Is This The Promise Of Things To Come?

Ever had that increased heart rate in the check in line prior to checking in for an international flight, wondering whether your luggage is going to be too big or too heavy? And how much it is going to cost to fix the problem?

Many of us will know that luggage restrictions can be a very confusing and sometimes a nerve wracking  issue when travelling internationally. It is hard to keep track of which airline allows what sized luggage on board. I recommend always doing the research case by case, or in this instance, ticket by ticket.

Many airlines are now finding their biggest cause for late departures is passengers being slow to on load and off load the aircraft with all their hand luggage. For the airline it is far more economical and safer to put most of the luggage in the hold rather than in the cabin.

In Australia, we have had similar measurements to IATA so for us this is not such an issue when travelling domestically. However if you are on and off a few airlines in the course of your international holiday, then be a smart traveller and take note of the measurements below. Best to ensure your bag complies with the SMALLEST airline measurements if you are wanting to carry – on your luggage.

IATA’s new guidelines state that cabin bags should have dimensions of 55cm x 35cm x 19cm. (the 19cm is the biggest change in depth) That is a volume of 36,575 cubic centimetres. Even the most stingy of low-cost carriers, such as easyJet, currently have a limit equivalent to 40,000 cubic centimetres (see table from The Economist below).

Cabin baggage allowance, selected airlines, cm

So before you go out and buy your next cabin bag, make sure you take a tape measure with you and buy the appropriate sized case for your carry on luggage.

And of course Smart Travelling always recommends you carry your own set of luggage scales so there are no surprises at the airport.

Read more at http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2015/06/hand-luggage-planes#aS1EYAzyqsIyBU3B.99