Your carry-on bag probably won't fit on major US airlines anymore
The overhead bin just got a little less full -- but the cost will likely be coming out of flyers' wallets.
According to Airfarewatchdog founder George Hobica, American Airlines, Delta, and United have all recently shrunk the size of bags permitted as carry-on luggage. Previously, the industry standard measured 22in x 15in x 9in. Now, those dimensions run 22in x 14in x 9in.
During a recent trip to New York's JFK airport, Hobica says he was approached by a worker in a red jacket who asked him to place his bag into a carry-on bag sizer. Ever the experienced traveler, Hobica obliged, only to find his battle-tested luggage didn't fit. It's because his bag was an inch too wide for the revamped sizing.
"To make a long story short, it was rejected as 'too big'", Hobica writes. "I was then told that this is a new 'FAA regulation', a questionable claim given that not all airlines have the same allowances".
American, Delta, and United are the three largest airlines in the U.S., so a large number of passengers will be affected by the updated policies. The new policies suck, though they're still better than Spirit's $100 carry-on charge.
But as Hobica points out, other airlines, including JetBlue and Southwest, have much friendlier carry-on policies, each allowing bags up to 24in x 16in x 10in.
Looks like it's time to switch airlines, or invest in new luggage.
Ryan Craggs is Thrillist's Travel Editor. His abused green luggage will not make the new cut with these new carry-on rules. Follow him @ryanrcraggs.