American Airlines has made a significant change to its baggage policy by relocating the bag sizers from the boarding gate to the check-in area. The airline, which ranks as the third largest globally based on its workforce size, imposes charges on passengers carrying oversized carry-on bags.
While the size restrictions remain unchanged, American Airlines has shifted the placement of its bag sizers away from the boarding gate. This alteration encourages passengers to verify the size of their luggage during the check-in process rather than just before boarding the aircraft.
This adjustment aims to provide travelers with more time to adjust their carry-on items before reaching the boarding gate, where time and space constraints often apply. In a recent internal communication, American Airlines instructed its staff to exercise discretion and prioritize customer satisfaction when dealing with passengers at the boarding area. According to the new guidelines, only luggage that is clearly oversized should be compulsorily checked in.
The airline clarified that team members will continue to monitor carry-on baggage both in the lobby and at the gate, with oversized items still required to be checked in before the flight. American Airlines asserts that these modifications are part of ongoing enhancements to the boarding process initiated since 2024. However, some may argue that the subjective nature of boarding with carry-on bags could increase due to this rule change, potentially making it challenging for passengers to demonstrate compliance with size limits.
Passengers flying with American Airlines are allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag. The personal item should fit under the seat in front and not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm), while the carry-on must be stowable under the seat in front or in an overhead compartment, with dimensions not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm).
The penalty for an oversized bag with American Airlines can be as high as $200 (£150), making it crucial for passengers to adhere to the size regulations. The response to this news among frequent flyers has been mixed, with differing opinions on the effectiveness of the new approach.
One critical commenter questioned the necessity of the change, expressing concerns about the lack of gate-side checks for oversized bags. On the other hand, a supporter of the revised system praised the move, citing issues with the accuracy and negative impact of the previous gate sizers.
By relocating the bag sizers and adjusting the boarding process, American Airlines aims to streamline procedures and enhance passenger experience.