As if gate agents weren’t already under enough pressure during the boarding process, here’s something else they can add to their duties…
In this post:
Oversized gate checked bags will cost you
View from the Wing reports that American Airlines has a new policy for gate checking bags. Effective immediately, if you gate check a bag on American Airlines and it doesn’t fit in the carry-on sizer, you’ll be asked to pay a checked bag fee for it.
There are a couple of things to be aware of with this new policy, though:
- The fee won’t apply to those who are entitled to free checked bags, including premium cabin passengers, AAdvantage elite members, co-branded credit card members, etc.
- Gate agents are supposed to charge this unless the process of collecting the fee would cause a departure delay
As it’s explained, this new policy is intended to “create a consistent customer experience for those who bring non-compliant bags to the gate.”
For context, when you’re flying you’ll often hear gate agents offering to gate check bags complimentary, to avoid a delay during boarding due to too many carry-ons. That will presumably continue. However, there are also some passengers who are pulled over and asked to place their bag in the “sizer,” and the bags that don’t fit will be the ones that are charged for.
My take on American’s policy change
On the surface I don’t think this policy change is unreasonable. People are essentially given an incentive to try to take their oversize bag through security and to the gate to avoid checked bag fees.
Up until now if people could get their oversized bags to the gate:
- Best case scenario they could carry them on for free
- Worst case scenario they could gate check them for free
This policy change doesn’t seem unfair to me, and for that matter at least American isn’t being punitive. Spirit Airlines, for example, charges more to gate check a bag than to check a bag otherwise, which isn’t totally unreasonable. Then again, Spirit is exceptionally clear about its baggage policy.
All that being said, I feel sorry for gate agents, and I don’t see this ending well. Many customers choose to argue endlessly when they’re told their bag is too big to fit on the plane, and that’s when there’s no cost involved. “But I flew with this bag last time.” “I’m never flying American again.” “But I’m an AAdvantage member.” “You’re telling me this big plane can’t fit this bag, what’s wrong with you?”
Now customers are going to be told that they not only have to gate check their bags, but have to pay for this? I really don’t see this ending well, especially with the increase in rage we’ve seen among so many air travelers in recent months.
Bottom line
American Airlines will start charging checked bag fees when passengers show up at the gate with oversized bags, assuming they’re not entitled to free checked bags. Personally I think this policy change is fair, at least on the surface, but my concern is how passengers will react, and the impact that has on gate agents.
What do you make of American’s policy change for oversized carry-on bags?
Great, stop people from carrying their entire closet onboard.
Check back is 30 and no carry on just a personal item. They changed their policy. I just found out because I'm taking a trip.. I'll never fly with them again.
I also think one checked bag should be built into the price. Carry on bags should be avoided. It is a big hassle for crew and passengers to stash carry ons on the upper shelves when boarding the plane.
Thank God. This will stop people from bringing gigantic bags that don't fit anywhere, and holding up the entire plane.
I'd even be supportive of having all main cabin and above fares including a free checked bag... With business travel not recovering very quickly, it's been alll leisure travellers and none of them apparently know how to fly, so anything they can do to streamline the process will help everyone.
My wife and I came back from an international flight with American , didn’t hear about charging for oversized but they always offered to ck your carry on for free to avoid running out of space and to speed up boarding
Just get rid of the overhead bins completely. It will make getting on and off the plane faster. Or make checked baggage free and charge for carryon baggage.
Even though people aren't going to like it, it has to be done. Why not start it at the initial check in rather than waiting until they are to be loaded on the plane. And charge the hell out of them when they argue. With more charges hire more security to be sure things are enforced.
How many millions of our tax dollars did they get from our government during the pandemic? Back to nickel and dining again, I see.
To the customer who says, "This policy is to punish customers whose bags don’t fit the sizer. Oh, and justify yet another fee." As a member of the older generation who has been flying for many years, I have witnessed, in the last few years, more and more flyers who knowingly bring obviously oversized bags and then argue with the gate agent that they should be allowed. This is nothing but another example of entitlement....
To the customer who says, "This policy is to punish customers whose bags don’t fit the sizer. Oh, and justify yet another fee." As a member of the older generation who has been flying for many years, I have witnessed, in the last few years, more and more flyers who knowingly bring obviously oversized bags and then argue with the gate agent that they should be allowed. This is nothing but another example of entitlement. Bag size requirements
are not a secret. They are published on AA--and all other airlines'--websites and are easy to find. Instead of depending upon a bag seller's description, looks at the size and determine if it meets the rules. AA couldn't make it any simpler. I have NO sympathy for flyers who bend the rules because they think they are somehow better than everyone else. I fly only AA and have never in more than 50 years had an unpleasant experience with anyone, from the check-in agents to gate agents to flight attendants. Perhaps there is something to that old, old verse called the Golden Rule. Obviously, some people need to look it up. And another old adage that applys: "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."
