Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 5, 1995 TAG: 9502030040
SECTION: TRAVEL PAGE: G-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES T. YENCKEL THE WASHINGTON POST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In recent months, so-called ``sizer boxes,'' which measure carry-on luggage, have appeared with increasing prominence in airports across the country. Delta installed 1,500 of them in December, and they are also being used by Continental, USAir, Southwest (which introduced them years ago), ValuJet and United's new no-frills Shuttle operation on the West Coast. Oversize bags that don't fit into the boxes must be checked.
At the same time, several airlines say their gate attendants have been instructed to make sure passengers carry no more than the permissible number of bags aboard. On most carriers the limit is two pieces, but on some it is only one. Policies also vary depending on the size of the aircraft; some commuter airlines flying small planes discourage all carry-ons. There is no single federal standard. Laptop computers and briefcases may or may not count as part of the two-piece limit, depending on the airline.
Flight attendants hail the move, arguing that excessive luggage is a safety threat to them and passengers alike. Airline officials hope luggage limits will speed up boarding and deplaning, because departure delays cost the carriers money. Understandably, reaction from the traveling public is more mixed.
``Gate agents are taking some heat,'' says USAir spokesman Paul Turk, although a USAir survey of its most frequent fliers revealed that 78 percent of them favored stricter controls on carry-on luggage. Entering the fray, Frequent Flyer magazine, a publication for business travelers, printed tips on how to ``sneak'' on extra bags. Turk has seen passengers trying to force a too-big bag into a sizer box.
Actually, most airlines have imposed restrictions on the size and amount of carry-on luggage for years, because Federal Aviation Administration regulations require that everything carried aboard must be securely stored in overhead bins or beneath the seat. The only difference is that enforcement is becoming more strict, particularly on smaller aircraft with less luggage capacity, such as 737s.
Many passengers are reluctant to check baggage because they fear it will go astray - although the trend is toward fewer lost bags - or suffer damage. In November, the latest month for which figures are available, the major airlines reported a mishandled baggage rate of 5.28 complaints per 1,000 passengers. In November of 1993, the rate was 5.34, according to the Department of Transportation's monthly Air Travel Consumer Report.
The other big checked-baggage grievance is long delays at the luggage carousel. Hurried travelers want to grab their bags from the overhead bin and be on their way without a lengthy detour past the baggage-claim area. Some industry reports suggest delays are increasing because airlines are trimming baggage personnel to save on costs. But Delta spokesman Tod Clay maintains the carrier's delivery time is improving because of new baggage-handling systems using computer technology.
Passengers are apt to find sizer boxes almost anywhere in a terminal - at the check-in counter, at the boarding gate, in the main concourse or even at curbside check-in. ``We're placing them in a number of locations in the terminal,'' says Delta's Clay, ``so the customers aren't surprised when they arrive at the gate.'' Delta's boxes have two slots - one measuring bags for the overhead bin and a smaller one for bags destined for under the seat. Garment bags, popular with business travelers, will fit if they aren't overstuffed.
Airlines set their own standards for the size, weight and number of carry-on pieces allowed, so travelers with bulky carry-ons should check with the airline they are flying for specifics. Typically, the combined weight of two carry-on bags can be no more than 40 pounds, and the combined height, width and length can be no more than 45 inches.
The number of pieces is limited to two on Delta, United, Southwest, Continental, Northwest and USAir. However, on Delta and Northwest, laptop computers and briefcases do not constitute carry-on items, while on Southwest they do.
by CNB