American Airlines carry on question

[007]

I've never flown on this airline before. When getting ready to board do they start forcing people to check their carryon bags. If so, at what point does this start?

I ran into this on Alaska before and was really frustrated by it.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by 007

Asking primarily because when I flew on Alaska they forced people to check early. When I got on I found plenty of space I could have put my bag. I mean for crying or loud there should be room for one carryon bag for each person.

There is

[IowaHawkeyeChief]

They are pretty quick at getting bags off after flights these days. If you are connecting, it is kind of nice to be able to check your bag to the final destination for no fee and not to have to fight it going to your connecting gate. If you are on a direct flight and want to hurry to your rental or arrival pickup, gate checking slows that down by about 10 minutes these days.

Sometimes they will gate check on direct flights and you have to wait in the gateway between the plane and the airport for your bag as well. This adds a few minutes is all.

[KCUnited]

If there’s room make sure to stow your carry on behind where you’re sitting so when everyone else is exiting you’re standing there like a putz going against the stream trying to get your bag

j/k find the first available overhead space and grab it even if there’s no seat

[scho63]

I fly AA frequently. EVERY flight I have been on in the past 18 months, including United and Southwest have been 100% full. So you are already in trouble as others have mentioned if you are in groups 5-8. If you are in 7 and 8 forget it. About 10% chance of second carryon.

1. If your bag is obnoxiously large, they will likely take it from you.
2. If they do let you on, will you be comfortable with it under your seat if it even fits.
3. You are flying during summer so luggage is smaller for most times.
4. Don't pack anything you 100% need in a bag that might get taken.
5.Most times now when they take your bag on the jetway, you need to go to luggage carousel to get it. (First class is the exception)
6. Buy yourself a sturdy 4 wheel roller carry on that is NOT hardcase but durable fabric, Swisstek is excellent. While hardshell case works great when it is taken, they are very difficult to stuff into the newly designed overhead bins on the Airbus planes
7. If you can afford it, buy an upgrade to get Premium Coach and better boarding.

Hope that helps.

[Stanley Nickels]

Also gate check isn’t the end of the world. Just… deal with not having your bigger bag for a couple hours?

[007]

Originally Posted by scho63

I fly AA frequently. EVERY flight I have been on in the past 18 months, including United and Southwest have been 100% full. So you are already in trouble as others have mentioned if you are in groups 5-8. If you are in 7 and 8 forget it. About 10% chance of second carryon.

1. If your bag is obnoxiously large, they will likely take it from you.
2. If they do let you on, will you be comfortable with it under your seat if it even fits.
3. You are flying during summer so luggage is smaller for most times.
4. Don't pack anything you 100% need in a bag that might get taken.
5.Most times now when they take your bag on the jetway, you need to go to luggage carousel to get it. (First class is the exception)
6. Buy yourself a sturdy 4 wheel roller carry on that is NOT hardcase but durable fabric, Swisstek is excellent. While hardshell case works great when it is taken, they are very difficult to stuff into the newly designed overhead bins on the Airbus planes
7. If you can afford it, buy an upgrade to get Premium Coach and better boarding.

Hope that helps.

I did buy I bag that fully takes advantage of the under seat storage so I'll have my essentials and a change of clothes. If people would stop putting personal items in the overhead this problem would go away.

[BWillie]

Fly Southwest

No bullshit

[Kellerfox]

Originally Posted by scho63

I fly AA frequently. EVERY flight I have been on in the past 18 months, including United and Southwest have been 100% full. So you are already in trouble as others have mentioned if you are in groups 5-8. If you are in 7 and 8 forget it. About 10% chance of second carryon.

1. If your bag is obnoxiously large, they will likely take it from you.
2. If they do let you on, will you be comfortable with it under your seat if it even fits.
3. You are flying during summer so luggage is smaller for most times.
4. Don't pack anything you 100% need in a bag that might get taken.
5.Most times now when they take your bag on the jetway, you need to go to luggage carousel to get it. (First class is the exception)
6. Buy yourself a sturdy 4 wheel roller carry on that is NOT hardcase but durable fabric, Swisstek is excellent. While hardshell case works great when it is taken, they are very difficult to stuff into the newly designed overhead bins on the Airbus planes
7. If you can afford it, buy an upgrade to get Premium Coach and better boarding.

Hope that helps.

Weirdly enough, I've been having a lot of luck out of Phoenix lately on both AA and SW (I know you're here too). About half my flights with each have been around 50% capacity. If they aren't at 50%, then they are at 100%. There is no inbetween. I fly ~4 times per month for work.

What I have been running into the last 2 months that really pisses me off: the Terminal 4 garage has been at capacity almost every time. Twice I've had to park on the roof with no shade, three times I've had to park at the terminal 3 garage and ride the rail over, and a few times I've had to go to remote parking. I'm starting to pre-book/reserve parking on my phone.

[Kellerfox]

As for AA and ensuring a carry on...

1) sign up for their credit card, ensures group 5 every time.

2) Buy one of the $49-89 preferred seat upgrades. Ensure group 5 or 6 I believe. (I always do this)

3) Pay for the premium economy ticket (might be a slightly different name, I never book it). This ensures group 5.

4) Pay for first class, reserved baggage space.

[vonBobo]

Fly southwest

Be happy you got a free bag check and don't have to drag your bag all over the connection.

It's really not a problem, better than checking a bag.
Or, if you feel it is a problem then the dirt bag move is to just board at the end of group 5. Apparently they don't check or care after group 4 is how the tale goes. I tried it once and it was of zero concern to the ticket guy. Ymmv.

[FloridaMan88]

Just fake a limp and board with the pre-board group.

[Straight, No Chaser]

Originally Posted by 007

I've never flown on this airline before. When getting ready to board do they start forcing people to check their carryon bags. If so, at what point does this start?

I ran into this on Alaska before and was really frustrated by it.

Why is 007 worried about carry on rules? Spectre, Blofeld, Pussy Galore would be major concerns being 007.

[scho63]

Originally Posted by Kellerfox

Weirdly enough, I've been having a lot of luck out of Phoenix lately on both AA and SW (I know you're here too). About half my flights with each have been around 50% capacity. If they aren't at 50%, then they are at 100%. There is no inbetween. I fly ~4 times per month for work.

What days and times are you flying out?

I have been on early, mid and overnight flights and many different days of the week.

I don't fly Southwest anymore.

AA and UA business class only.

[mr. tegu]

American Airlines has consistently provided me with the worst experiences at all levels. No intentions of flying with them anymore. If nonstop is an option for the destination I’ll go with Southwest. If not, Delta is preferred, then United if it’s by chance way cheaper, but typically Delta isn’t much more so that will be my choice.

Regarding gate check I’m happy to do it all the time. Always have to do it with strollers and when they offer a free way to get rid of another bag that sounds good to me. Simply plan for this potential and don’t put anything you need on the flight in it.

[Discuss Thrower]

Fly Southwest..

... and watch as every good seat outside of the exit row is taken by a land whale or cripple in a wheelchair or hoverround at your departure gate but are magically able to walk at the desination.