The International Air Transport Association recently proposed reducing permitted carry-on dimensions by nearly 20 percent compared with the limits currently used by many major airlines. After the announcement, IATA briefly paused the initiative amid widespread criticism from frequent and business travelers.
A poll conducted by the GBTA Foundation, the research arm of the Global Business Travel Association, found strong opposition to the proposal among travel managers. Surveying 78 U.S. and Canadian travel professionals between June 17–18, the GBTA Foundation reported that 74 percent opposed the change. Of those surveyed, 64 percent said the reduction would have a dramatic impact on business travelers, while 31 percent predicted a more moderate impact.
Following the pause, the GBTA called for the proposal to be withdrawn completely. Michael W. McCormick, GBTA chief operating officer, said the survey results show overwhelming resistance from business travelers and urged that the proposal be permanently scrapped. He noted that if implemented, the rule would force many business travelers to buy new baggage or pay checked-baggage fees, effectively adding another cost burden. McCormick emphasized that the issue resonates because it reflects a broader trend of rising costs and fee pressure affecting business travel.
The Global Business Travel Association, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a leading trade organization for business travel and meetings. GBTA serves more than 7,000 members who work in business travel and meetings and distributes research and event content to an audience of over 150,000 industry contacts worldwide.