Flying with American Airlines and wondering about your luggage? You've come to the right place! Understanding baggage policies is key to a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Let's break down everything you need to know about buying bags on American Airlines, from carry-ons to checked luggage and beyond.
Navigating American Airlines Baggage: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you ready to pack for your next adventure with American Airlines? Excellent! The very first step to buying bags is understanding what you already get. Don't worry, it's simpler than it sounds!
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| How Do I Buy Bags On American Airlines |
Step 1: Understand Your Basic Baggage Allowance (and if you need more!)
Before you even think about "buying" bags, it's crucial to know what's included with your ticket. American Airlines has specific allowances for carry-on and checked bags, and these can vary based on your fare type, destination, and even your AAdvantage® elite status.
Sub-heading 1.1: Carry-On Bags - Your Freebies!
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One Carry-On Item: Generally, every American Airlines passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. This is fantastic news for light packers!
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Dimensions: Your carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. It needs to fit comfortably in the overhead bin.
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Weight: While American Airlines doesn't always specify a strict weight limit for carry-on bags, it's generally understood that you should be able to comfortably lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
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One Personal Item: In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one personal item. This could be a purse, a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a briefcase.
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Dimensions: Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and typically shouldn't be larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
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Exceptions: Items like diaper bags (one per child), soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers, and medical/mobility devices do not count as your personal item or carry-on. So, if you're traveling with little ones or require assistance, you have extra allowances!
Sub-heading 1.2: Checked Bags - The Nitty-Gritty of What's Included
This is where things can vary, and it's essential to check your specific itinerary.
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Economy Class (Domestic & Short International): For many domestic flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada, your first checked bag typically costs a fee. The same often applies to certain routes to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
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Standard Dimensions: Checked bags generally must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and 50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy passengers.
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International Flights (Transatlantic, Transpacific, South America): Often, you'll get at least one free checked bag on longer international routes, such as those to Europe, Asia, and some parts of South America (though always verify for your specific destination).
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Premium Economy, Business, First Class: If you're flying in a premium cabin, you typically receive a generous allowance of multiple free checked bags, and these bags often have a higher weight limit (70 lbs / 32 kg).
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AAdvantage® Elite Status & Credit Cards: If you have AAdvantage® elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) or an American Airlines co-branded credit card, you are likely eligible for free checked bags for yourself and often for companions on the same reservation. This is a fantastic perk that can save you significant money!
Step 2: Determine if You Need to Purchase Additional Bags
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
After reviewing your basic allowance, decide if you'll need to check more bags than what's included. This is usually the case if you're:
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Packing for a long trip.
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Bringing special equipment (sports gear, musical instruments).
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Shopping extensively at your destination.
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Traveling with a large family.
Remember, it's almost always cheaper to pay for your bags online in advance rather than at the airport.
Step 3: How to "Buy" (Pay for) Your Bags on American Airlines
American Airlines offers several convenient ways to add and pay for checked bags.
Sub-heading 3.1: Online (Recommended!)
This is the most common and often the most cost-effective method. You can usually pay for up to three checked bags per person online or via the American Airlines app.
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Access Your Trip: Go to the American Airlines website (aa.com) or open the American Airlines mobile app. Log in to your AAdvantage® account or retrieve your trip using your confirmation code and last name.
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Check-In Online: Baggage payment options become available during the online check-in process, which typically opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure and closes up to 2 hours before departure.
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Select Number of Bags: As you proceed through the online check-in, you'll see an option to declare and pay for your checked bags. Select the number of bags you intend to check.
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Review Fees: The system will automatically calculate the applicable fees based on your itinerary, fare type, and any elite status or credit card benefits. Double-check these fees!
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Make Payment: Complete the payment securely online using your preferred payment method.
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Print Bag Tags (Express Bag Tags): At select airports, if you pay online, you can use "Express Bag Tags." You'll scan your boarding pass at an airport kiosk to automatically print your bag tags, then simply take your tagged bags to the bag drop area. This saves a lot of time!
Sub-heading 3.2: Via the American Airlines App
The mobile app offers a seamless experience, mirroring the online process. It's especially useful for on-the-go travelers.
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Open the App: Launch the American Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
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Access Your Trip: Locate your reservation.
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Initiate Check-In: Start the check-in process within the app.
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Add Bags: Follow the prompts to add the desired number of checked bags and view the associated fees.
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Pay Securely: Complete the payment directly through the app.
Sub-heading 3.3: At the Airport (Kiosk or Ticket Counter)
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
While possible, this method can sometimes be more expensive and may involve longer wait times, especially during peak travel periods.
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Airport Kiosk:
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Scan your paper or mobile boarding pass, or enter your confirmation code or AAdvantage® number.
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Once your trip appears, select the option to "Add Checked Bags" or "Print Bag Tags."
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Follow the on-screen instructions to select the number of bags and pay.
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Print your bag tags and attach them to your luggage before proceeding to the bag drop.
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Ticket Counter:
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Approach an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter.
