American Airlines Drops Bag Sizers - Experts Warn Baggage Confusion Still Ahead

American Airlines has announced it will remove its gate-side bag sizers in a bid to improve boarding efficiency across its U.S. airports. The move, which comes into effect this week, is intended to cut down queues and speed up the boarding process.

The airline confirmed that passengers will still be limited to one carry-on and one personal item, with standard sizing rules applying (22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry-ons and 18 x 14 x 8 inches for personal items). Oversized luggage will still need to be checked in before boarding.

This follows American Airlines’ 2023 introduction of new boarding technology that flagged passengers attempting to board too early, tested at several airports including Albuquerque and Tucson. The new updates signal an ongoing push to streamline one of the most time-consuming aspects of air travel.

What This Means for Travellers

While the removal of bag sizers may seem like a relaxation of rules, it won’t eliminate the stress many passengers feel around baggage. Travellers still run the risk of being asked to check in items last-minute if overhead bins fill up, often leading to additional costs or delays.

Luggage shipping experts Send My Bag note that the update reflects how airline baggage policies can change, and travellers may need to stay aware of the latest rules. The company has seen a growing number of travellers opting to ship their luggage door-to-door to avoid both airline baggage fees and the unpredictability of carry-on restrictions.

Darren Johnston from Send My Bag commented:

“American Airlines’ decision to remove bag sizers is clearly about speeding up boarding, but the reality is passengers still face the same size and weight restrictions. It’s a reminder of how complicated and inconsistent airline baggage rules can be. We’re seeing more travellers, especially long-haul passengers, choosing to ship their luggage ahead to cut out the stress of carry-on confusion entirely.”

He added:

“For families, students relocating abroad, or anyone travelling with more than just a small case, relying on airline allowances alone can be frustrating. We provide a simple and practical alternative, offering predictability and peace of mind at a time when airline baggage policies are constantly shifting.”