American Airlines announces bag policy change intended to speed up boarding

(KTLA) – American Airlines has announced a change to its carry-on baggage rules in an effort to simplify the boarding experience.

In a statement to Nexstar’s KTLA on Sunday, American said it will soon remove bag sizers from its gate areas across the country. The major airline said this transition would start on Monday.

While the announcement indicates that carry-on size restrictions will not be tested during boarding, representatives said it is only meant to make the boarding process smoother. It does not mean fliers can bring larger carry-on bags.

American noted that bag sizers will remain in the lobby for customers to determine on their own whether their carry-on will fit in the overhead bin.

“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,” the airline stated.

Officials added that this new initiative builds on American’s boarding enhancements that took effect earlier this year, including expanded preboarding for families with young children, five extra minutes added to boarding time and new gate technology.

More information about American Airlines’ luggage policies can be found at the airline’s official website.