For the past few years flying has become a nightmare when it comes to luggage. Long gone are the days of generous cabin compartments and not having to check a bag, restrictions have been introduced slowly but surely and now we are left with having to pay to take the smallest of bags while still having the least amount of space that has ever been available on an aircraft. And now regulations for carry-on luggage are changing again to restrict even further what can and cannot be taken abord an aircraft.
For a change, the move does not seem to come directly from airlines, this time around it seems to be a response to some regulatory changes in European airports. EU guidelines for carry-on luggage changed on Sep. 1, 2024 and so now American Airlines (both the company and the concept) are choosing to adapt in order to maintain uniformity across airports and continents to make life easier for their passenger who may be swapping flights and companies to get across the pond.
The new carry-on luggage regulations regarding dimensions
Although each airline has had the authority to set their own standard size for carry-on luggage, most of them have chosen over the years to make the size similar if not the same to avoid any confusion or complications. After all, companies that sell luggage would sell more if all sizes were different, but passengers would be a lot more aggrieved and would likely remain a lot more loyal to one airline if they knew they could take more luggage on board or if they already had a suitcase.
If we use the case of American Airlines, their current policy for a standard fare allows a personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger. As it is the case for most airlines, the personal item must fit under the seat in front and in their case, this means a maximum measurement of no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Carry-on luggage must be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles and, although there can be a weight maximum, the general consensus is that you must be able to lift it yourself, as most bags do not get scanned for weight unless personnel at the airport notices something suspicious.
If these dimensions are not met, your bags will need to be stored in the cargo hold, and depending on when this “mistake” is noticed, you will likely not have to pay for this service, although you will likely need to wait to retrieve it along with other checked bags or pick it up from the tarmac upon arrival.
However, these measurements and policies are not always as set in stone as we are led to believe, as they depend on the size of the plane and the airport you’re flying from. While many are quite lax with regulations as long as everything seems in order visually, others like Miami International will rigorously check measurements and will enforce policies, leaving an even bigger trail of disgruntled customers than the one in TSA.
So, when you are in the process of purchasing your ticket and selecting your fare, look at the size of the luggage you will be allowed to bring on board. Double check those dimensions against the bags you are planning on bringing with you and ensure that if you are transferring airlines, especially to another continent, that the measurements still hold up on the next leg of your journey and what the policy would be for exceeding any of the limits.
Although many believe this change is a scam to make passengers pay more money for their travel, planes are more packed than ever before, with all space in the cabin being reduced to cram in more passengers, so rather than get upset at the change, double check your measurements and have them on hand should anything happens at the airport.