Delta to tighten up on carry-on luggage

Other airlines expected to follow suit

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Airline passengers might want to think twice about what they try to carry aboard an airplane, because at least one airline is tightening the rules on the size and number of carry-on bags.

Delta Air Lines says it will begin this week to enforce its two-bag carry-on limit.

"We think it's going to improve on-time performance because it will limit the amount of last-minute gate-checks that we currently have today," says Joe Licitra of Delta. "It will also streamline the boarding process."

Those who don't comply with the rules will have to endure what some consider an inconvenience -- a gate-check.

"You name it, they bring it. I've seen TV's come on-board the aircraft." -- Cedric Hamm    Delta Flight Attendant

"What they'll do," says travel agent Chris McGinnis, "is gate-check your bag, which means they'll just put a tag on it there, leave it on the tarmac, and it will be loaded with with the rest of the luggage and come up on the baggage carousel."

Exceptions to the two-bag limit will include purses, notebook computers, umbrellas and walking canes.

What constitutes a purse or notebook computer, and what becomes of knapsacks and other sizable carry-ons is not clear, although there will be luggage-sizers at the gate to help agents determine what goes aboard, and what gets checked.

Other airlines expected to follow suit

The rules have been there all along, but are going to be enforced because many planes are full, nearly so, and space is at a premium.

Passengers who bring too much luggage aboard cause delays, and while airlines have been lax in the past, they are not likely to continue. Most major carriers are expected to follow Delta's lead in an attempt to boost their on-time performance.

Flight attendants say the move will make the trip a bit more pleasant for everybody.

"You name it, they bring it," says Delta flight attendant Cedric Hamm. "I've seen televisions come on-board the aircraft, I've seen video cassette recorders come on board the aircraft. A lot of times, people are bringing a lot of computer items on board as well. I think that it is going to make a tremendous difference in the time we depart."

The airlines are betting that most passengers won't mind a little inconvenience for a more comfortable flight and an on- time arrival.

Related sites:

• Delta Air Lines Home Page

© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.