American Airlines Announces Major Policy Change for Carry-On Bags
- American Airlines is removing physical bag sizers at gates and relying on gate agents to monitor for oversized carry-ons.
American Airlines is changing up the way it does carry-on bags.
According to several new reports, American Airlines is removing its physical bag sizers at the gates and instead leaving it to the gate agents to monitor for oversized carry-ons.
American Airlines Will No Longer Use Bag Sizers at Gates
According to an internal memo obtained by the aviation website View From the Ring , American Airlines is getting rid of bag sizers at the gates in order to improve the boarding process for customers.
Instead, agents at the gate will "use their judgement" to determine if a carry-on bag is oversized and needs to be checked.
As laid out in the internal memo sent to the airline's employees, agents are instructed to "err on the side of the customer" when a bag only appears slightly oversized, or if the agent is unsure.
But if the bag is "clearly oversized," then it's "time to check it," per the new directive.
The change is said to have taken effect beginning on Monday, Oct. 6.
But the American Airlines bag sizers aren't leaving airports entirely, as the sizers will remain in the lobby for customers to check the size of their bags before reaching the gate.
The airline is asking its agents to "proactively scan the area, identify oversized bags, guide customers to use the sizer and check bags when necessary."
American Airlines Reiterates Which Carry-On Rules Are Not Changing
Amid the switch-up regarding bag sizers for carry-ons, American Airlines is reminding employees and customers of the carry-on bag rules that will not be changing.
Per the airline's official website : "You can bring only one carry-on item along with your personal item. Your carry-on must fit in in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn't fit, it will need to be checked. Be sure all your carry-on items are labeled in case they are checked."
"The total size of your carry-on, including the handles and wheels, cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and must fit in the sizer at the airport."
What Counts as a 'Personal Item' on American Airlines Flight
American Airlines customers are also allowed to bring one personal item in addition to their carry-on bag. Your personal item, like a purse or small handbag, must fit under the seat in front of you.
Dimensions for personal items should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Items that don't count as a personal item or carry-on include: diaper bags (1 per child), breast pump, small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk and child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices.
Some items are can only travel in carry-on bags, and some items must be checked. To find out which items you can carry on the plane and where you should pack them, customers can view the list of restricted items here .
Related: Spirit Airlines Is Cutting Flights to 11 Cities
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
