American Airlines Large Carry-On Fee
American Airlines seems to have made a change that could end up costing you on your next flight. The carrier has a new policy for gate checking bags which is effective immediately.
If you have a carry on that you are required to check it, you will be asked to pay for it, View form the Wing reports. So if you are not entitled to free checked bags, you should really pay attention to the weight and size limits of carry-ons.
Like most U.S. carriers, American Airlines limits carry-on sizes to 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches. That’s in line with most standard carry-on bag on the market. American Airlines says that charging customers whose bags don’t fit in the sizer “will create a consistent customer experience for those who bring non-compliant bags to the gate.”
A fee will not charged every time though. If you are entitled to free checked bags for being a premium cabin passenger, AAdvantage elite members, or an AAdvantage credit cardholder, you will not be charged a fee. Gate agents are also supposed to forego charging these fees if it would cause a departure delay.
Conclusion
Passengers often try to sneak in some larger carry-ons and home that they will be allowed to do so, or will be checked in for free. This is not always international obviously. But now you should really pay attention to cary-on size and weight limits to avoid paying any extra fees.
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About time. I just hope they enforce it.
Last week in San Juan, PR:
My bag fits in the sizer after I pushed it in. Nothing protrudes. Gate agents claims that it does not fit because I have to ‘shove it’ (push in reality). Nowehere do the rule mention that. Will I have to pay now for this as well each time a Gate agent is on a power trip?
And everytime you get a big bag it’s going to delay boarding to process the charge… I would imagine that won’t last very long.
“Passengers often try to sneak in some larger carry-ons and home that they will be allowed to do so, or will be checked in for free. This is not always international obviously.” likely intended, “Passengers often try to sneak in some larger carry-ons and hope that they will be allowed to do so, or will be checked in for free. This is not always intentional obviously.”
Long overdue. For years I’ve wondered why these gate “oh no…” moments have been permitted at all. I believe most all knew exactly what they were doing to avoid a bag fee.”