The feeling of stage fright when approaching the boarding gate is destined to be a thing of the past. That tense moment when the traveler faces the relentless “bag sizer” —the luggage measuring device—, fearing being flagged by the gate agent for a slightly oversized bag, will soon be a relic of the history of U.S. airports. At Travel Off Path, they have highlighted the big news: a second major airline has decided to get rid of this deterrent, marking a significant evolution in fast boarding procedures. This decision aims to relieve airport stress and, crucially, speed up the flow of passengers.
American Airlines adopts United’s rational approach
Following the precedent set by United Airlines in 2024, American Airlines has confirmed that it will proceed with the removal of carry-on luggage measuring cubicles from all gate areas. This move by the major U.S. airlines is a clear signal of prioritizing operational optimization.It is essential to understand the scope of this change: it does not constitute an authorization to ignore luggage regulations.
Official size limits remain unchanged. It is, rather, a twofold strategy: to reduce pressure on passengers and, even more importantly in the context of domestic flights, to eliminate the friction factor that causes delays.The key difference lies in the location: the dimensional check devices will only be removed from the vicinity of the gate. They will remain available at the check-in counters. This way, travelers retain the option to proactively check their carry-on luggage before going through security.
Effectiveness over enforcement
The driving force behind this policy is not philanthropy, but the need for operational efficiency. Stopping a passenger for a dimension check at the gate, forcing the use of the sizer, and then managing an item that doesn’t fit represents a significant disruption to the boarding flow. Eliminating this step drastically reduces lost time.By dispensing with gate sizers, airlines reinforce that preparation is the traveler’s responsibility.
The new protocol encourages planning, shifting the focus from last-minute penalties to anticipation. From now on, gate agents will rely on visual observation and will only intervene when a piece of carry-on baggage significantly exceeds the allowed parameters.
How does this affect the traveller?
While this measure is a relief for pre-flight tension, it requires greater diligence on the part of the passenger.
- Parameters remain: In the case of American Airlines, the maximum carry-on luggage dimension must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). This requirement includes the structure, wheels, and handles.
- The Risk of Penalty Persists: If a gate agent deems your bag too large, the outcome will be the same: it will need to be checked at the gate. And, crucially, this action almost always incurs an additional cost, especially if the traveler purchased a Basic Economy fare.
- The Smart Move: The essential recommendation is to check your bag’s dimensions at home before heading to the U.S. airport. If any uncertainty arises, the most prudent option is to use the “bag sizers” available in the initial check-in area to ensure compliance.
This strategic shift validates airlines’ acknowledgment that a less obstructive boarding process results in a faster and superior experience for everyone. The tactic of ‘gate raiding’ is being abandoned in favor of a smoother itinerary that respects the passenger’s time. For the well-informed traveler, this is a welcome evolution, as long as the prior task of accurate measurement is completed.