Clear for Takeoff: Carry-On Bags that Meet and Beat Travel Requirements

DENVER, June 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With air travel rising and seat size shrinking to accommodate more passengers per flight, the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) has proposed a new carry-on bag size significantly smaller than the current standard. As a result, travelers will be seeking new guidance to find the right luggage that can meet this potential change, and eBags.com — the leading online retailer of bags and accessories for lifestyle, business, and travel — is offering expert advice.

The IATA's recent proposal mandates a carry-on bag size of 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches, down from the current maximum of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Referring to this new luggage size as "the perfect bag," the association's Senior Vice President, Tom Windmuller, says the proposal is designed to make travel easier on everybody; first and foremost for passengers.

While a smaller bag size might make the plane efficiency easier, waiting to hear whether the proposal will become regulation does not help passengers who are currently planning trips and needing to invest in a new carry-on.

As it now stands, the proposal remains to be implemented. And many luggage brands are hesitant to board the IATA's "perfect bag" initiative because they're concerned that American travelers need more space and are unsure that the new proposed size will fit their needs.

"At this point, only two of the more than 200 brands that carry luggage for eBags.com have even hinted at the possibility of integrating the IATA's proposed sizing into their collections," says Bill Van Ess, Director of Merchandising for Luggage and Travel Goods at eBags.com.

So what does this new proposal mean for travelers? For the foreseeable future, U.S. airlines will continue to allow passengers to fly with the current standard carry-on size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. In light of the potential change, however, eBags.com suggests three types of bags that can make the waiting process easy on travelers and — their wallets:

1.       SwissGear Travel Gear 20" Exp. Spinner Upright
For people flying internationally, eBags.com recommends opting for a carry-on made from soft material. This way, bags that aren't overpacked can easily compress to fit into tight overhead spaces or under the seat. With a telescoping locking handle system and spinner wheels that offer 360° mobility, the SwissGear bag has an expandable, fully-lined interior. It includes tie-down straps to secure garments and inside zipper pockets to hold small items and accessories. It also contains convenient exterior front pockets for last-minute add-ons or personal items to keep within easy reach.

2.       TLS Professional Weekender
For those planning flight on a regional jet, it's important to keep in mind that overhead bin dimensions are quite a bit smaller than on traditional carriers. For general travel and accommodation on regional jets, eBags.com recommends the TLS Professional Weekender. This hands-free professional laptop carry-on breezes through TSA inspection, has multiple compartments for super organization, and is fashioned in a sleek all-black style.

3.       Travelon Wheeled Underseat Carry-On with Back-Up Bag
Because overhead bins often provide limited space, taking advantage of area under the seat offers alternative storage and easy in-flight access to belongings. eBags.com suggests the Travelon bag for such under-seat convenience. This bag features a large main compartment for clothing, shoes, and other belongings. It also offers three interior organizational pockets for keeping smaller essentials such as office supplies, cosmetics, medications, and small necessities neat and handy. Two zippered PVC mesh pockets on the inside front panel provide easy accessibility, and a separate cooler compartment even keeps snacks and beverages cool. A full-sized backup bag folds away for laundry or extra storage and comes with an Add-a-Bag strap on the back to attach it to the wheeled carry-on.

U.S. business travel has reached $72.8 billion in 2015 — up from 7% from the same period last year — according to a recent survey by the Global Business Travel Association. The findings predict that that business travel trend will continue throughout the year, especially for international travel. While there's no need to throw out perfectly good carry-ons and permanently replace them with the new IATA proposed size, finding a bag that is versatile within current regulations will help to make flying easier on busy travelers.

About eBags.com
eBags.com is the leading online retailer of handbags, luggage, backpacks, business cases, and accessories. With over 23 million bags sold and more than 3 million unbiased customer reviews, eBags features over 50,000 products from upward of 550 brands, including the eBags Brand, Michael Kors, kate spade new york, Fossil, Tumi, The North Face, JanSport, Herschel Supply Co., Vera Bradley, and Nike. For more information, please visit http://www.ebags.com/.

SOURCE eBags.com

Related Links

http://ebags.com