This Major US Airline Is Getting Rid Of Their Bag Sizers To Improve Efficiency For Fliers

In what feels like a rare victory for carry-on-only travelers, American Airlines has announced that it's removing bag sizers from its gates. Beginning October 6, 2025, the airline started phasing out carry-on sizers. American says the move is designed to "improve the experience for our customers," according to View From The Wing, which published an internal memo shared with employees.

For fliers, this means no more struggling to wedge an overstuffed suitcase into the sizer as other passengers file smugly past you onto the plane. Instead, gate agents will eyeball your bag and use their judgment to decide if it looks too large. If unsure, the agents are instructed to "err on the side of the customer," per the memo. The change may speed up the boarding process, and could eliminate one of the airline junk fees that passengers resent when being told to check a bag at the gate.

However, it's not all smooth sailing. This update doesn't mean you can suddenly haul a huge suitcase onto the plane. You'll still need to pack light when traveling with a carry-on. Bag sizers will remain in the lobby, and agents there are encouraged to weed out oversized items early. Carry-on sizes remain at 22 x 14 x 9 inches, with another, smaller personal item allowed, too. Of course, TSA's carry-on baggage restrictions are still in play, so research them before heading to the airport.

Some, like View From The Wing's Gary Leff, are skeptical of the changes, arguing that a standard sizer is fairer for all passengers than relying on a gate agent's judgment. In Reddit's r/americanairlines, fenix1230 writes, "I actually think this is so the gate agent can tell the passenger that their bag doesn't fit, and there's no way to prove them wrong." Whether you're excited or apprehensive about the change, one thing's for sure: you're unlikely to see a bag sizer at the gate on your next flight with American.