The luggage line-up…which ones will fit?
The public roared, and the lion has retreated, at least for now. When the International Air Transport Association, an organization of over 250 airlines, announced a plan last week for a uniform—and shrunken—size for carry-ons, the public response was nearly unanimously “No!”
Consumer advocates slammed the plan, called “Cabin OK,” as a plan to force people to pay to check their now-sized bags or buy new luggage. Passengers complained they’d have to give up more than 20% of their packing space. And only a few airlines signed on to the idea, including exactly none of the major North American ones.
After a day or two, IATA spokespeople started speaking of “an ideal size, not a maximum,” or a “suggestion.” By yesterday, IATA was in full retreat, posting a statement on its website that says that IATA “…is pausing the rollout of its Cabin OK initiative and beginning a comprehensive reassessment in light of concerns expressed, primarily in North America. This will include further engagement with program participants, the IATA membership and key stakeholders.”
Folks: This time, it appears, YOU were the “key stakeholders.” Don’t put down that stake until the vampire’s dead!
That’s good news! But rather than saying airline consumers were a lion, I think I’d have used “the sheep have bleated — loudly”