@Dave. If you show up late. You won't cause a delay. You won't make the flight bc we do not have time to process your bag at the last minute. And a big mistake passengers make when measuring their luggage is...they do not measure the wheels in the dimensions. The wheels must fit in the sizer too!! The ENTIRE suitcase must fit!! When u purchase a new suitcase and it shows the dimensions it does not usually include the wheels!!
AA Agent here. Many of the complaints I'm seeing here are simply misunderstandings. The sizer was never meant to equal to the size of the overhead bins. The rule is 45 linear inches and that has been the rule since I can remember. Some people are complaining about regional aircraft and having to valet their bags. These aircraft have been used for decades so either you are new to traveling and don't know how it...
AA Agent here. Many of the complaints I'm seeing here are simply misunderstandings. The sizer was never meant to equal to the size of the overhead bins. The rule is 45 linear inches and that has been the rule since I can remember. Some people are complaining about regional aircraft and having to valet their bags. These aircraft have been used for decades so either you are new to traveling and don't know how it works or you never had to fly regional planes up until recently (maybe you lived in a hub city). Moreover, oversized bags usually mean the bag is also overweight. Some stations do not have the belt or shaft that moves the bags from the jetbridge down to the ramp and ramp workers have to either carry them down or hand them down from the stairs. When bags are over weight especially in such a dense sized bag it creates a hazard for employees who are handling these bags.
As a gate agent I have always been extremely generous when it comes to our rules. Some people abuse the rules knowingly while other do it out of ignorance. The only time I charged customers for bags was when they have a bag clearly larger than a carry-on bag (usually because they missed bag cut-off) or when they are carrying on two full size carry-on bags.
Lol I realized this when I was flying Delta -- every single flight they ask for volunteers. No point paying to check until you get to the gate. Worse case you pay there and it's the same cost.
While I don't condone customers taking advantage, the airline should be forced to pay you the checked bag fee if they don't have enough carry on space and you're forced to check a bag that fits the sizer. This sh!t goes both ways. You cheat me, I cheat you
if you do not wish to comply with the rules an airline sets. Simple Answer. Do Not Fly with them.
It is not rocket science. Ask yourself, why did you choose this airline in the first place, what was your alternate. Then shut up and comply!!!!!!
Flew a month ago from Honolulu to lax And they loaded from the back of the plane. Even the first class was not allowed to get on first. So by the time the first class got on which were the seats we had, all the bins in first class were taken that is totally infuriating the amount of carryons These people had was outrageous.
I'm fine with this rule as long as they enforce it across the board. Everyone, crew included, must put their bags in the checker before getting on the plane. Also make the checker the same size as the overhead bin, then it's a real check. Where arguments begin is when 1 gets picked out of a line of people, where everyone has the same size bag, it fails the checker but the others around you don't have to see if their bags will fail.
I fly AA alot I see people with two large rolling suitcase s and a big backpack don't they know how to count and they take up more room this should stop
@Chelsea
CLT. Asked crew member here. Our bags are held to different standards.
why won't they say how much this fee is?
I had a bag that fit the sizer yet the agent took it from me said it would arrive in NY with me. I saw it on the tarmac and watched as they tossed around items like baby strollers etc. I cringed as I knew that my bag had suffered a similar fate. I arrived in NY minus my newly purchased bag as well as all new items there in. Bag was never found.
As a former AA gate agent, I will tell you that I would have hated to have enforced this rule. Most employees simply do not want to mess with oversize bags, and stopping the boarding process to collect fees will be very stressful for agents, unless you have an extra person standing there specifically to handle oversize bags. Next up is taking away the ability to bring a regular-sized carryon if you have a basic...
As a former AA gate agent, I will tell you that I would have hated to have enforced this rule. Most employees simply do not want to mess with oversize bags, and stopping the boarding process to collect fees will be very stressful for agents, unless you have an extra person standing there specifically to handle oversize bags. Next up is taking away the ability to bring a regular-sized carryon if you have a basic economy fare (UA already dings you for this). Southwest is just looking better and better each day without having to lift a finger. The only reason you'd choose a carrier like AA/UA/DL is for the off-chance that you'd get an upgrade and to accumulate miles for international travel. I don't see that as an advantage when Southwest is so much easier to do business with.
