American, Delta and United airlines have changed their online luggage rules by a mere inch.

Bags can only be 14 inches wide now, where they previously were 15 inches.

George Hobica told his story and how he found out about the new rules in a piece for USA Today.

"Just before actually getting to the TSA agent's podium, a red-jacketed person (who I believe was hired by American Airlines as a subcontractor but not an actual employee) insisted that I put my suitcase in a bag sizer," he wrote. "Keep in mind that I was flying in business class, and I've taken this same 21-inch four-wheeled suitcase all around the world on almost every major airline and quite a few not so major ones."

He was told his bag was "too big."

Hobica didn't realize that American had updated its carry-on bag rules. His bag was an inch shorter than the length limit at 21 inches and an inch smaller than the depth limit at 8. But it was 15 inches wide.

"I was then told that this was a new 'FAA regulation,' a questionable claim given that not all airlines have the same allowances," he wrote.

United only made the change on March 2. JetBlue and Southwest have a 24 by 16 by 10-inch carry-on limit.

The author said that he has found it difficult to find 14-inch wide bags for the brands Rimowa and Samsonite. Briggs and Riley and Travelpro Platinum Magna do have some bags that will make traveling easier. A more budget-friendly option is CalPal Valley's 20-inch Carry-on Spinner.

But Hobica said to do your research and be well prepared before traveling.

"And don't assume that you'll be able to sneak by just because your bag is an inch too big," he said. "As I discovered, you'll be rolling the dice with your travel plans."