These airline guidelines could force millions of fliers to buy even smaller carry-on bags

First, they came for our free checked baggage. And now, airlines may be zeroing in on our carry-ons.

The International Air Transport Association announced a new guideline on Tuesday that recommends smaller carry-on size limits, so that overhead bins will become less crowded.

Under current regulations, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22 inches by 14 inches by nine inches. The new guideline, however, wants to reduce the "optimal" size of carry-on bags to 21.5 inches by 13.5 inches by 7.5 inches. If the new guidelines are implemented, travelers may need to bring smaller bags or pay to check their suitcases.

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AP also notes, however, that "details of how the guideline will be implemented are murky," and the guideline isn't binding, so airlines may choose not to follow it. While no U.S. airlines have signed on yet, eight international airlines, including Emirates, Lufthansa, and Air China, said Tuesday they will include the guideline in their operations.