-ons when boarding the plan. This is unfair to everyone.

Posted By Richard Williamson on August 28, 2009, 9:57 PM

i agree w/ both of the people mentioned in the article
i think they should make all airlines allow a certain size or larger

Posted By andy on October 30, 2009, 1:58 PM

I'm not sure if I agree on the current size regulations but I do think their should be some type of regulation enforcement by the TSA. For on the it allows for most people to have a carry on. Instead of huge bags hogging all the storage space. Also there must be some safety issues involved to.

Posted By Mike Exhibit on November 1, 2009, 11:48 PM