Flying with American Airlines and realizing you need to bring more than just your carry-on? Don't sweat it! Adding baggage is a common part of travel, and American Airlines offers several ways to do it. Whether you're a seasoned flyer or preparing for your first big adventure, understanding the process, fees, and allowances will ensure a smooth journey.
Ready to pack smart and avoid any last-minute airport surprises? Let's dive in!
Understanding American Airlines Baggage Policies: The Basics
Before we jump into how to add baggage, it's crucial to understand American Airlines' fundamental baggage policies. This knowledge will save you time, money, and potential headaches.
Carry-on vs. Checked Baggage: American Airlines generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Checked baggage, however, usually incurs a fee, which varies based on your destination, fare type, and AAdvantage status.
Dimensions and Weight Limits:
Carry-on bags: Typically, carry-on bags should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels, and must fit in the overhead bin. There isn't a specific weight restriction for carry-on bags.
Personal items: These must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Checked bags: For most routes, checked bags should not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and typically weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg). For First and Business Class, or certain AAdvantage status holders, the weight allowance for free bags might be higher (e.g., 70 lbs / 32 kg). Bags exceeding these limits will incur additional oversized and/or overweight fees.
Non-Refundable Fees: All baggage fees are generally non-refundable and apply per person, per check-in location, and per way.
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| How To Add Baggage In American Airlines |
Step 1: Determine Your Baggage Needs and Eligibility
This is where you engage with your travel plans! Think about your trip. Are you going for a quick weekend getaway, a long international adventure, or perhaps carrying special equipment?
Sub-heading: Assess Your Luggage Requirements
How many bags do you actually need? Lay out everything you plan to take. Can you fit it all into a carry-on and personal item? If not, a checked bag (or more) will be necessary.
Consider the size and weight of your items. Do you have any unusually shaped items, sports equipment, or heavy belongings? These might fall under special baggage policies and incur different fees.
Review your ticket details. Some fare types, like Basic Economy, have stricter baggage rules and may not include any free checked bags. Others, like Premium Economy, Business, or First Class, often include one or more free checked bags.
Sub-heading: Check Your Free Baggage Allowance
American Airlines' baggage allowance depends on several factors:
Your Destination: Domestic flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands typically have higher first and second checked bag fees than international flights to certain regions (where a first checked bag might be free).
Your Fare Type:
Basic Economy: Generally, no free checked bags are included for domestic travel. For international Basic Economy, a first bag fee may apply.
Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First Class: These fares often include one or more free checked bags.
Your AAdvantage Status: Elite members (AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) and oneworld® status holders often receive complimentary checked bags. The number of free bags increases with higher status.
For instance, AAdvantage Gold members typically get one free checked bag, while Platinum and above can get two or more.
American Airlines Credit Card Benefits: Many American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer the primary cardholder and companions on the same reservation a free first checked bag on domestic itineraries.
Action Point: Visit the American Airlines official website (aa.com) and navigate to the "Checked Bag Policy" section. Input your specific itinerary details (origin, destination, fare type) to get an accurate estimate of your baggage allowance and potential fees.
Step 2: Choose Your Method for Adding Baggage
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
American Airlines provides a few convenient ways to add and pay for your checked baggage. Choosing the right method can sometimes even save you money!
Sub-heading: Online During Check-in (Recommended for Savings)
This is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to add baggage.
Access Online Check-in: Starting 24 hours and up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure, you can check in for your flight on aa.com or through the American Airlines mobile app.
Log In or Enter Details: Enter your record locator (confirmation code) and last name.
Baggage Section: During the check-in process, you'll be prompted to declare and pay for any checked bags. The system will automatically calculate the fees based on your itinerary and eligibility.
Payment: Use a credit or debit card to complete the payment. You'll receive a confirmation.
Print Bag Tags (Optional, but Handy): In some cases, you might be able to print your bag tags at home, which can speed up the process at the airport. Otherwise, you'll print them at an airport kiosk.
Why it's recommended: American Airlines often offers a slight discount (e.g., $5 less for the first checked bag on domestic flights) if you pay online or via the app compared to paying at the airport.
Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Mobile App
The mobile app offers the same functionality as the website for online check-in and baggage payment.
