Gate card: your airline's bag rules on one screen
Told your bag is too big? Pull up the airline's own published limit, in both units, with a link to the official page. Big text, made for a phone at the gate.
If you're told your bag is too big
- Stay calm and ask to use the sizer. Agents often judge by eye. If it fits the frame, that usually settles it.
- Squash it. Soft bags can be pressed in. Close the expansion zip and pull out the bulky jacket to wear it.
- Show the airline's own limit. That's what this card is for. Be polite: the agent decides, and arguing can cost you more than the fee.
- Move things to your personal item if that gets the main bag to size.
To avoid it next time, measure your bag packed (wheels and handles count) with the bag checker.
Questions people ask
Will a gate agent accept this card?
It isn't an official document, and the agent always makes the final call. What it does is show the airline's own published limit and a link to the airline's page, which is the fastest way to have a calm conversation about it. Asking to use the sizer is often the quickest fix.
Does it work without signal?
Open the card once while you're online and keep the tab open. You can also print it or take a screenshot.
What if the airline changes its rules?
We re-check airline pages regularly; these were checked on October 29, 2026. Tap the official link on the card to see the airline's current wording.