Traveling with American Airlines and need to add baggage to your flight? Whether you're a seasoned flyer or preparing for your first big trip, navigating baggage policies can sometimes feel like a puzzle. But don't worry, we're here to make it crystal clear! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of adding baggage to your American Airlines reservation, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
How to Add Baggage to Your American Airlines Flight: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's dive right in! Have you already booked your flight, or are you still in the planning stages? Either way, knowing your baggage options upfront can save you time and money.
 |
| How To Add Baggage American Airlines |
Step 1: Understand American Airlines Baggage Basics
Before you even think about adding bags, it's crucial to understand the fundamental rules. This knowledge empowers you to pack smarter and avoid last-minute surprises.
Checked vs. Carry-On Bags: Know the Difference
Carry-on bags: These are the bags you bring into the cabin with you. American Airlines generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack).
Carry-on dimensions: Typically, your carry-on bag should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
Personal item dimensions: Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you and generally not be larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Weight Limit (Carry-on): Unlike some airlines, American Airlines does monitor carry-on weight. The typical limit is around 40 lbs (18 kg).
Checked bags: These are the bags that go in the cargo hold of the plane. You drop them off at the check-in counter or a self-service kiosk.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
Standard Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees
The cost of checked bags on American Airlines varies significantly based on your destination, fare class (e.g., Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Business, First), and AAdvantage® status or credit card benefits.
General Dimensions & Weight: For most regions (excluding Australia and New Zealand), a standard checked bag should not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and 50 lbs (23 kgs) in weight.
First and Business Class passengers: Often get a higher weight allowance, typically 70 lbs (32 kgs) for free bags.
Typical Fees (as of mid-2025 – always check the official AA website for the most current pricing):
Domestic U.S. (including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands):
1st checked bag: ~$35 (online) / $40 (airport)
2nd checked bag: ~$45
3rd checked bag: ~$150
4th+ checked bag: ~$200
International (e.g., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America): Fees vary, but often start around $35-$45 for the first bag, with subsequent bags increasing in cost.
Trans-Atlantic / Trans-Pacific: Often includes one free checked bag for Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First class passengers, with fees applying for additional bags. Basic Economy fares typically incur a fee for the first checked bag.
Who Gets Free Checked Bags?
You might be eligible for free checked bags without even knowing it!
AAdvantage® Status: Elite members (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) often receive 1-3 free checked bags.
AAdvantage® Credit Card Holders: Many American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer a free first checked bag for the cardholder and sometimes companions on the same reservation, especially for domestic itineraries.
Premium Cabins: Passengers traveling in Premium Economy, Business Class, or First Class generally receive free checked baggage allowances.
Active U.S. Military Personnel: Often have enhanced baggage allowances.
Step 2: Decide When and Where to Add Your Baggage
American Airlines offers several convenient ways to add and pay for your checked baggage. Choosing the right time and method can potentially save you money and hassle.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Option 2.1: Pay Online (Recommended for Savings!)
This is often the most cost-effective method for domestic flights. You can usually save $5 on your first checked bag by paying online.
Online Check-in (24 hours before departure):
Access your trip: Go to the American Airlines website (AA.com) or use the American Airlines mobile app.
Find your reservation: You'll need your 6-character confirmation code, ticket number, or AAdvantage® number.
Initiate Check-in: Follow the prompts to begin the check-in process. This usually opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
Select Number of Bags: During the online check-in flow, you'll be prompted to declare how many bags you plan to check.
Pay for Bags: If fees apply, you'll be shown the total amount and can complete the payment using a credit card. Make sure your AAdvantage® number is on your reservation if you expect free bags!
Option 2.2: Use the American Airlines Mobile App
The American Airlines app is an incredibly useful tool for managing your trip, including adding baggage.
Download and Log In: If you haven't already, download the official American Airlines app. You can log in with your AAdvantage® account or "continue as guest" and find your trip using your confirmation code.
Find Your Trip: Navigate to your upcoming flight.
"Add Bags" or During Check-in: Similar to the website, you'll usually find an option to "Add bags" within your trip details, or it will be part of the check-in process (which becomes available 24 hours before departure).
Follow Prompts: The app will guide you through selecting the number of bags and processing payment.
Option 2.3: At the Airport Kiosk
For those who prefer self-service or missed the online window.
Locate a Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, find an American Airlines self-service kiosk.
Access Your Reservation: Scan your paper or mobile boarding pass, or enter your 6-character confirmation code or AAdvantage® number.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The kiosk will allow you to check in, confirm your flight details, and add checked bags.
Print Bag Tags: Once you've paid (if applicable), the kiosk will print your baggage tags.
Bag Drop: Attach the tags securely to your bags and proceed to the designated "Bag Drop" area.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Option 2.4: At the Airport Ticket Counter
This is the traditional method, but sometimes involves longer queues and potentially higher fees compared to online payment.
Approach the Counter: Go to an American Airlines check-in counter.
