American Airlines has changed a major rule on carry-on baggage to speed up the boarding process in a win for travellers. On Monday, it removed bag sizers from airport gates across America, leaving staff to tell passengers if their luggage is too big. The airline said: “Team members will continue to monitor carry-on baggage in the lobby and at the gate, and oversized items will still be required to be checked in ahead of the flight.”
However, travellers have been warned that the change should not be used as an excuse to bring oversized bags, as they will still be checked. Bag sizers will also be in the lobby for flyers to ensure their carry-on luggage will fit in the overhead compartments.
The airline’s website states that passengers are allowed one personal item – which must fit under the seat in front and be no bigger than 18 x 14 x eight inches – and one carry-on bag.
The carry-on item can either be placed under the seat in front or in the overhead compartment, and must not exceed 22 x 14 x nine inches.
American Airlines made changes to its boarding process earlier this year, including expanding preboarding for families with young children.
It also added an extra five minutes to boarding time and unveiled new technology to make sure boarding moves steadily.
The technology was reportedly tested in in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Tucson, Arizona; and Arlington, Virginia.
When a staff member scans a ticket, it tells then what zone the passenger is in and whether they are boarding too early.
If they are, they will be sent to the back of the line to wait for their group to be called.
