Stephanie Heath
The travel industry is constantly evolving. From new digital scan-ins to the reduced need for passport stamps, airlines and airports are continually updating their policies and practices. Now, American Airlines has announced a significant change regarding its carry-on baggage policy, and people are thrilled.
Videos by Rare
The Details: In the past, bringing a carry-on bag was more hassle than it was worth. At least that was the case for this airline. During the check-in process, there were these title metal contraptions that fliers were forced to squeeze their carry-on bags into. Their purpose was to ensure the luggage met the company’s size restrictions. However, that is now a thing of the past.
- The NY Post shared “American Airlines is removing metal bag sizers at its boarding gates across the US.”
- View From The Wing shared the following details from a memo released by the airline.
- “At the gate, agents will now use their judgment instead of deferring to an objective bag sizer.”
- “Gate agents are supposed to ‘err on the side of the customer’ if a bag is slightly oversized but close.”
Change To American Airlines’ Carry-On Baggage Policy Is A Win For Travelers
Naturally, the majority of travelers are thrilled with this update to American Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy. No longer do you need to stress about squeezing your luggage into this small contraption. Instead, as long as your carry-on bag does not look ridiculously large, it should be permitted on the plane.
- The airline urges people to remember that while they no longer need to check their carry-on size during check-in, the size requirements did not change.
- The rule is still that “a carry-on bag should not exceed 45 linear inches.”
Additionally, View From the Wing shares these details about what does and does not count as a “carry-on” piece of luggage.
- A belt is a part of your clothing; it does not count as carry-on luggage. This holds true even if the belt can store items in it. Additionally, the same is true for a fanny pack worn across the body.
- If the item requires overhead space, it is considered a carry-on. If the item requires space under the seat, it is considered a personal item. If it doesn’t require either of those spaces, such as the fanny pack, it is a safe bet to bring on board.
- Similarly, they share that “anyone can wear a jacket, even a heavy winter coat, and that doesn’t count against your carry-on allowance.”
All in all, American Airlines has made it significantly easier to fly with their new and improved carry-on baggage policy.
