Honey, I shrunk my suitcase: 5 compact carry-ons that fit the new IATA guidelines

That brand new swimsuit you packed for that weekend getaway in Punta Cana might either have to be worn underneath your normal outfit or be thrown overboard. That’s because according to the Washington Post, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) trade group is proposing new guidelines that would shrink the size of carry-on luggage by 21 percent.

The current maximum carry-on size for many major carriers is 22″ tall x 14″ wide x 9″ deep, but in an effort to ensure that every passenger aboard an aircraft with an occupancy of 120 has room in the overhead bin for their carry-on luggage, the IATA is proposing cutting the maximum size down to 21.5″ x 13.5″ x 7.5″. In case you’re wondering, that’s awfully small—especially the depth.

The guidelines have already been adopted by a handful of international airlines, including Air China, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa and Qatar, but as of yet no American carriers have adopted the new restrictions (they are only recommendations, so airlines have the option of ignoring them altogether).

Regardless of which way the airlines go, we’ve got you covered: Here are 5 carry-on suitcases that fit the newly proposed travel guidelines:

Rolling Backpack by LeSportSac (18.75″ x 12.25″ x 6.5″;$198)
For the truly light packer, this backpack on wheels is made of ripstop nylon. Numerous features include retractable handle with zipper compartment, adjustable padded backpack straps, convertible back zipper flap, two exterior front zipper pockets, two exterior side open mesh pockets and interior back wall mesh pocket with elastic. Even the most hardened gate agent will have a hard time making you check this one.

Contempo 18″ Foldable Spinner Cabin Bag by Biaggi (18″ x 13″ x 7.5″; $179.99)
This brand-new bag from Contempo is crafted of high-performance nylon, and is small enough that it can fit under the seat in front of you! Features include one zippered pocket panel with elastic packing strap, two zippered mesh compartments, aircraft grade aluminum trolley handle, cushioned side and top carry handles, and four-wheel spinner system. Luggage folds down to half its size when empty.

OMG by L&S (13.5″ x 16″ x6.5″; $275)
OMG is right! This stylish yet slight overnight bag from L&S is deceptively handy. It may look Lilliputian in size, but it fits more than you might think. Crafted of fine weave, water-resistant nylon and available in black, navy blue, chocolate and army green, this fashionable winner features one padded laptop compartment, one pocket for tablet or work documents, front pockets and one side pocket.

Upptacka Collapsible Carry-On Bag with Wheels by IKEA (19″ x 13.75″ x 7.75″; $14.99)
Leave it to IKEA to offer a bag that is compact, budget friendly and made with Swedish design sensibilities. Although its width and depth are a quarter of an inch above the new recommended guidelines, we have a feeling it will pass muster and, at that incredibly low price, it’s worth the risk to find out. Made of 100 percent polyester.

2-Wheeled 19″ Carry On by Lipault (19″ x 13″ x 6″; $169.99)
The Parisians have done it again. This sleek carry-on luggage is so amazingly compact it will make your fellow passengers envious. Available in a variety of jaunty colors like tangerine and aqua, this carry-on features one large, front zippered pocket, an extendable pull handle, one large interior pocket, one small interior pocket, an adjustable strap to secure clothing and protective lining. Perfect for a quick weekend rendezvous.

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