WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over aviation and consumer protection matters, issued the following statement on today’s announcement by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that it was pausing the rollout of a new initiative to set a voluntary industry standard for cabin bag size.

“If adopted by airlines, this standard would have prevented Americans from using many carry-on bags currently in use. This ill-conceived proposal created understandable frustration among the traveling public. The Senate Commerce Committee immediately indicated our intention to scrutinize any such change by U.S. carriers. Given the public outcry and concern from lawmakers, IATA’s decision to pause and reassess is appropriate.”

Under Chairman Thune’s leadership, the Senate Commerce Committee immediately indicated that if U.S. carriers embraced the new guideline, the committee would, “certainly scrutinize the potential impact and costs for consumers.”

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