I love the verbiage. “Create a consistent customer experience for those who bring non-compliant bags to the gate.” Wow. Excellent job at sugar coating the real sentence: "This policy is to punish customers whose bags don't fit the sizer. Oh, and justify yet another fee."
The bag is not the problem. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THE FLIGHT I HAD RESERVED FOR FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021, WITHOUT ANY NOTICE, *EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBERS LINKED TO UPDATES* *CAUSING ME TO MISS MY GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL* I FURIOUS STILL AND DISGUSTED. I HAD TAKEN OFF WORK, LOSS HOURS TIME AND MONEY, AND MISSED LAYING MY GRANDMOTHER TO REST BECAUSE OF #AMERICANAIRLINES. I NEED ANSWERS ASAP. I HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING OF WHY THIS HAS...
The bag is not the problem. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THE FLIGHT I HAD RESERVED FOR FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021, WITHOUT ANY NOTICE, *EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBERS LINKED TO UPDATES* *CAUSING ME TO MISS MY GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL* I FURIOUS STILL AND DISGUSTED. I HAD TAKEN OFF WORK, LOSS HOURS TIME AND MONEY, AND MISSED LAYING MY GRANDMOTHER TO REST BECAUSE OF #AMERICANAIRLINES. I NEED ANSWERS ASAP. I HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING OF WHY THIS HAS BEEN GOIN ON. THIS IS A #MAJOR ISSUE AND HAS BECAME A PROBLEM. THIS HURT CANT BE REVERSED *NEED ANSWERS ASAP*
The bag is not the problem. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THE FLIGHT I HAD RESERVED FOR FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021, WITHOUT ANY NOTICE, *EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBERS LINKED TO UPDATES* *CAUSING ME TO MISS MY GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL* I FURIOUS STILL AND DISGUSTED. I HAD TAKEN OFF WORK, LOSS HOURS TIME AND MONEY, AND MISSED LAYING MY GRANDMOTHER TO REST BECAUSE OF #AMERICANAIRLINES. I NEED ANSWERS ASAP. I HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING OF WHY THIS HAS...
The bag is not the problem. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THE FLIGHT I HAD RESERVED FOR FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021, WITHOUT ANY NOTICE, *EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBERS LINKED TO UPDATES* *CAUSING ME TO MISS MY GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL* I FURIOUS STILL AND DISGUSTED. I HAD TAKEN OFF WORK, LOSS HOURS TIME AND MONEY, AND MISSED LAYING MY GRANDMOTHER TO REST BECAUSE OF #AMERICANAIRLINES. I NEED ANSWERS ASAP. I HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING OF WHY THIS HAS BEEN GOIN ON. THIS IS A #MAJOR ISSUE AND HAS BECAME A PROBLEM. THIS HURT CANT BE REVERSED
Funny my carry on fits in every overhead I've flown around the world BUT these super tiny compartments AA uses for some regional flights. And this is in FC.
One reason I've quit flying AA thru their crappy hub in Charlotte.
I remember when 1 checked bag flew free. Boarding and arrival were smooth same plane flies same bag whether under the plane or in the overhead bin. Stop nickle and dime folks ! As with most jobs, the employees get the fallout! And customers suffer. BTW. Those sizes for luggage are for children size luggage-not real carryon size. Shame on you for being so greedy!
I see many entitled comments from some of you th t have no idea how an airline works. Why in hell would the faa mandate a free checked bag with the ticket price? That would completely ruin low cost carriers business model.
Some of you have clearly never traveled within Europe where they are extremely extrixt with carry ons
They measure size and a limited weight.
I keep seeing people comming with...
I see many entitled comments from some of you th t have no idea how an airline works. Why in hell would the faa mandate a free checked bag with the ticket price? That would completely ruin low cost carriers business model.
Some of you have clearly never traveled within Europe where they are extremely extrixt with carry ons
They measure size and a limited weight.
I keep seeing people comming with a carry on rollerboard And a giant duffel bag that is Bigger than the actual carry on as a "personal item" are you kidding me?
It doesn't matter to me anymore. I've given up on the airline industry after being a frequent flyer for 30 years. We bought a nice and comfy road trip car for all domestic travels. The airlines treat their customers like cattle.
