American Airlines has announced a significant change to its carry-on luggage policy, moving bag sizers from the boarding gate to the check-in area. The airline, one of the largest in the world, will now encourage passengers to check whether their bags meet size requirements before they reach the gate, rather than at the last moment before boarding.
The size limits remain unchanged: personal items must be no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and carry-on luggage no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). However, the new procedure aims to give passengers more time to adjust their belongings if their bag is too big, reducing stress at the gate.
In an internal memo, American Airlines staff have been told to “use their judgment” and “err on the side of the customer” when assessing bags at the boarding area. Only luggage that is “clearly oversized” should be forcibly checked in. The airline insists the change is part of ongoing improvements to the boarding process since 2024.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among frequent flyers. One passenger on Reddit criticised the change as “unnecessary and stupid”, arguing that gate agents now lack proof to back up their decisions. Another defended it, saying gate sizers were “never accurate” and made people feel bad. Oversized bag fees can reach up to $200 (£150).
