Key Takeaways
• American Airlines enforces smaller carry-on dimensions from February 20, 2025: Personal item max 18″x14″x8″ and carry-on max 22″x14″x9″.
• Checked bag fees start at $35 online or $40 at the airport for the first bag, effective February 20, 2025.
• Oversized bag limit reduces to 115 linear inches starting April 17, 2025; bags larger than this are no longer accepted.
American Airlines has introduced significant changes to its carry-on baggage policies as of February 20, 2025. These adjustments reflect an evolving approach to air travel, aiming to enhance efficiency during the boarding process while addressing space and logistical challenges. For travelers, these new measures demand careful attention to luggage specifications and packing techniques to avoid additional fees or disruptions to their travel plans.
Key Changes to the Carry-On Policy
American Airlines has established stricter rules for carry-on bags, specifying maximum size limits for both personal items and larger carry-on luggage. Travelers must now comply with clearly defined dimensions that apply to all domestic and international flights operated by the airline.
Personal Item Restrictions
The permitted personal item, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag, must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Dimensions for this item are capped at 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). The intent behind these limits is to keep the area beneath the seat clear of obstructions, making both passenger movement and inflight storage more seamless.
Carry-On Bag Dimensions
In addition to a personal item, each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag that must fit into the overhead storage compartment. Including wheels and handles, the carry-on bag’s dimensions cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). If this size restriction is exceeded, the bag will not be permitted in the cabin and may be required to be checked in, often incurring an extra fee. Beginning February 20, 2025, the cost for gate-checked bags matches the increased fees for standard checked luggage, starting at $35 online and $40 at the airport.
Fee Changes on Checked and Valet Bags
The companion change to carry-on rules is a shift in American Airlines’ fee structure for both standard checked bags and gate-checked carry-ons. Starting February 20, the new fee schedule includes:
- First checked bag: $35 online or $40 when checked at the airport.
- Second checked bag: $45, regardless of the check-in method.
On American Eagle® regional flights, where airplane designs limit overhead bin space significantly, carry-on bags larger than the personal item allowance must be checked at the gate. However, as a unique exception, these bags are eligible for a free valet service. After being tagged at the gate, they’ll be handed back to passengers either on the jetbridge or at the destination, depending on airport policy.
Exemptions and Special Allowances
Under the updated carry-on policy, American Airlines recognizes that certain items are essential for specific travel situations and exempts them from the baggage limits. These exemptions include:
- Diaper bags (limited to one per child)
- Breast pumps and other breastfeeding-related items, such as coolers for milk storage
- Mobility or medical devices, such as wheelchairs or crutches
- Child safety seats and strollers
- Pillows, jackets, or small umbrellas carried separately
These exemptions are aimed at addressing the varying needs of families, individuals with medical conditions, and travelers requiring mobility assistance.
Impact of Changes for Travelers
The revised policies call for an adjustment in the way travelers prepare for their trips, especially given the tightened restrictions on luggage sizes and stricter fee schedules. To avoid frustration or additional costs at the airport, passengers should carefully consider their packing style and ensure that their bags comply with the new criteria.
Strategic Packing
Efficient packing has become more critical than ever under this new regime. Passengers are now encouraged to invest in travel gear that is explicitly designed to meet airline baggage specifications. Compression techniques, typically enabled by packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags, can help passengers accommodate essentials within the reduced luggage space. Wearing heavier clothing, such as jackets or boots, during the flight is another way to save room in carry-on bags.
Financial Implications
Travelers may also need to budget for increased baggage fees, especially if they anticipate the potential for carry-on bags to be rejected during boarding. By familiarizing themselves with the fee differences between online and onsite bag check-in, passengers can plan accordingly. As of February 20, 2025, checked bag fees are significantly higher when taken care of at the airport rather than ahead of time on the airline’s website.