AA tried this once before, it was a disaster
Short memories they have
I remember in summer 2019 I saw someone who's bag would not fit in the sizer on my AA flight, and she was required to pay the checked bag fee, so I am surprised that this rule came along when I saw this article. I thought it already had existed for a while
They really should address this before boarding. I say if you are not in a premium cabin or an elite member you have to see a person at the airport to have your carryon baggage approved and tagged kind of like UA does with basic economy, maybe at some other place than the check-in counter though.
1 checked free. 1 carry-on free. Speeds up boarding. Speeds up de-boarding, and safer and easier on everyone.
I'd love to check one bag (for free) and place the other in the overhead. The flight is WAY more comfortable with that "extra" leg room.
It's about time!! Now be really bold and charge for carry-ons that are packed like mini moving vans. Those who go by rules get screwed. The bigger the bag -- the bigger their sense of entitlement.
So you stop charging for one aspect but start charging for another. No wonder why people have trouble keeping up with the rules. And I am sure that due to how vague these new rules are people will purposely make the time longer or cause a fight so they are not charged.
Article not totally accurate. Overstuffed carry on sized bags are checked free. Actual luggage, which those bag dimensions are alot larger and you can spot by a mile, will be charged.
I get it for bags that are obviously oversized. Those sizers are not all that accurate in my experience though. I've had a bag that didn't fit in the sizer, but fit with room to spare in the actual overhead bin. I'm ok with sizers, just make them realistic. I once got off a plane and had a gate agent at my connecting flight tell me my bag wouldn't fit, even though it was the...
I get it for bags that are obviously oversized. Those sizers are not all that accurate in my experience though. I've had a bag that didn't fit in the sizer, but fit with room to spare in the actual overhead bin. I'm ok with sizers, just make them realistic. I once got off a plane and had a gate agent at my connecting flight tell me my bag wouldn't fit, even though it was the same exact type of aircraft. I told her as much but she wasn't having it. That made no sense to me.
Of course, you could always take enough stuff out of your carry-on bag and put it in your personal item (backpack?) until the bag meets their requirements.
The real way to fix the baggage and the loading unloading issue is to allow for all checked bags to be free, up to a fair limit of course, then charge for any bags carried on. Purses and small computer type bags would be allowed, qty of 2 of course, at no charge.
I am an AA gate and this will impact our boarding process. Like most things in life the few spoil it for the majority. Some try to board with an oversize bag due to infrequent flying or they are just ignorant of how their non-compliant bag affects their fellow travelers. Most offenders pack as much as they can, open the expansion zippers, and hope for the best. TSA will let any bag through that can...
I am an AA gate and this will impact our boarding process. Like most things in life the few spoil it for the majority. Some try to board with an oversize bag due to infrequent flying or they are just ignorant of how their non-compliant bag affects their fellow travelers. Most offenders pack as much as they can, open the expansion zippers, and hope for the best. TSA will let any bag through that can pass through their scanners. Each aircraft type has different size overhead compartments and the carry on size is limited to 14X22X9. If your bag fits on one aircraft type it may not fit on your connecting or return flight and that is why the size is restricted. As an agent I personally don't care what size bag you want to travel with but the reality is that as a traveller these bag rules are in place to allow for a smooth flying experience. When we run out of overhead space or can't accommodate an oversize bag the flight runs late, passengers miss connections, and consequently have a bad experience. If a flight runs late early in the day it may run late for the rest of the day as a result and that affects a lot folks and puts additional pressure on us as agents to do a good job for our clients.
"Personally I think this policy change is fair, at least on the surface," ... well, personally I think this is a first world problem. So happy, finally the airlines are getting in to this!
I have seen passengers stowing carry on bags the size of a checked-in baggage! Learn to trim, not everything should be the size of TX!
Try flying local airlines in Europe or Asia with such jumbo sized carry on bags. See how much they charge.
I am surprised that not one person mentioned that airlines have reduce the size of the overhead bins shortly after they started to charge for checking a bag. I feel like their policies have created this mess. Since they can’t seem to make sound decisions for the flying public maybe the government should impose some sort of industry wide legislation for them. After all what is the purpose of regulation other than a response to...
I am surprised that not one person mentioned that airlines have reduce the size of the overhead bins shortly after they started to charge for checking a bag. I feel like their policies have created this mess. Since they can’t seem to make sound decisions for the flying public maybe the government should impose some sort of industry wide legislation for them. After all what is the purpose of regulation other than a response to correct the airlines from making these kind of polices. Then just maybe the airlines will do the right thing for the flying public. Unfortunately the airlines have too many lobbyists who wine and dine our legislators, so they can continue to make these policies without fear of any legislation. I would love to see the airlines attempt to enforce these policies on any politician. Maybe once it’s personal our supposed leaders will step up and represent the American people instead of their own self interest. Flying passengers matter!