Present ID and Confirmation: Have your government-issued ID and flight confirmation ready.
Declare Bags: Inform the agent how many bags you wish to check.
Payment and Tagging: The agent will process your payment and print your baggage tags. They will attach them for you and direct you to place your bags on the conveyor belt.
Step 3: Packing Smart and Avoiding Extra Fees
Now that you know how to add bags, let's talk about what goes in them to avoid those pesky overweight or oversized charges!
Sub-heading: Weight and Size Matters
Standard Weight Limit: For most checked bags, the limit is 50 lbs (23 kgs).
Overweight Fees: If your bag exceeds 50 lbs, you'll incur an overweight fee.
51-70 lbs (23-32 kgs): Typically an additional $100.
71-100 lbs (32-45 kgs): Typically an additional $200.
Bags over 100 lbs (45 kgs) are generally not accepted as checked baggage and may need to be shipped via cargo.
Oversized Fees: If your bag's total dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 62 inches (158 cm), an oversized fee applies, typically $200. Bags over 126 inches (320 cm) are usually not accepted.
Combination Fees: Be aware that if your bag is both overweight and oversized, you may be charged both fees.
Sub-heading: Special Items and Sports Equipment
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
American Airlines has specific policies and fees for special items like sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets.
Sports Equipment: Many sports items (e.g., golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles) are accepted as checked baggage but often have specific packing requirements and may incur standard checked bag fees, or specific sports equipment fees which can vary. Always check the "Special items" section on AA.com.
Musical Instruments: Small instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat can count as your carry-on. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat or checking them as baggage (with specific size/weight limits and fees).
Pets: Pets can sometimes travel in the cabin as a carry-on (for a fee) if they meet size, age, and destination requirements and stay in an approved carrier under the seat. Larger pets may need to travel via American Airlines Cargo, with separate rules and booking processes.
Sub-heading: Prohibited Items
Ensure you're not packing anything that's not allowed on the plane, whether in your carry-on or checked bag. This includes certain hazardous materials, explosives, and some sharp objects. Always check TSA guidelines.
Step 4: Double-Check Your Reservation and Documents
Once you've added your baggage, take a moment to confirm everything is in order.
Review Your Itinerary: Ensure the baggage payment is reflected on your e-ticket or online itinerary.
Keep Receipts: If you paid for bags, save your payment confirmation or receipt.
Baggage Claim Tags: At the airport, ensure you receive and keep your baggage claim tags. These are vital for tracking your luggage and for any potential claims if a bag is delayed or lost.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How To...
Here are some quick answers to common questions about American Airlines baggage:
How to check American Airlines baggage allowance for my specific flight?
Go to AA.com, navigate to "Travel Information" > "Baggage" > "Checked bag policy," and use their baggage calculator or fee chart, which is based on your specific route and fare class.
How to pay for American Airlines checked bags online?
You can pay for checked bags when you check in online (starting 24 hours before your flight) via AA.com or the American Airlines app. Look for the prompt to "Add bags" during the check-in process.
How to get a free checked bag on American Airlines?
You might get a free checked bag if you have AAdvantage® elite status, an eligible American Airlines co-branded credit card, are flying in Premium Economy, Business, or First Class, or are active U.S. military personnel.
How to track my checked baggage with American Airlines?
If your bag is delayed or lost, file a report at the airport's baggage service office to get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number. You can then use this number to track your bag on the American Airlines website.
How to avoid American Airlines excess baggage fees?
Pack lightly and weigh your bags before heading to the airport. Consider shipping heavier items via a luggage shipping service, or upgrading your fare class or getting an AAdvantage® credit card for a free checked bag allowance.
How to check a musical instrument on American Airlines?
Small instruments can be carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require purchasing an extra seat or checking them, adhering to specific size and weight limits (up to 150 inches/381 cm and 165 lbs/75 kg for checked, with exceptions).
How to travel with sports equipment on American Airlines?
Most sports equipment (e.g., bicycles, golf clubs, skis) is accepted as checked baggage. Standard baggage fees and/or special sports equipment fees apply, often with specific packing requirements and weight/size limits. Check the "Specialty and sports" section on AA.com.
How to add a pet to my American Airlines reservation?
For carry-on pets, you can usually add them online or via the app in the "Additional Services" section of your trip. You'll need to pay a fee and ensure your pet and carrier meet size/weight requirements to fit under the seat. For larger pets, contact American Airlines Cargo.
How to calculate American Airlines baggage size (linear inches)?
To calculate linear inches (or centimeters), add the length, width, and height of your bag. For example, if a bag is 26 inches (L) x 15 inches (W) x 10 inches (H), its linear size is 26 + 15 + 10 = 51 inches.
How to get a refund for incorrect baggage fees on American Airlines?
If you believe you were incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American Airlines representative for assistance or file a refund claim within 45 days. Keep all your receipts and documentation.
 |
