American Airlines Simplifies Boarding by Removing Bag Sizers

Travelers returning from their trips with extra souvenirs or purchases will find some good news with American Airlines. The airline has announced a significant change to its boarding process: it will no longer use carry-on bag sizers at the gate, a decision first reported by View from the Wing and later confirmed by an American Airlines spokesperson.

With the removal of these bag sizers, gate agents will no longer measure carry-on luggage right before passengers board the plane. Instead, American Airlines employees are now instructed to lean towards a more traveler-friendly approach, allowing bags that may be borderline in size to be taken on board if there is any uncertainty about their fit in the overhead bin.

It’s important to note that while the bag sizers are being eliminated, American Airlines is not changing its existing size requirements for carry-on luggage or its overall baggage policy. This adjustment is purely aimed at enhancing the boarding experience for passengers.

American Airlines has stated that this change is part of their initiative to streamline the boarding process. The airline said, “As we further simplify the boarding experience for our customers and team members, American will soon remove bag sizers from the gate area.” This move is expected to make boarding more efficient and less stressful for travelers.

However, travelers should still be aware that bag sizers will remain available in the check-in area, allowing passengers to determine if their carry-on luggage meets the size requirements before they reach the gate. Additionally, oversized items will still need to be checked in prior to boarding, even if that means doing so at the gate.

This alteration in the boarding process builds on several enhancements American Airlines implemented earlier this year, including revised boarding groups and a longer boarding window that begins five minutes earlier than it previously did.

Interestingly, American Airlines appears to be following in the footsteps of United Airlines, which made a similar move back in 2020 by removing gate-side bag sizers. While the rationale behind improving the boarding process is clear, one might wonder why American chose to implement this change at this particular moment. It could be part of a broader strategy to elevate the overall travel experience, aiming to position itself more like a premium airline rather than an ultra-low-cost carrier.

Whether this decision will significantly impact customer satisfaction remains to be seen, but it does indicate that American Airlines is actively reevaluating various aspects of the travel experience to ensure a more enjoyable journey for its passengers.

As you plan your travels, consider how these changes might affect your boarding experience. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just taking a vacation, being informed about airline policies can help you navigate the travel process more smoothly.