American Airlines is making a change that might seem unusual on the surface, as flagged by View from the Wing. However, the airline is simply following a competitor’s move, even if I can’t make much sense of it.
American eliminating gate bag sizers, adding discretion
As of Monday, October 6, 2025, American will start the process of removing carry-on bag sizers from all gate areas. There will still be bag sizers at at check-in counters, but past security, you’ll no longer find them.
Now, just because American is eliminating bag sizers doesn’t mean that restrictions on carry-on items are being eliminated. Gate agents are being told to use their best judgment in deciding whether a bag is too big, but they’re supposed to err on the side of the customer, if it’s a close call.
Here’s the memo that American sent out to employees:
As we continue to build on the success of our revamped boarding process to improve the experience for our customers, bag sizers for carry-on bags will be removed from all gates systemwide beginning Monday, Oct. 6.
How to support this change:
- In the lobby: One of the most effective ways to reduce gate-checks is by identifying oversized bags early — ideally in the lobby, before customers reach the gate. That’s why lobby bag sizers will remain in place, and we’re encouraging agents to proactively scan the area, identify oversized bags, guide customers to use the sizer and check bags when necessary.
- At the gate: Rather than relying on the bag sizer, gate agents may use their judgment to determine whether a bag is clearly oversized and needs to be checked; if the bag appears slightly oversized, or if you’re not sure, err on the side of the customer.
What isn’t changing:
- Carry-on bags should not exceed 45 linear inches.
- Our carry-on bag policy (one carry-on bag, one personal item) remains the same. Any additional items (such as crossbody bags or purses) need to be consolidated to fit within the person’s carry-on or personal item.
- Whether in the lobby or at the gate, use your judgment to identify clearly oversized bags while making allowances for minor overages, like small front pockets or wheels. Third items such as crossbody bags/purses must be consolidated before boarding.
I’m confused by the motivation for this change?
Admittedly the whole airport gate environment can be pretty unpleasant, including announcements about carry-on bags, and more. Personally, I can’t make much sense of this change. Some passengers will of course continue to bring bags that are way too big.
Isn’t it better for the gate agent to be able to point someone to a sizer, rather than using their discretion? People already love arguing with gate agents about the size of their bag, about how they were allowed to bring it on their last flight, etc.
Perhaps this will be a net positive, though, with gate agents being told to err on the side of the customer when it comes to deciding whether to gate check bags. Then again, that’s all highly subjective, and I’m not sure allowing more big bags onto planes is actually good all-around.
I do wonder what the motivation is for this change. American has been making a lot of customer friendly changes lately, so is this supposed to be one of those? American claims this builds on the success of its revamped boarding process, but that doesn’t actually explain the logic for this policy update.
Interestingly, American isn’t the first airline to do this. United eliminated bag sizers at gates all the way back in 2020, and that seemingly hasn’t caused any major issues, so I guess it’s fine?
Bottom line
American Airlines is eliminating carry-on sizers at gates, following a similar policy change at United all the way back in 2020. American is telling gate agents to instead use their discretion in determining whether a bag is oversized, while telling them to err on the side of the customer, if it’s close or they’re not sure.
What do you make of American eliminating bag sizers at gates?
