American Airlines has announced the removal of metal bag sizers from boarding gates at airports nationwide. Since October 6, 2025, gate agents have relied on judgment instead of metal bag sizers to assess carry-ons.
While American Airlines is removing the physical bag sizers at gates, the carrier’s carry-on size restrictions remain unchanged. According to USA Today, passengers are still permitted one carry-on item with dimensions not exceeding 22 by 14 by 9 inches (including wheels and handles), along with a personal item that fits under the seat in front.
What This Means For American Airlines And Its Passengers
An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed the move in a statement to USA Today, saying: “As we further simplify the boarding experience for our customers and team members, American will soon remove bag sizers from the gate area.” The airline will continue to make sizers available in check-in lobbies. This will allow customers to verify that their bags meet size requirements before proceeding through security to boarding areas.
Gate agents now visually assess carry-on luggage. They will still check carry-ons that exceed size limits. Even with the removal of gate sizers, American Airlines notes that most gate-checked bags result not from size violations but from lack of space — either because the overhead bins on smaller aircraft can’t accommodate standard-sized carry-ons, or because flights are too full and the bins are already occupied.
As USA Today reports, this explains the airline’s shift from strict gate enforcement. The airline continues to provide detailed baggage information on its website, reminding customers that all carry-on items must ultimately fit in overhead bins or under seats. If they don’t fit, they will still need to be checked, regardless of whether they passed a preliminary size check.
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