IATA pauses rollout of Cabin OK program

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Aircraft, Airlines, Aviation, Baggage, Business, Cabin OK, Carry-on, IATA, Luggage, News, Transport, Travel

The group that represents airlines says it is pausing the rollout of its “Cabin OK” initiative for carry-on baggage in light of concerns expressed, primarily in North America.

The Geneva-based International Air Transport Association launched the initiative last week.

The plan offered passengers with a voluntary option to use a “Cabin OK” labelled bag (of 55 x 35 x 20 centimetres or 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches) that would be immediately recognizable as complying with the vast majority of airline maximum-size requirements for cabin baggage.

Under the initiative, such bags would also be given a priority to remain in the cabin on full flights when cabin storage capacity is exceeded.

But the plan quickly backfired with several North American airlines openly opposing the idea.

“We need to get it right,”  acknowledged Tom Windmuller, senior vice-president, airport, passenger, cargo and security for IATA.

“Today we are pausing the rollout and launching a comprehensive reassessment of the Cabin OK program with plans to further engage program participants, the rest of our members, and other key stakeholders,” he said in a release on Wednesday.

The group reiterated that “Cabin OK” is just a guideline for an optimally sized cabin bag, not an industry standard.

It also noted that “Cabin OK” does not seek to define a maximum size for carry-on bags, which is something each airline does individually.

“And no consumer will be forced into buying a new bag as a result of this voluntary initiative.”

IATA represents more than 260 airlines.

Image is courtesy of IATA.

IATA launches Cabin OK logo for carry-ons

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Airbus, Airlines, Aviation, Baggage, Boeing, Bombardier, Carry-ons, Embraer, IATA, Passengers, Tourism, Transport, Travel

The International Air Transport Association has finally decided to address the perennial problem of carry-on luggage.

The group that represents more than 260 airlines has announced a new initiative to optimize the accommodation of cabin baggage.

“Working with airline members of IATA and aircraft manufacturers, an optimum size guideline for carry-on bags has been agreed that will make the best use of cabin storage space,” it said Tuesday.

“A size of 55 x 35 x 20 cm (or 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches) means that theoretically everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board aircraft of 120 seats or larger,” it said in a release issued in Miami, Fl., where IATA is holding its annual general meeting.

To facilitate a smooth check-in, IATA has also developed an “IATA Cabin OK” logo, indicating that a bag meets the agreed size guidelines.

“A number of major international airlines have signalled their interest to join the initiative and will soon be introducing the guidelines into their operations,” the group said.

“The development of an agreed optimal cabin bag size will bring common sense and order to the problem of differing sizes for carry-on bags,” said Tom Windmuller, IATA’s senior vice-president for airport, passenger, cargo and security.

“We know the current situation can be frustrating for passengers. This work will help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience.”

IATA said it was working with baggage tracking-solutions provider Okoban to manage the approval process of bag manufacturers.

“Recognition of the ‘IATA Cabin OK’ logo is expected to grow with time as more airlines opt-in to this IATA initiative,” the group said.

Bags carrying the label are expected to reach retail shops later this year.

Images are courtesy of IATA