June 19--Your tropical vacation hasn't even begun, and you're already out $100. Between the airport parking fee, luggage cart rental and overweight suitcase charge, the aviation industry has already wiped out your margarita fund.
If the routine costs and annoyances weren't enough, the airlines were cooking up a plan to force you to buy a new carry-on bag.
The International Air Transport Association, which represents the airline industry, recently proposed that airlines adopt a strict policy of smaller, uniform-sized carry-on bags for all airline passengers. The size recommended was smaller than the typical bags-on-wheels most travelers use. Were the airline industry and luggage manufacturers in cahoots? Or was this just another way to annoy consumers?
The air transport association's recommended carry-on size was 21.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide and 7.6 inches deep. That's roughly 20 percent smaller than most of the test bins you see now at the airports that determine if you can bring your bag on board or have to check it. The new-size bags would hold, oh, a pair of sandals and change of underwear.
If airlines adopted the recommendation, most passengers would have to buy a new bag. No more slipping on board with that accordion-style carry-on bulging with extra shoes, electronics and toiletries. The industry was moving to ban those portly bags -- some of which, admittedly, require lap band surgery to fit into the overhead compartment.
But look what happened. The passengers spoke up.
They were furious about this move. And a chastened IATA heard them. As the Tribune's Gregory Karp reported Thursday, the IATA has put the proposal on hold. The group says it will begin a "comprehensive reassessment in light of concerns expressed, primarily in North America."
Passengers would be more than happy to tell the IATA to shove its "comprehensive assessment" into the nearest luggage bin and snap the lid shut. But it looks like this announcement is a face-saving way to kill the proposed change
What do the airlines expect you to do?
Consumers cram everything into carry-on bags because the airlines charge steep fees for checked bags and then take their sweet time unloading them. Then there are those times when you arrive in Newark and your bags arrive in Atlanta.
Air travel used to be enjoyable. Now it's a kiosk-driven, military-style experience. Take off your belt. Take off your shoes. Raise your hands high and expose yourself. Pay for headphones, snacks, drinks, a pillow.
It's an expensive way to get bossed around.
The airlines charge for everything: flight changes, second bags, more legroom -- yes, a couple inches of extra legroom can cost up to $75. Want a ticket agent to help make a reservation by phone? That'll cost you too. What happened to customer service?
The carry-on proposal was designed to reduce confusion, officials said. They emphasized that it was only a recommendation and that domestic airlines were merely studying it.
Now they're going to give passengers a break. That won't make flying more enjoyable. It just won't get any worse.
