Carry-On Sizers Going Away From Certain Gates In Busy Illinois Airports

You'll notice a change around your gate.

According to ABC7 Chicago, American Airlines (which has a hub at O'Hare) has announced that they are getting rid of the metal carry-on sizers at gates. These are the things that you set your bag in to check if your bag is small enough to be a carry-on.

American gate agents are now being asked to use their best judgment about whether a bag is too big and needs to be checked. And if they're not sure, to err on the side of the customer.

The carry-on bag sizers like this one are staying in the lobby by the check-in desks:

American says that removing the carry-on sizers will speed up the boarding process.

American's move comes 5 years after United got rid of their gate bag sizers. Newsweek says that even though American is removing it's gate carry-on sizers, their measurement requirements for carry-ons remain the same: not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Any luggage bigger than that still has to be checked before flying, even if it's at the gate.

Really, you know by now when something is likely too big to be a carry-on. Use common sense and gate check it.

Earlier this year, American Airlines rolled out multiple changes to the boarding process, including 5 minutes of additional boarding time and updated boarding groups.

American In O'Hare

American Airlines has a hub in O'Hare, as does the Chicago-based United Airlines.

Back in the spring, American Airlines sued the city of Chicago alleging that the city had plans to give United Airlines 6 more gates at O'Hare. Meanwhile, O'Hare has a new concourse under construction that's set to open in 2028.