Help set Photographer-friendly carry-on regulations

[photobackpacker]

HR-2870 is a bill drafted to set a standard for carry-on baggage in the US. It is currently in committee. Here's a link to the legislation: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2870

The bill calls for a 22" limit in length which will be enforced by the TSA using size checking templates. The problem is the accepted standard for rolling carry-on bags is longer than 22 inches. These bags are usually 24.5+ inches. This legislation will outlaw the standard that has existed for years. When I designed the Kelty P1/P2 it was with this 24.5" unofficial standard.

I believe there is a need to standardize the size limits but I also believe there is no need to decrease the limit from the standard that has evolved over the past 25+ years. Obviously, I would like to keep the P1 & P2 in the Legal category as well.

I have attached a letter which I have sent as well as an excel file with the names, mailing addresses and phone numbers of the bill sponsors and the committee members who are considering it. Please write or call and encourage them to keep the limit where it has been.

 

[colrehogan]

Figures, he would have to be some guy out of a Chicago district.

And no, I didn't vote for him. I do live in southern IL.

 

[bdial]

FWIW, I heard the airlines are lobbying heavily against this, as there is no reasonable "one size fits all" standard. Plus, it doesn't make sense to have the TSA people playing bag nanny.
The piece I heard on the radio implied that this would likely a non-starter, but it doesn't hurt to let them know what you think.

The limit I would be in favor of would be one that requires the bag be light enough that the owner can lift it over their head.