They’re not going to check your carry-on.
American Airlines is removing metal bag sizers at its boarding gates across the US this coming Monday, with fliers no longer required to squeeze their suitcases inside the contraption to make sure it meets size requirements.
The news was first reported by View From The Wing, which obtained an internal memo sent to staffers, saying the bag sizers were being eliminated to “enhance the boarding process.”
In the memo, American Airlines stressed that there would be no changes to the rule that a carry-on bag should not exceed 45 linear inches.
However, they clarified that “if the bag appears slightly oversized, or if you’re not sure, err on the side of the customer.”
That’s a definite win for fliers, many of whom stuff their carry-on suitcases to the brim to avoid pesky checked bag fees.
American Airlines passengers are currently allowed one carry-on bag that can be stowed in the overhead bin, as well as one personal item that can slide under the seat.
The memo noted that metal bag sizers will still be in use at check-in counters, and urged employees to be on the lookout for any obviously oversized bags that were being snuck through security as carry-on.
The Post has contacted American Airlines for further comment.
It comes after American Airlines ex-CEO Doug Parker proclaimed that he always tells his family not to check a bag, as it drastically reduces the potential for any travel complications. Parker was the airline’s CEO from 2001 to 2023.
American Airlines is not the first carrier to do away with the bag sizers at boarding gates.
United eliminated the contraptions back in 2020, per View From The Wing.