I have a name brand carry on bag that I've used for quite a few years now - I only just became aware within the last week, because someone asked what size bag I use, that it was actually about an inch bigger in one dimension that what is posted on the airline sites. Am very sure that when purchased it was listed as a carry on bag. I have not a clue if the...
I have a name brand carry on bag that I've used for quite a few years now - I only just became aware within the last week, because someone asked what size bag I use, that it was actually about an inch bigger in one dimension that what is posted on the airline sites. Am very sure that when purchased it was listed as a carry on bag. I have not a clue if the airlines carry on size was reduced by an inch at some point, or if the bag has always been bigger that what is stated on the airline sites (I usually fly American, JetBlue or Southwest). I have never been questioned on it, and it has always fit into whatever aircraft bin I put it in. All of that being said, I have seen people with MUCH bigger luggage trying to board with them as "carry on", which is a big problem, no pun intended. There was a time a 2nd personal item would be a simple purse or small laptop computer case; but I've seen folks brining on second pieces of luggage. If you're trying to bring THAT much with you, then have a larger bag and have it checked.
@Chelsea - my friend is an FA for AA and also has had their crew bag checked because it didn’t fit in the sizer even though it is company issued. They weren’t working the flight but standby and had to check it any ways. It depends on the agent and airport. It just needs to be more uniform policy.
Odds of US airlines moving to charging for carry-ons and allowing free checked bags: 0% (checked luggage takes time to load and unload, slowing aircraft turn time, more checked bags = increased costs for luggage handlers, and effectively allowing passengers to pack more stuff will increase weight and fuel burn).
But we can keep talking about it amongst ourselves, I suppose.
Now if you want to discuss the odds of them charging for checked bags...
Odds of US airlines moving to charging for carry-ons and allowing free checked bags: 0% (checked luggage takes time to load and unload, slowing aircraft turn time, more checked bags = increased costs for luggage handlers, and effectively allowing passengers to pack more stuff will increase weight and fuel burn).
But we can keep talking about it amongst ourselves, I suppose.
Now if you want to discuss the odds of them charging for checked bags AND carry-ons, that's a distinct possibility.
Reading the comments...did anyone read the article?
Well, how about American Airlines buy planes that will actually accept carry on luggage sizes? On a recent trip, all 4 America Airlines planes we traveled on, the carry on bids were "too small" to accept current size carry on bags and they coursety checked everyones carry on luggage at the gate. Start with that first AA before making "policy changes".
It doesn't matter if you bag will fit in the overhead bin. If your bag won't fit in the "sizer", it's too big to be brought in as carryon. The fact that some planes have larger overhead bin space is irrelevant. The sizer is what is used for the published dimensions.
It needs to be caught before the gate. As many mentioned this could create a real issue and puts a lot of stress and extra job duties on the gate "keepers". This will also cause a lot of angst in some passengers, who are already nervous about flying. Either do it at the ticketing counter or tell all applicable american guests they need to have their carry-ons checked prior to going to the gate.
I...
It needs to be caught before the gate. As many mentioned this could create a real issue and puts a lot of stress and extra job duties on the gate "keepers". This will also cause a lot of angst in some passengers, who are already nervous about flying. Either do it at the ticketing counter or tell all applicable american guests they need to have their carry-ons checked prior to going to the gate.
I agree with American, but I can also picture the fights that will happen at the gate, inevitably wasting everyone's time and starting the whole experience off bad.
For those who claim the sizers are smaller than the published carryon dimensions, I’ve actually measured the AA sizer with a metal measuring tape and its generous in the height and width dimensions by about 3/4” and equal in the depth. My measurements were done in 2019 so I’m not aware if there are new sizers and/or smaller ones out now.
Agree with others, one free checked, any carryons should be charged. Speed the boarding process up with a bit more time at check in...but at least they are equipped to deal with that.
And if they allow carryons, they should test fit those at check in as well, and allow only one, so people don't try and get over with another hidden one, and it doesn't burden the gate.
Good.
Way too many people abuse this
My bag easily fits in the overhead appropriately on every AA aircraft that allows full size carry-ons in the cabin, including the E75. I know this, and generally it isn't a problem, but occasionally I get a grumpy GA that informs me that it is "too big." Not only is it frustrating to have to check my bag, it's frustrating being told I'm wrong when in fact I'm right.
