Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like deciphering an ancient riddle! Different airlines, different destinations, different fare types – it's enough to make anyone's head spin. But fear not, intrepid traveler, because this comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how many bags you're allowed on American Airlines, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Are you ready to unlock the mysteries of American Airlines' baggage allowance and avoid those pesky unexpected fees? Let's dive in!
Understanding American Airlines Baggage: The Essential Guide
American Airlines, like most major carriers, has a tiered baggage policy. This means the number of bags you can bring, their size, weight, and whether you pay a fee, depends on several factors:
Your Fare Type: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class all come with different allowances.
Your Destination: Domestic flights within the U.S. have different rules than international flights (e.g., to Europe, Asia, South America, or even Canada/Mexico).
Your AAdvantage® Status: Elite members often enjoy generous free baggage allowances.
Your American Airlines Co-branded Credit Card: Many co-branded credit cards offer free checked bags as a perk.
Let's break it down step-by-step.
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| How Many Bags Are You Allowed On American Airlines |
Step 1: Determine Your Bag Type - Carry-On vs. Checked
Before you even think about packing, it's crucial to understand the difference between carry-on and checked bags, and the specific rules for each.
1.1: Carry-On Bags (What You Bring Onboard)
American Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for all passengers, regardless of fare class. This is fantastic news, as many airlines restrict carry-ons for Basic Economy.
Carry-On Bag Dimensions:
Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are:
22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
Personal Item Dimensions:
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Common personal items include a purse, a small backpack, a laptop bag, or a briefcase. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are:
18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Items that do not count towards your personal item or carry-on limit:
Diaper bags (1 per child)
Soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk
Child safety seats
Strollers
Medical or mobility devices
Pro Tip: Always check the size of your bags with a tape measure before you leave for the airport! Many bags marketed as "carry-on" can actually be slightly larger than airline limits.
1.2: Checked Bags (What Goes Under the Plane)
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
Checked bags are those you hand over to the airline at the check-in counter. These bags travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
Standard Checked Bag Dimensions:
For most regions, the maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for a checked bag are:
62 inches (158 cm).
Standard Checked Bag Weight Limit:
The standard weight limit for a checked bag is:
50 lbs (23 kgs) for most fare types.
However, for First and Business Class, and sometimes for flights to/from Australia or New Zealand, the free bag weight limit can be 70 lbs (32 kgs). Be sure to check your specific itinerary!
Step 2: Understand Your Fare Type & Destination
This is where the baggage allowance can vary significantly. Let's break down the common scenarios.
2.1: Domestic Travel (Within the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada & Mexico)
Basic Economy:
Carry-on: 1 free (plus 1 personal item)
Checked Bags:
1st checked bag: $40 (or $35 if paid online within 24 hours of departure)
2nd checked bag: $45
3rd+ checked bag: $150+
Main Cabin:
Carry-on: 1 free (plus 1 personal item)
Checked Bags:
1st checked bag: $40 (or $35 if paid online within 24 hours of departure)
2nd checked bag: $45
3rd+ checked bag: $150+
Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class:
Carry-on: 1 free (plus 1 personal item)
Checked Bags: Typically 1-3 bags free, depending on the specific fare and route. Always verify on your ticket or the American Airlines website.
For example, Premium Economy often includes 2 free checked bags, while Business and First Class usually include 2 or 3.
2.2: International Travel (Beyond North America)
Baggage allowances for international flights are often more generous, but they can vary greatly depending on the specific region.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
Common International Baggage Allowances (Varies by Destination & Fare Type):
To/From Europe, Israel, Qatar:
Basic Economy: Often incurs a fee for the 1st checked bag ($75).
Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First: Usually includes 1 or 2 free checked bags.
To/From Asia (e.g., India, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong):
Basic Economy: Often incurs a fee for the 1st checked bag ($75).
Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First: Often includes 2 free checked bags.
To/From South America (excluding Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama):
Basic Economy: Often incurs a fee for the 1st checked bag ($60).
Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First: Often includes 2 free checked bags.
To/From Australia / New Zealand:
Often includes 2 free checked bags across various fare classes. The weight limit for these free bags is typically 70 lbs (32 kgs).
Important Note: Always check the specific baggage allowance for your exact itinerary on the American Airlines website or your booking confirmation. This is especially true for international flights, as rules can differ based on the origin and destination.
Step 3: Leverage AAdvantage® Status and Credit Card Benefits
If you're a frequent flyer or an American Airlines credit card holder, you might be eligible for free checked bags!
3.1: AAdvantage® Elite Status Benefits
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American Airlines' AAdvantage® program offers increasing baggage benefits as you climb the status ladder:
AAdvantage Gold®: First checked bag free
AAdvantage Platinum®: First 2 checked bags free
AAdvantage Platinum Pro®: First 3 checked bags free
AAdvantage Executive Platinum®: First 3 checked bags free (and sometimes a 4th free bag when traveling in Flagship First)
Remember: Your AAdvantage® number must be included in your reservation for these benefits to apply.
3.2: American Airlines Co-branded Credit Card Benefits
Many American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer a free checked bag for the primary cardmember and a certain number of companions traveling on the same reservation. For example, the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® offers the first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions.
Check your specific card benefits to see if you're eligible for this perk! It can save you a significant amount on baggage fees.
Step 4: Understanding Overweight and Oversize Bag Fees
Even if you're within your allowed number of bags, exceeding the weight or size limits can incur additional fees. These fees are per bag, per way.
