Brand-new bags for flying light

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2008 | by Jayne Clark

American Airlines' announcement that it will charge for checked bags on domestic flights may have sparked outrage among travelers who aren't into packing light.

But the new rules, for tickets sold after June 15, spell good news for luggage sellers -- especially if other airlines join American's lead -- as more travelers jettison bulky bags in favor of sleek, lightweight carry-ons that can easily slide into the overhead compartment.

Already, Magellan's, the mail-order travel gear company, is seeing increased interest in savvy-packing items such as 22-pocket vests and 19-pocket jackets, portable luggage scales and, of course, 20- to 22-inch carry-ons.

"If you have an older carry-on, it's probably going to weigh 15 pounds or so," says Magellan's Lynn...