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.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

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.