Follow the procedure until your suitcase is through the security and leave nothing to chance when it comes to the new airport inspection regulations. Beginning in September 2024, these new regulations will facilitate travel in the US. This is shockingly straightforward: it’s going to be like Europe, and it will cover everybody. This change unifies the luggage dimensions, with the aim of providing more uniformity and greater passenger comfort—which has been long overdue.
What does this change mean for passengers?
Let’s be honest-who has not suffered from this? You get to the airport, feeling lovely and secure thinking your suitcase is all right, only to be told at the gate: “It does not fit in the sizer; you have to check it.” Such surprises will soon be a tale of the past.
Until now, airlines have had the power to devise policies on carry-on luggage so different from one another that travelers were left in the dark whether their bag would be included. With this new regulation, the permitted sizes will have clear sizing standards: between 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm and 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, with a maximum weight allowance of 7 to 10 kilograms. Such sizes will be fair and reasonable, and should indeed be appropriate for most passengers.
Finally, the frustration of weighing your suitcase before every flight should be over-at least in the United States. Better still, this will apply to all travelers, with a consistent approach making trip planning less of a hassle. To add some good news, airline companies must all make carry-on luggage a component of the ticket price. No more surprise fees at the boarding gate.
Following the example of airports in Europe
It is common knowledge that Europe’s shown the way in this domain for years now. For a long time, Europe has had strict, clear specifications on the carry-on size limit. The U.S. has finally decided to play catch-up. This harmonization can work in the passenger’s favor and help the airlines and airports implement uniform rules. The joint regulations will enable inspectors at airport security to perform their duties much more efficiently. A standard will lead to faster and more accurate inspections, thereby reducing waiting times and improving comfort levels for everyone involved.
Although cabin baggage sizes are changing, there’s still no easing of restrictions on items that can be taken aboard. Sorry to all the people that wish to sneak big scissors, liquids with a packaging greater than 100 ml, or aerosols. Security happens to be the main concern, whereby it will continue to bar such items from being carried aboard. Some personal effects in smaller bags or small backpacks will still be subjected to each airline’s specific policies and rules. One cannot get around these restrictions, although the basic carry-on is now included with the ticket.
When will these changes go into effect at US airports?
The regulations will come into effect in September 2024; this will not happen in a day or two, however, the airlines will need time for the reshaping of policies and training of their personnel. All airlines will not move at the same pace. Another thing is the need for cooperation between the U.S. and European authorities to make sure that this goes on smoothly.
What is truly good about this, at least, is that it is a step forward. And boy, does it mean there will be less arguing at the boarding counters! But it remains to be seen how this will play out in practice and just how efficient it will be at some of the world’s busiest airports such as JFK in New York or LAX in Los Angeles.