American Airlines Revamps Routes and Considers Dropping Bag Sizers

American Airlines is making significant adjustments to its route network, introducing new flights and cutting others, particularly in key markets like Boston and New York’s LaGuardia Airport. In a separate development, the airline is reportedly considering removing carry-on baggage sizers from its gates, a move that could alter how passengers manage their luggage.

Key Takeaways

• American Airlines is launching new routes from Boston to Buffalo and adding several flights from New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
• The airline is simultaneously cutting some routes, including service from Miami to Sacramento.
• American Airlines is reportedly planning to eliminate bag sizers at airport gates.

Route Network Adjustments

American Airlines is strategically reshaping its flight offerings. A notable addition is a new route connecting Boston and Buffalo, set to commence on March 8, 2026. This non-hub route, previously operated by American in 2017, will run up to three times daily. The move is seen as a competitive response to JetBlue Airways, which has dominated this route since Delta Air Lines’ withdrawal.

In New York, American is enhancing its presence at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with four new routes, including a return to the New York-Atlanta market. Additional flights are also being added to existing schedules for several cities. However, these expansions come at the cost of seven routes being cut from LGA, including service to Cincinnati, Dayton, Knoxville, Louisville, Minneapolis, Omaha, and Sarasota.

Conversely, American is ceasing operations on the Miami to Sacramento route, which began in December 2023, with the final flight scheduled for January 5, 2026. The airline will continue to serve Sacramento from other hubs like Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

Potential End of Gate Bag Sizers

Reports suggest that American Airlines is considering removing the physical bag sizers currently present at airport gates. These metal frames are used to verify if carry-on baggage meets the airline’s size restrictions. United Airlines made a similar move in 2020, opting to rely on gate agents’ judgment rather than the sizers. The removal of sizers at American could lead to more leniency or, conversely, more subjective enforcement of carry-on policies, potentially impacting passenger experience and boarding times.

Sources

• American adds new rare Boston route, cuts in Miami, The Points Guy.
• American adds 4 LaGuardia routes, cuts 7 in effort to woo NYC fliers, The Points Guy.
• American Airlines Reportedly Plans to Ditch Bag Sizers at Gates—Is This the End of Carry-On Rules?, View from the Wing.