Evolving Checked Baggage Rules for 2025
Changes to American Airlines’ baggage rules also extend beyond carry-on limits. The airline has introduced a set of rules geared toward reducing logistical issues with overweight and oversized luggage. Scheduled to go into effect on April 17, 2025, these modifications specifically target large and heavy checked bags.
- The weight allowance for a standard checked bag remains at 50 lbs. However, those weighing between 50 to 53 lbs will incur a reduced penalty fee of $30 instead of the $100-$200 charges applied previously.
- The size limitations for oversized checked luggage have been revised. Bags that exceed 126 linear inches, which includes length, width, and height combined, will no longer be accepted. The new restrictions drop this threshold to a maximum of 115 inches.
- Oversized bags exceeding 115 inches, irrespective of weight, will not be allowed in American Airlines’ cargo.
These announcements reflect an ongoing effort to ensure smoother operations at check-in counters and during baggage handling stages.
Navigating Specific Scenarios
As reported by VisaVerge.com, American Airlines’ policies are part of a general industry trend focusing on efficiency and improved customer service. However, the impact of these policies will differ depending on the type of trip and the category of traveler. Regional flights, international journeys, and business-class amenities all offer unique implications for baggage behavior.
Regional Flight Adjustments
American Eagle® operates shorter, regional flights using an optimized aircraft design tailored for limited routes. Overhead compartment space is minimal. With these factors in mind, individuals who plan such trips should limit themselves to a personal item that does not require upper storage at all. Gate check-in for carry-on bags used for regional flights comes at no extra cost but must be anticipated early enough for smooth execution of valet service.
International Travel Considerations
Passengers flying to international destinations need to verify specific carry-on rules that vary based on country regulations or connecting airline codeshares. For instance, a transition from an American Airlines flight to one operated by a global partner airline may impose conflicting carry-on size requirements. Always double-check the luggage rules between each leg of an international journey to avoid unnecessary complications.
Attention to Upcoming Policies
American Airlines emphasizes the importance of passengers using official communication channels to stay updated on all aviation regulations. Travelers can access the most current policies by checking directly at American Airlines’ Baggage Policy website, where specifics regarding carry-on dimensions, fees, and exceptions are posted regularly. Regular consultation with this resource ensures adequate preparation for any new rules introduced after major announcements.
Final Thoughts on the Changing Carry-On Landscape
The February 20, 2025, updates to American Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy demonstrate the airline’s commitment to a well-streamlined flying environment, but the onus is primarily on travelers to adapt. Greater restrictions on luggage size and added fees are compelling travelers to re-examine how they pack both practically and economically. Even so, there are practical solutions to minimize any inconvenience.
By staying informed and prepared, frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike can adjust to these new requirements while avoiding unnecessary frustration. Ensuring adherence to specified restrictions will not only prevent unwelcome penalties but also make for smoother check-in and boarding procedures.
For 2025 and beyond, carrying out advance research and taking proactive measures will be the key to navigating the realities of modern air travel. Passengers must anticipate updates while understanding that efficiency-minded rules, such as those introduced recently by American Airlines, are part of a trend influencing the global aviation space.
Learn Today
Carry-On Bag → A piece of luggage passengers can bring into the airplane cabin, stored in overhead compartments, with size restrictions.
Personal Item → A small bag (e.g., backpack, laptop bag) kept under the seat, adhering to specific airline size limits.
Valet Service → A free baggage handling service for certain flights, where gate-checked bags are returned on the jetbridge or at the destination.
Linear Inches → The total measurement of a bag’s length, width, and height combined, used to determine size restrictions.
Compression Techniques → Packing methods, like using packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags, to save space and organize belongings in luggage.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting February 20, 2025, American Airlines tightens carry-on policies, emphasizing precise size limits: personal items (18x14x8 inches) and overhead bags (22x14x9 inches). Noncompliance risks fees or mandatory gate-checking. Travelers must strategize packing, investing in compliant luggage, and using compression techniques. Adapting ensures smoother trips and avoids costly surprises at airports. Stay prepared!
— By VisaVerge.com
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