Overview

• The airline began removing metal sizers from gates on October 6, confirming the devices now sit in airport lobbies for passengers who want to self-check dimensions.
• Carry-on allowances are unchanged: one personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches and one carry-on up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
• An internal memo tells staff to use judgment, err on the side of the customer, and only force-check luggage that is clearly oversized.
• Gate teams will continue to monitor bags, rely on visual assessments, and can require checks, with oversized-bag fees reaching as high as $200.
• American frames the shift as part of boarding improvements rolled out since 2024, while travelers raise concerns about more subjective and inconsistent enforcement.