Airlines Are Cracking Down on This Carry-On Rule

Despite many technological advances, flying just doesn’t seem as easy as it used to be.

With so many airlines nickel and diming for every little thing they deem as an “upgrade,” it can be a headache no matter which carrier you decide to fly with. Plus, it just seems like there are so many rules you have to deal with — and it looks like airlines are finally cracking down on one, in particular.

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On a recent trip through the airport, we happened to see something we don’t see too often when we fly. We flew with American Airlines, and as passengers were boarding, gate agents were pulling them aside to advise them that their carry-on suitcase extenders were open and thus in violation of the carry-on size rule.

The passengers were then instructed to zip the extenders closed; otherwise, they’d have to check their bags as they no longer fit in the allowed dimensions.

While keeping the carry-on suitcase extenders closed isn’t a rule specifically listed on the American Airlines website, the overall allowed dimensions of a carry-on are listed, and, likely, most extended suitcases don’t fit into those guidelines.

According to the American Airlines website, carry-on suitcases must be 22x14x9 inches (56x36x23 cm), including wheels and handles. While there is no rule about the extenders on the website, gate agents often enforce that expanded zippers must be closed, even if the bag technically fits while expanded, treating any extended bag as oversized.

So, even if your carry-on fits while in its extended position, it could still be treated as oversized if it’s not fully zipped up.

This is something we’ve also seen on Southwest Airlines in the past, but it seems as though airlines are now starting to crack down on the use of extensions on carry-on suitcases.

If you’ve got an upcoming flight and are planning on bringing a carry-on with you, make sure your items will fit in your suitcase without using the extender; otherwise, you may be forced to check your bag for an additional fee — which no one ever wants.

To avoid this situation altogether, you can check your bag from the very beginning — or use something more like this carry-on backpack we like!

It fits most airlines’ carry-on dimensions and doesn’t have the potential to get too overstuffed, causing you to have to check it at the gate.

VIEW ON AMAZON

In addition, packing cubes like these can make all the difference and really help you make more room in your carry-on!

They help you stay organized, too!

VIEW ON AMAZON

We’ll be on the lookout for more carry-on rules and updates you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest travel news and beyond!