Charging for oversize bags is fine,...
My bag easily fits in the overhead appropriately on every AA aircraft that allows full size carry-ons in the cabin, including the E75. I know this, and generally it isn't a problem, but occasionally I get a grumpy GA that informs me that it is "too big." Not only is it frustrating to have to check my bag, it's frustrating being told I'm wrong when in fact I'm right.
Charging for oversize bags is fine, but they need to be realistic about what can fit and what cannot. Gate Agents are some of the rudest and most hostile people I encounter in my life on a regular basis. A system based on something as rigid as the "sizer" will without a doubt lead to aggression between customers and employees.
My issue with this is at CLT the gate agents tend to be complete jerks. I carry a TravelPro crew bag that I have had the gate agents throw a fit that it is too large. It literally is the exact same bag the flight crew uses. The reason being is I have had gate agents tell me that because my zipper got hung I couldn't use the bag. It literally fit anyway but the...
My issue with this is at CLT the gate agents tend to be complete jerks. I carry a TravelPro crew bag that I have had the gate agents throw a fit that it is too large. It literally is the exact same bag the flight crew uses. The reason being is I have had gate agents tell me that because my zipper got hung I couldn't use the bag. It literally fit anyway but the one way my zipper caught. I even tried turning it so it was not trying to slide the bag at where the two zippers met the agent told me I was cheating. It literally fit every other way but the zipper would not slide down the bar. I barely tapped the zipper and the bag feel. The gate agent said I forced it. I am a AAvandage Card Holder and a Priority status member. So I am sorry my biggest complaint has always been how rude PHL and CLT agents are this is just going to make them worse. While some bags do far surpass the size this should be caught by american before the gate.
Fyi if you do Show up Last minute before departure and you have an overiszed bag that you have to pay for and dont want to you Will get left behind..
The sizers are terrible. Not only are they usually half an inch or so smaller than the published sizes, due to protruding pieces of METAL, but I once injured my wrist and bled terribly, because of a stupid sizer (my bag fit, by the way; just, the sharp edge of the sizer was unforgiving).
Contracts of carriage with any airline say nothing about a sizer; at best, they may list measurements. These measurements can be...
The sizers are terrible. Not only are they usually half an inch or so smaller than the published sizes, due to protruding pieces of METAL, but I once injured my wrist and bled terribly, because of a stupid sizer (my bag fit, by the way; just, the sharp edge of the sizer was unforgiving).
Contracts of carriage with any airline say nothing about a sizer; at best, they may list measurements. These measurements can be measured using a tape measure or any other measuring device. I now carry a small, mobile, tape measure from Home Depot with me (it hangs on the key chain) and refuse to use sizers.
Where are all the airline apologists here who defend the CoC? Nothing in the CoC about sizers and requiring passengers to use them!
I think it's great, but I feel sorry for the gate agents. It should be handled at ticketing -- or at security (you get sent back if the bag doesn't fit.)
Remember when carry-on bags were carried on, and hand luggage was in your hand? Before rollers and expanding zippered carriers, everything fit in the sizer, and we didn't have this problem. Today's "carry-ons" are yesterday's small, checked suitcases.
Airlines have *NOT* continued to shrink their bag sizers over the years. Your bag MAY fit in the overhead ONLY if you turn it sideways which it is NOT supposed to be put in there. I fit in the overhead! People have constantly bought bags from manufacturers believing that it is, in fact; carryon size. The baggage manufacturers will sell you anything and can tell you that it is carryon size, when it actually is...
Airlines have *NOT* continued to shrink their bag sizers over the years. Your bag MAY fit in the overhead ONLY if you turn it sideways which it is NOT supposed to be put in there. I fit in the overhead! People have constantly bought bags from manufacturers believing that it is, in fact; carryon size. The baggage manufacturers will sell you anything and can tell you that it is carryon size, when it actually is not. Legal carryon size is 22"X14"x9". Nothing more than 45 linear inches! The problem is that people unzip the expanders believing it is still legal carryon size when it is not! 45" has NOT changed, but people believe that since a regional plane valeted their bag on their previous flight, that they will be able to carry it on, on their next mainline flight; which is completely incorrect! PEOPLE GET A CLUE!!
@JohnR and @Jake: The good news - there is already an airline that charges more for carry-on bags than for checked bags. The bad news - it's Spirit.
Strong hunch that the people hear saying “my bag fits the bin, but not the sizer” are the folks that hog bin space by not putting their bags in WHEELS FIRST!
