Airline Travelers Not Happy With Push To Make Carry-On Bags Smaller

CHICAGO (CBS) -- You push, you cram, you smash your clothing into a small suitcase so you can avoid checking it at the airport.

Now there's a push to shrink those carry-on bags even more.

CBS 2's Marissa Bailey reports it is not height and width that is the problem: it's depth. She talked to some travelers who are not happy about the push.

There are two types of people: those who check bags and those who carry-on.

For people who carry-on bags, new suggested maximum size guidelines could drastically change what they pack.

Jim Vagelos says he has flown over three million miles on American Airlines alone and says as a carry-on guy, he is not happy about the possible loss of space in his bag.

"I have a certain amount of things I need to pack in order to have an effective week and checking my bag usually isn't an option because I'm always heading for a meeting," Vangelos said.

The suggested guidelines are from the International Air Transport Association.

Carry-on luggage would lose a half-inch from the height and width, but it is the inch-and-a-half from the loss of depth that will put an end to over packing.

"I have like three weeks of clothes in here, I am going somewhere for four days so I'll probably have a little anxiety when they do that," said Amanda Harsh, a self-proclaimed over-packer.

The people behind these new recommendations say smaller bags mean everyone on board will be able to carry-on, ultimately eliminating boarding stress.

"If you're like a B-40 something and you can't get the last bag in, it's difficult because the bins are full," said Letrice Taylor.

Eight international airlines already signed on to the new guidelines, forcing some people to buy new luggage, an added expense in an already pricey industry.

"I wish they would stay the same because I bought a bag to fit that size," said Alan Frey.

Southwest Airlines and American Airlines tells us they have no plans to change carry-on requirements. United is currently reviewing current policies.