Carry on Bags about to Get Smaller

Millions of fliers might soon need to buy new carry-on suitcases. Several airlines are about to change the guidelines that would shrink the size of bags allowed on planes, part of an effort to free up space in packed overhead bins.

The move means that many bags that are now allowed on planes would need to be checked. Fliers would either need to buy smaller suitcases or pay a fee to check their bags, which is typically $25 each way.

Under the new guidelines set by the airlines' trade group, the International Air Transport Association, bags could be no larger than be 21.5 inches tall by 13.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches deep. That's smaller than the current maximum size allowed by U.S. airlines which is 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches.

(Associated Press)