Sunday, July 13, 2025
American Airlines expects to update its bag policy by 2025 to comply with new international standards, especially those in Europe. This change will result in much tighter maximum size allowances for carry-on baggage, which will require some adjustment for frequent flyers accustomed to larger carryons. These moves correspond to a trend toward uniform baggage policies and less hassle at the airport, at least in the wake of headline news.
Meanwhile, the TSA is implementing a game-changing refinement to screening that it hopes will make the airport more pleasant. People will be able to keep their shoes on during security checks by next summer (2025) under plans to speed up screening and make it more convenient for passengers.
The New Carry-On Baggage Rules
American Airlines is revamping its carry-on policy in a bid to meet new international requirements. The carrier is updating its carry-on size restrictions for personal items as well as standard luggage. Passengers may carry on one personal item, such as a backpack or purse, with a maximum size of 17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Anything larger than 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches (55 x 35 x 23 cm), including wheels, will not be allowed as a carry on.
The new size restrictions, by the way, may sound reasonable, but for many air travelers, their barely compliant current carry-on bags will be too big under the new standards. That there is a possibility that passengers, who are not criminals, could be forced to check their bags, incurring further costs and hassle to travel.
Some airports, particularly busy ones like Miami, have already developed reputations for being particularly vigilant in enforcing these stricter rules. Miami, in fact, has a longstanding, if infamous, reputation for turning away bags that overstep the limits by just a few centimeters. Because American Airlines is likely to soon make its policy even more restrictive, travelers will have to pack more thoughtfully to avoid delays or extra baggage fees on connections.
Why Airlines Are Revamping Their Baggage Policies
The new rules may be a hassle for some passengers, but there is a business rationale for the changes. Airlines such as American Airlines may also benefit from the supplementary fees associated with checked bags. While airlines may restrict carry-on luggage in the cabin in order to maximize cabin space efficiency, this policy also prompts passengers to check their luggage, and thus gain additional profits.
Plus, the overhead compartments in planes clog up quickly and create boarding and unboarding lags. Airlines hope that these delays and disputes between passengers and cabin crew can be mitigated be enforcing carry-on baggage more strictly. But at the expense of passengers who may have to start paying for checked bags they would have been able to take onboard for free.
TSA’s Latest Rule: Take Off Their Shoes at the Security Entry Point
Elsewhere, the TSA is making big changes to how it handles security scans. As of 2025, passengers will not have to take off their shoes during security screening either. This new rule is due to new technology, such as body imaging scanners and computed tomography (CT) scanners, giving the TSA the ability to more effectively screen shoes — without having to force passengers to remove them.
This change is a long time coming, as the TSA has required that passengers take off their shoes for nearly thirteen years, since the “shoe bomber” attack. The new rule is being put in place as part of an effort to expedite security screenings and ease crowding at airport checkpoints, without sacrificing safety.
Travelers who are already enrolled either in TSA PreCheck will continue to experience expedited screening, including the ability to leave their shoes, belts and light jackets on and not need to take out laptops from their bags. This programme is likely to be even more popular as changes simplify the security process for those who fly regularly.
How These Changes Will Affect You If You’re a traveler
Both for passengers these changes by American Airlines and the TSA will make traveling very different. Although the TSA’s new shoe policy will save time and expedite the security process, the stricter carry-on baggage rules by American Airlines may offer a new wrinkle for those used to bringing bigger bags aboard.
Travelers will need to follow some steps to ensure a seamless trip:
Check Luggage Size: Travelers will want to accurately measure their carry-on luggage to make sure it meets the updated size requirements, particularly before booking international flights on carriers such as American Airlines.
Stay Informed: American Airlines customers can keep informed about the latest baggage allowances by visiting the carrier’s website and the TSA’s homepage.
Do Not Bring Banned Items: Know what the TSA has on the list of banned items such as large batteries, pepper spray, and sharp objects. You will want to tag their carry-ons to make sure these banned stuff are not in them.
Preparing for Future Airline Travel
While these new policies may be cumbersome at first, they are indicative of a general movement toward standardized baggage procedures and streamlined airport routines. As airlines and airports continue to enhance both efficiency and passenger experience, we can expect to see more changes to policies that walk the winding tightrope between convenience and safety.
For international travelers, the harmonization of tightening baggage limit regulations and improved TSA screening times will make certain flights are safer, more orderly and less chaotic. Yes, there will most likely be increased baggage fees, but you will be able to check in faster, board faster, and enjoy a better travel experience overall.
Conclusion
Changes in the way you pack, carry-on baggage restrictions and TSA security checkpoint procedures reflect a major upheaval in the world of airline travel. American Airlines’ change to its baggage rules is the latest example of tightening up on policies and increasing efficiency as space-crunched airlines continue to look for ways to grow revenue from checked baggage. The TSA, however, has finally allowed passengers to keep their shoes on during screening, representing a significant step in the right direction to speed up security.
With both the airlines and the TSA having to navigate new regulatory environments, passengers will have to pay attention and shift their travel practices accordingly. Much of this will no doubt be an added inconvenience but, in the end, it is all for a better, safer, more efficient, and more seamless way to fly.