4.1: Overweight Bag Fees
50 lbs (23 kgs) to 53 lbs (24 kgs): An additional fee of around $30.
53 lbs (24 kgs) to 70 lbs (32 kgs): An additional fee of around $100.
70 lbs (32 kgs) to 100 lbs (45 kgs): An additional fee of around $200.
Bags over 100 lbs (45 kgs) are generally not accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo.
Important Note: Weight limits for First/Business Class free bags are often 70 lbs (32 kgs), so you'd only incur an overweight fee if you exceed that limit.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
4.2: Oversize Bag Fees
If your bag's linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 62 inches (158 cm) but are less than 115 inches (292 cm), an oversize fee will apply.
63 inches (160 cm) to 115 inches (292 cm): An additional fee of around $200 (domestic) or $150-$200+ (international, depending on region).
Bags over 115 inches (292 cm) are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
Seasonal and route-specific limitations may also apply to the number of bags and boxes allowed to certain cities.
Step 5: Special Items & Sports Equipment
Planning to travel with a surfboard, golf clubs, or a musical instrument? American Airlines has specific policies and fees for these items.
Sporting Equipment: Many common sporting equipment items (like golf clubs, skis/snowboards, fishing equipment, bicycles) are accepted as checked baggage. Standard checked bag fees often apply, and overweight/oversize fees may be waived if the item meets specific airline packaging and dimension requirements for that equipment type.
Example: A golf bag containing 14 clubs, 12 balls, and shoes typically counts as one checked bag.
Musical Instruments: Small musical instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat can be carried on. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or checking them as baggage (standard checked bag fees and excess baggage fees apply).
Other Special Items: Check the American Airlines website for policies on firearms, adaptive equipment, fragile items, and more.
Always check the specific requirements and fees for your special item on the American Airlines website before you travel, as rules can be quite detailed.
Step 6: How to Pay for Bags (and potentially save money!)
There are several ways to pay for your checked bags.
6.1: Pay Online (Recommended!)
You can often pay for your checked bags online when you check in for your flight (within 24 hours of departure) or via the "Manage Booking" section of the American Airlines website or app.
Often, paying online for domestic flights can save you a few dollars per bag.
6.2: At the Airport
You can pay for your bags at the American Airlines check-in counter or at a self-service kiosk.
Be aware that fees might be slightly higher at the airport compared to paying online.
Step 7: Final Checks Before You Fly
To ensure a smooth baggage experience:
Weigh your bags: Use a luggage scale at home to avoid unexpected overweight fees at the airport.
Measure your bags: Double-check dimensions for both carry-on and checked luggage.
Label your bags: Put your contact information inside and outside your checked bags.
Arrive early: Especially if you're checking bags or have special items, allow extra time at the airport.
Review your confirmation: Your booking confirmation and e-ticket usually detail your specific baggage allowance.
By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be well-equipped to understand American Airlines' baggage policies and ensure your journey is as hassle-free as possible!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about American Airlines baggage, starting with "How to":
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
How to know my exact baggage allowance for my flight?
Quick Answer: The most accurate way is to check your flight confirmation or e-ticket, or use the "Manage Booking" section on the American Airlines website or app. Input your flight details, and it will display your specific allowance and any associated fees.
How to avoid paying checked bag fees on American Airlines?
Quick Answer: You can avoid checked bag fees by having AAdvantage® elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum), holding an eligible American Airlines co-branded credit card that offers free checked bags, or by flying in Premium Economy, Business, or First Class where checked bags are often included.
How to measure my luggage correctly for American Airlines?
Quick Answer: For carry-on and personal items, measure length, width, and height, including wheels and handles. For checked bags, measure the length, width, and height of the bag and add these three numbers together to get the "linear dimensions."
How to pack a carry-on to maximize space for American Airlines?
Quick Answer: Roll your clothes tightly, use packing cubes to compress items, wear your bulkiest items (like jackets or heavy shoes) on the plane, and utilize the space inside shoes for smaller items.
How to check a pet on American Airlines?
Quick Answer: Small cats and dogs can travel as carry-on pets in the cabin if they fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you and meet size/weight requirements (usually total weight of pet and carrier not exceeding 20 lbs). For larger pets or other animals, they must travel via American Airlines Cargo. Always contact American Airlines Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel to confirm requirements and availability.
How to handle oversized or overweight bags on American Airlines?
Quick Answer: Be prepared to pay additional fees. Fees for overweight bags (over 50 lbs) typically start at $100 and go up to $200 for bags over 70 lbs. Oversize fees (over 62 linear inches) are also usually around $200. Bags exceeding 100 lbs or 115 linear inches are generally not accepted.
How to confirm if my specific American Airlines credit card offers free checked bags?
Quick Answer: Refer to your credit card's terms and conditions or the benefits guide provided by your credit card issuer (e.g., Barclays). Alternatively, log in to your American Airlines AAdvantage account or contact American Airlines customer service and provide your AAdvantage number.
How to pack liquids in my American Airlines carry-on?
Quick Answer: All liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, fit in one 1-quart-sized bag, and each passenger is limited to one such bag.
How to transport musical instruments on American Airlines?
Quick Answer: Small instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat next to you or checking them as baggage, subject to standard checked bag and potentially overweight/oversize fees. Review American Airlines' "Special Items" policy for details.
How to add a bag to my American Airlines reservation after booking?
Quick Answer: You can add bags online through the "Manage Booking" section on the American Airlines website, via the American Airlines mobile app, or during online check-in (starting 24 hours before departure). You can also add and pay for bags at the airport check-in counter.
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