American Airlines Removes Bag Sizers From Gates to Improve Boarding Experience

Buh-bye bag sizers.

Finally, some good news from aviation: American Airlines will no longer ask passengers to fit their bags into a metal bag sizer moments before boarding. In a move that may be a relief for travelers, American Airlines has removed bag sizers from gates and is advising gate agents to use their judgment to determine if a bag meets requirements. The sizers remain at check-in counters, so passengers and staff can still confirm whether a bag is too large. Staff members are being encouraged to side with customers in close cases.

The absence of bag sizers is not an invitation to bring bigger bags. The airline said, “Team members will continue to monitor carry-on baggage in the lobby and at the gate, and oversized items will still be required to be checked in ahead of the flight.” The website specifies that the personal item should fit under the seat in front (45 x 35 x 20 cm), and the carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or in front of the passenger (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

The airline said this change will improve the customer experience, but it is not unique. United eliminated bag sizers in 2020 to enhance travel for everyone. The airline began relying on gate agents and handlers to monitor baggage, and a spokesperson told SF Gate that it was good news for both travelers and employees: “We’re always looking for ways to simplify the boarding process, and this move delivers a more seamless travel experience for everyone.”

Last year, American Airlines introduced more changes to its boarding process. New technology now allows passengers to board according to their zone and alerts staff members if someone tries to board early. Passengers with premium seats board first.

Related: Warning to ‘Gate Lice’: American Airlines Changes Boarding Process

Baggage Problems

It is every traveler’s nightmare to be told at the gate that a bag is too big. Bag sizers appeared in airports in 2014, and airlines have since tried to get passengers to comply with their restrictions. These sizers have caused frustration among passengers and led to confrontations with staff worldwide. One major issue is that not all airlines have the same size restrictions, which confuses travelers.

Airlines profit significantly from baggage fees, and it’s no secret that agents who intercept the most bags are rewarded with bonuses. Ryanair is notorious for this. In July, a woman was seen sobbing at an airport in Bulgaria after Ryanair staff told her that her bag was too large. The airline allows one free bag up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm, while cabin and checked baggage must be purchased. The airline pays its baggage agents €2.50 ($2.92) for each bag they catch, and CEO Michael O’Leary insists that complying with the rules helps speed up boarding.

The problem remains: airlines have different baggage policies—regarding both dimensions and weight—creating a pain point for travelers switching planes both domestically and internationally.

Related: Ryanair Charged Passenger $62 for Carrying Water Bottle; Says It Counts as ‘Second Bag’