What are the airlines doing with the partially empty cargo holds on their planes?

If they reduce the size of carry-on, many people will still have to check bags.

I don’t remember the exact dimensions, but it was an inch or two in each direction.

I’m not a frequent flyer, but when I do fly it seems like at least half the passengers carry their luggage on. And since I still check a bag, I know that the luggage retrieval areas aren’t nearly as congested as they used to be, So they already have quite a bit of empty space.

The airlines are maximizing every possible cubic inch of space in the passenger seating area, so I can’t imagine them letting the cargo hold sit empty for long.

Could they be looking to increase their commercial cargo transportation business?

Apparently, sleeping in them.

Saving money on fuel. If passengers are traveling lighter then the airlines save serious money on the cost of fuel for each plane. I suspect it would also speed up turnaround times if people aren’t trying to cram giant carry-ons into overhead bins. That could also have significant savings in the form of fewer missed connections.

@gorillapaws hit the nail on the head. Also, if they reduce the max weight for carry on they can charge more when people are forced to pay for checked bags.

The stated reason is so each person can carry a bag on and there are hassles over that but the net effect will be that more folk will have to pay for check-ins. It’s all about the bottom line with airlines these days, not with customer service. Although some airlines now charge for carry-on as well as check in bags.

Putting in cheap seats. No ventilation, but lots of room.