Like the FAs request 59 times during boarding.
1] For those of us who flew during the time of free checked bags we can tell all the people on here saying that is the solution, that it most certainly is NOT...People want what they want...All you have to do is read the comments on here to see that...
2] @Rebecca, the argument that "your bag" fits in the bin so it should be allowed makes 0.0 sense...I fit in the overhead bin, that...
1] For those of us who flew during the time of free checked bags we can tell all the people on here saying that is the solution, that it most certainly is NOT...People want what they want...All you have to do is read the comments on here to see that...
2] @Rebecca, the argument that "your bag" fits in the bin so it should be allowed makes 0.0 sense...I fit in the overhead bin, that doesn't mean I should travel there...
3] The "United States of ME" is in full effect here, to the point where it sickens me...There is such a simple solution that everyone who is only thinking of themselves is ignoring...GET A BAG THAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE...!!! When everyone has a regulation size bag, and follows the 1+1 rule, there is space for everybody, period...
Arriving 1 minute before departure makes you already late for your flight and the plane is already on the tarmac. It takes less than 20 seconds to add a tag to your record and run your credit card.
Trying to bypass rules is what keeps people
Oversized bags at the gate is an ongoing issue.
The simple fix is a sizer at TSA. But TSA doesn’t need extra responsibility.
It’s simple,...
Arriving 1 minute before departure makes you already late for your flight and the plane is already on the tarmac. It takes less than 20 seconds to add a tag to your record and run your credit card.
Trying to bypass rules is what keeps people
Oversized bags at the gate is an ongoing issue.
The simple fix is a sizer at TSA. But TSA doesn’t need extra responsibility.
It’s simple, if it doesn’t fit it’s going under a plane and you pay. No one comes to your work and expects for you to bend the rules for them and get things free. Why do you do expect it from us?
Airlines have continually shrunk the sizers and most people don't buy new luggage every time airlines move the goal posts. Almost nobody's bags actually fit in the stupid sizers as a result. I'll be right there arguing and holding up the boarding line as long as possible.
One free checked bag + charging for carry-ons makes the most sense to me. I feel like it is always so chaotic in economy up until pushback as pax and cabin crew are trying to find every last spot in the overhead bins... vs flying on Southwest where everyone has checked their bags so people are just chatting and relaxed.
I think that this thread is not cognizant of how a policy like this can be limiting to the passenger who is flying with something fragile or of an unusual size that should be able to qualify as a personal carry-on (ex: artwork, instruments, diaper bags, shopping bag, etc.). The overhead bag storage often is more spacious than the sizer accounts for.
I think this generation forgets that the upcharges for baggage are actually...
I think that this thread is not cognizant of how a policy like this can be limiting to the passenger who is flying with something fragile or of an unusual size that should be able to qualify as a personal carry-on (ex: artwork, instruments, diaper bags, shopping bag, etc.). The overhead bag storage often is more spacious than the sizer accounts for.
I think this generation forgets that the upcharges for baggage are actually a profit strategy that the airlines introduced. It used to be that as a fare paying passenger, your ticket entitled you to at the very least a checked bag included with your fare. It is not like the practice of traveling has changed dramatically, most travelers still travel with their luggage. Now, our luggage industry is now constantly changing carry-on luggage sizes to meet the random changes in airline policies. It is ridiculous.
Ultimately, it serves to make the cost of traveling by air increasingly and inappropriately overpriced (especially for families), this is another systemic profit model that promotes class inequity in accessibility to exploring other places. We can all do better.
I think it’s a good policy change, although it could slow the boarding process even longer and might not be enforced. As for charging for carryons and not checked, some people like myself, cannot check everything like laptops and meds and shouldn’t be “fined,” as a result.
I have the spirit regulation carry on bag and it works every time. Unfortunately when the airlines began checked bag fees this only amplified an already existing problem withe the overhead bins. I do like what a poster said above regarding one free checked bag but with most things, that makes too much sense.
@JohnR you nailed it. Some of the discount airlines kind-of do this already. Frontier charges more for carry-ons than checked bags, and sure enough, the few Frontier flights I've taken have always had plenty of overhead space left at departure.
It all makes sense: If a low fare price is the deciding factor for most passengers, those same people would most likely pick the cheaper (but less convenient) checked bag option if presented with the choice.
I watched a husband and wife each carrying 2 roll on bags and 1 garment bag each. They claimed preloading privileges and promptly took up a huge amount of the First class overheads. They were seated in economy. No one from American said a word.
