U.S. airlines announce new carry-on bag policies

If you are carrying a big 21-inch four-wheeled suitcase and traveling in business class on any U.S. carrier, you are certain to be asked to put your suitcase in a bag sizer. Even though you had traveled with the same suitcase a number of times to many domestic or international destinations without facing any hurdles, this will come as a pleasant surprise to you from now onwards when you take your flights next time. The U.S. carriers have recently announced new carry-on bag policies and implementing them.

A new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation mandates that U.S. carriers update their carry-on bag policies now. The recent changes are being put into practice by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and other carriers.
 
According to the new policies, the carry-on bag should be of a maximum 14-inch width and of up to 9-inch depth. United Airlines already started implementing the new changes effective from March 2, 2014. The airline earlier allowed that passengers to take carry-on bag of over 22 inches and dimensions not above 45 inches.

However, there are few U.S. carriers that are still continuing with the earlier carry-on policies thus making the new FAA regulation “suspect”. For example, airlines like JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines are allowing their respective customers a generous carry-on limit of 24 by 16 by 10-inches.

The specific measurements under the new policy appear to be troubling the customers now and becoming a game-changer for many U.S. carriers now. This could turn out to be quite expensive proposition for the fliers.

The best way now to avoid trouble at the airport and ensure a smooth journey is to adhere to some of the tips given here.

You should make sure that your carry-on bag is small enough so that it complies with the stringent size limits in place currently. You need to buy your new suitcase accordingly. Four-wheeled carry-on bags are much better than two-wheeled carry-on bags as these are handled gently by baggage handlers. The carry-on bags in the size limits of 21 by 14 by 7.7 inches or 21 by 14 by 9 inches or 20 by 13.5 by 9.2 inches are great and comply with the new policies.