American Airlines has implemented a change in its process by relocating the bag sizers from the boarding gate to the check-in area. As the third-largest airline globally based on employee count, American Airlines enforces charges on passengers with oversized carry-on bags.
Although the size restrictions remain unchanged, the airline has shifted the bag sizers to the check-in area. This adjustment encourages passengers to verify their luggage size during check-in rather than right before boarding the aircraft, allowing more time for repacking if needed.
In a recent internal memo, American Airlines has instructed its staff to use their discretion and prioritize customer service when passengers arrive at the boarding gate. Only clearly oversized items should be compulsorily checked in, reducing uncertainty over carry-on sizes.
The airline emphasizes that the modifications are part of the ongoing enhancements to the boarding process initiated since 2024. However, critics argue that the new rule may introduce subjectivity into the carry-on inspection process, potentially making it challenging for passengers to prove compliance with size limits.
American Airlines permits passengers one personal item and one carry-on bag, each with specific size restrictions. The maximum dimensions for the personal item are 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm), while the carry-on must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm).
Feedback on the changes has been mixed among frequent flyers, with some expressing concerns about the lack of gate-side checks for oversized bags. However, supporters of the new system believe it eliminates the inaccuracies of gate sizers and enhances passenger experience.