@Jake: I couldn't agree more with your comments. With charges for checked bags, people decided to bring all their things with them. Not only the size but the weight of the stuff people bring onboard is just ridiculous.
@JohnR
> How about an airline with a policy that charges for carry-on bags and does not charge for checked bags ?
You have my vote. That makes do much sense. Leisure passengers check their bags for free and while hurried business travelers can afford to pay to have the bag with them in the cabin. And boarding and deplaning will be one again fast.
Brilliant. You obviously don't work for American Airlines, whose geniuses came up with the current bag fee structure.
The whole thing is a joke. The simple way would be to let the people that have checked bags deplane first. I have missed several flights due to people having multiple bags in overhead.
Bringing the regulation that one free checked bag must be included with all tickets!
The current system encouraging people to bring all their belongings in the cabin is stupid, makes going through security and getting on and off planes a huge hassle, and it's probably unsafe to have all that weight on top of our heads in case of an accident. It's a complete to fail.
It can't come fast enough.
This will be a s**t show. I can only imagine the mess since they will basically stop people at the gate while they are boarding and tell them they have to pay. I would love to be there to see the interaction. BTW, when are they going to start weighting the bags? LOL!!!!
I really don't object to this, however, my carry on bag easily fits in the bins, but it does not fit the sizer. The sizers need to be upgraded.
Sounds great. One of my biggest air peeves is people dragging obviously oversized bags on board and stuffing them in the overhead bins, and then complaining that my small bag should go under the seat in front of me so they can fit their monstrosity above. I'm 6'3" and need all the leg room I can get.
I had an AA gate agent at JFK that insisted the bag was too big even though it fit in the sizer.
That they are waiving charges if it would cause a delay makes me question its purpose. The violators generally show up last minute anyway!
The best solution to this was the sizers that fit OVER the x-ray scanners at security, if your bag was too big, you were immediately sent back to the counter to check it...I remember when UA did this at IAD in the early 2000's...Guess what, everyone that played by the rules and had a bag that was the proper size was ABLE TO PUT THEIR BAG IN THE PLANE with them...The issue became the other...
The best solution to this was the sizers that fit OVER the x-ray scanners at security, if your bag was too big, you were immediately sent back to the counter to check it...I remember when UA did this at IAD in the early 2000's...Guess what, everyone that played by the rules and had a bag that was the proper size was ABLE TO PUT THEIR BAG IN THE PLANE with them...The issue became the other carriers @ IAD would not go along with it at the other security check-point [there were two back then] so it was abandoned...
I know this is not popular, but I love the sizers at the gate...SNA/Orange County used them every flight and when I was traveling in and out of there I never, not one time had to check a bag, no matter how full the flight, or when I showed up to board...When everyone plays by the rules, the system works...
Makes sense. There is a carry-on / overhead policy which is not adhered to and causes delays and safety issues for passengers. How about confirm and weigh at check-in what is being carried on and tag it so when boarding commences this can reduce overall issues
So if you arrive at the gate exactly one minute before departure you won’t need to pay, as collecting fee will then delay the flight. Lol.
In general I agree. A Lot depends on the agent. I had a run in with an agent boarding a LH transatlantic flight at FRA. He insisted and got his way DESPITE my bag fitting the sizer. His threat to not let me board and involve police was over the top.
@ Ben — no overhaul of the site today then?
How about an airline with a policy that charges for carry-on bags and does not charge for checked bags ?
Thought United have removed sizers from gates and now encourages agents use “intuition” instead of a sizer. I wonder if/how United will follow up on this.
I agree w/AAA, so many passengers are abusive. They should stick to the rule regarding hand carry size. I travel once a year international & I see a lot of different sizes of hand carry. I'm happy this airline is starting to clamp on this issue, about time that the rest of the airline industry should follow.
I (incorrectly) assumed this was already the policy....
Do United, Delta, and Alaska have similar policies?
Does this apply if you bring a completely compliant bag to a flight on a regional jet that typically includes checking it on the jet bridge?
Thank god. Start charging them its the only way to stop people from attempting more and more ridiculous stuff
The solution, of course, is for the FAA to mandate one checked bag free with the ticket price. It has been a s*show ever since they started charging for checked bags. Delays in departures, arguments about bin space, getting knocked and bumped with luggage, clogged exiles on arrival, ad infinitum...
And there is a safety concern if an emergency occurs. People died in that Sukhoi Superjet fire a few years back because people in front were taking bags out of the bins.