American Airlines Major Policy Change Will Affect Louisiana Travelers

(KMDL-FM) If only air travel could be like those airline advertising slogans they hit us with right before they tell us that a seatbelt is going to save our lives in a crash, wouldn't it be wonderful? We could "Keep Climbing" while we "Fly Better"  through the "Friendly Skies" as we "Widen Your World" and "Fly Smart. Land Happy".  But we don't live in airline commercials; we live in the real world, and American Airlines is about to make you mad with its updated carry-on bag policy.

By the way, how many of those airline slogans did you know? For those with "compulsive issues," the airline slogans we used were Delta, Emirates, United, Turkish, and Alaska in that order. And none of those airlines are American Airlines, so if you have flights on those carriers, this policy change might not affect you.

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The problem with carry-on bags in the eyes of the airlines is that they can't make any money on those bags. They would rather you pay $25 bucks or whatever the going rate is to check that bag. The problem with that strategy is that American consumers have figured out how to fly using only a carry-on bag. But many passengers are now overstuffing their carry-ons, and this is leading to bags that won't fit in the overhead compartments.

American Airlines Carry-On Bag Policy Has Been Revamped

You've probably seen a metal contraption located by the gate agent's desk at your boarding gate, haven't you? That is the carry-on bag sizer. Airlines use that as a gauge to see if your bag will fit. Most people don't want their bag to be scrutinized by that device because the bag would be too big. And then there is an argument between the passenger and the gate agent.

American Airlines has solved the problem by removing the "bag sizer" contraptions from the boarding gate area. Instead, they will focus on carry-on bag sizing at the ticket gate or check-in kiosk. For a carry-on to fit on an aircraft, it must be no larger than 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. Soft-sided garment bags may not exceed 51 inches.

How Is American Airlines' Carry-On Bag Policy Different Now?

American Airlines will still allow one carry-on item and one personal item on most flights. For some regional flights, there may be more stringent limits, but one thing is for sure: they will be "checking" to see if your carry-on should be "checked" before boarding.

Pack wisely, travel smarter, and remember, if you know where you're going, you can always ship your clothes to the destination and then FedEx your dirty clothes back home. I do that all the time when I travel; it saves wear and tear on the shoulders and back. You should try it.