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Inform them you need to check bags.
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They will process your bags, weigh them, confirm dimensions, and collect payment. This is generally the least efficient method if you're not checking special items or need assistance.
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Sub-heading 3.4: Through American Airlines Reservations (Phone)
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If you prefer speaking to a representative or have complex baggage needs (e.g., oversized sports equipment that needs specific approval), you can call American Airlines Reservations.
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Have your confirmation code and travel details ready.
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Explain your baggage requirements, and the agent will guide you through the process and collect payment.
Step 4: Prepare Your Bags for Travel
Once you've determined how many bags you need and how you'll pay, it's time to pack smartly!
Sub-heading 4.1: Adhere to Size and Weight Limits
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Standard Checked Bag (Economy):
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Weight: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
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Dimensions: Total linear dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
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Premium Cabins (Business/First):
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Weight: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg) for complimentary bags.
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Oversized/Overweight Bags: If your bag exceeds these limits, additional fees will apply, and these fees can be substantial.
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Bags over 50 lbs (23 kg) but up to 70 lbs (32 kg) incur an overweight fee (e.g., $100 for many domestic routes).
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Bags over 70 lbs (32 kg) but up to 100 lbs (45 kg) incur an even higher overweight fee (e.g., $200 for many domestic routes).
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Bags over 62 linear inches (158 cm) but up to 115 inches (292 cm) incur an oversized fee (e.g., $200 for many domestic routes).
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Bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) or 115-126 inches (292-320 cm) are generally NOT accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped as cargo. Always check American Airlines' official website for the most current and specific fees for your route.
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Sub-heading 4.2: Label Your Luggage
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Attach a luggage tag with your name, phone number, and email address. Consider adding your destination address as well.
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Many travelers also put a copy of their itinerary inside their bag in case the external tag is lost.
Sub-heading 4.3: Secure Your Bags
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
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Use TSA-approved locks if you wish to secure your zippers.
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Consider a sturdy, distinctive luggage strap to help identify your bag and provide extra security.
Step 5: At the Airport - Bag Drop
Once your bags are packed, paid for, and tagged (if you used Express Bag Tags), head to the American Airlines bag drop counter. If you paid at the airport kiosk, you'll still need to proceed to the bag drop. An agent will verify your tags and send your luggage on its way.
Step 6: Track Your Bags (Optional, but Recommended!)
American Airlines offers a convenient bag tracking service through their app and website. You can typically see when your bag was checked in, loaded onto the plane, and when it arrives at your destination. This provides extra peace of mind!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know my exact baggage allowance for my flight?
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Quick Answer: The most accurate way is to check your specific flight itinerary on the American Airlines website (aa.com) under "My Trips" or within the American Airlines app. It will detail your baggage allowance based on your fare type and destination.
How to save money on checked baggage fees?
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Quick Answer: Pay for your bags online or via the app during check-in (24 hours to 2 hours before departure), as it's typically cheaper than paying at the airport. Consider getting an American Airlines co-branded credit card or achieving AAdvantage® elite status, both of which often include free checked bags.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
How to check if my bag is overweight or oversized?
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Quick Answer: Use a luggage scale to weigh your bag at home and a tape measure to check its dimensions (length + width + height). Ensure it's within the standard 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm) for economy, or 70 lbs (32 kg) for premium cabins.
How to add bags if I booked through a third-party website?
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Quick Answer: You can still add bags online or via the American Airlines app once your flight is within the 24-hour check-in window. You'll need your American Airlines confirmation code (PNR) to access your reservation.
How to handle special items like sports equipment or musical instruments?
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Quick Answer: American Airlines has specific policies and fees for special items. Check the "Special Items and Sports Equipment" section on aa.com. It's often best to call American Airlines Reservations in advance to confirm acceptance and fees for these items.
How to deal with delayed or damaged baggage?
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Quick Answer: If your bag is delayed or damaged upon arrival, immediately report it to an American Airlines baggage service agent at the airport before leaving the baggage claim area. They will provide a claim number and guide you through the process.
How to pack liquids in checked vs. carry-on bags?
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Quick Answer: For carry-on, liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule (containers 3.4 ounces/100 milliliters or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger). For checked bags, there are generally no quantity limits for liquids, but ensure bottles are securely sealed to prevent leaks.
How to avoid losing my luggage?
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Quick Answer: Always clearly label your bag with your contact information, put a copy of your itinerary inside, and remove any old baggage tags. Consider using a distinctive luggage tag or strap to make your bag easily recognizable.
How to know if my Basic Economy ticket includes a carry-on?
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Quick Answer: For all destinations, American Airlines' Basic Economy now includes one free carry-on bag (in addition to a personal item). However, always double-check your specific Basic Economy fare rules, as policies can occasionally change or vary by route.
How to get a refund for incorrectly charged baggage fees?
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Quick Answer: If you believe you were incorrectly charged for baggage fees, contact an American Airlines representative at the airport or file a refund claim through their customer service channels within 45 days of the charge.
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