Download and Open the App: If you haven't already, download the American Airlines app to your smartphone.
Access Your Trip: Log in or enter your record locator to find your upcoming trip.
Check-in Process: Follow the prompts for check-in. You'll see the option to add checked bags.
Pay Securely: Complete the payment within the app.
Sub-heading: At the Airport (Kiosk or Ticket Counter)
If you prefer to wait or couldn't pay online, you can always add baggage at the airport.
Self-Service Kiosk: Many airports have American Airlines self-service kiosks.
Scan your boarding pass or enter your record locator.
Follow the on-screen instructions to declare and pay for your checked bags.
The kiosk will print your baggage tags, which you then attach to your bags.
Proceed to the bag drop area.
Ticket Counter: If you need assistance, have special items, or prefer a human touch, go to the American Airlines ticket counter.
An agent will assist you with checking your bags, calculating fees, and processing payment.
This is also the place to handle oversized, overweight, or special items (like sporting equipment, musical instruments, or pet carriers) that require specific handling and fees.
Important Note: Paying at the airport might be slightly more expensive than paying online for domestic flights. Also, ensure you arrive well within the check-in deadlines (typically 45-60 minutes before departure for domestic and international flights, respectively).
Step 3: Prepare Your Bags for Check-in
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Properly preparing your bags is vital for a smooth check-in and to prevent potential issues.
Sub-heading: Adhere to Size and Weight Limits
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Measure and Weigh: Use a luggage scale to ensure your bags are within the allowed weight limits for your fare and status. For size, measure the length, width, and height and add them up to get the linear inches/centimeters. Overweight and oversized bags incur hefty fees.
Tip: If you're close to the limit, consider shifting heavier items to your carry-on or personal item if space allows.
Consolidate if possible: If you have multiple small bags, consider if they can be combined into one larger checked bag to potentially save on fees.
Sub-heading: Pack Smart and Securely
Prohibited Items: Familiarize yourself with items prohibited in checked baggage by the TSA and American Airlines. This includes things like hazardous materials, certain types of batteries, and some electronics.
Valuables and Essentials: Never pack valuables, electronics, medications, or important documents in your checked luggage. Always keep these in your carry-on or personal item.
Label Your Bags: Affix a sturdy luggage tag with your name, phone number, and email address both on the outside and inside your bag. This helps immensely if your tag gets torn off.
Lock Your Luggage (TSA-approved): Use TSA-approved locks if you wish to secure your bags. TSA agents can open these without damaging them if inspection is required.
Step 4: At the Airport: The Final Steps
You've prepared your bags, determined your allowance, and perhaps even paid online. Now for the airport experience!
Sub-heading: Self-Service Bag Drop (If Paid Online)
Locate Kiosks: Find the American Airlines self-service kiosks.
Scan and Print: Scan your boarding pass (from your phone or a printed copy) or enter your record locator.
Confirm Details: The kiosk will confirm your checked bag payment and print your bag tags.
Attach Tags: Securely attach the tags to the handle of each checked bag.
Bag Drop: Take your tagged bags to the designated "Bag Drop" area. An agent will verify your ID and ensure the tags are correctly applied before placing them on the conveyor belt.
Sub-heading: Full-Service Check-in (If Paying at Airport or for Assistance)
Proceed to Counter: Head to the American Airlines check-in counter.
Present ID and Itinerary: Have your government-issued ID and confirmation code ready.
Declare and Pay: Inform the agent how many bags you wish to check. They will weigh and measure your bags, calculate any applicable fees, and process your payment.
Receive Bag Tags: The agent will print and attach the bag tags to your luggage. They will give you a baggage claim stub for each bag. Keep these stubs safe, as they contain your bag tag numbers, crucial for tracking your luggage.
Pro-Tip: Take a photo of your baggage claim stubs and your luggage (front and back) before it goes on the conveyor belt. This can be helpful if your bags are delayed or lost.
Related FAQ Questions
How to check American Airlines baggage fees for my specific flight?
To check specific fees, visit aa.com's "Checked Bag Policy" page, enter your origin, destination, and fare type. This will give you the most accurate fee estimate.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
How to avoid American Airlines baggage fees?
You can avoid baggage fees by having AAdvantage elite status, holding an American Airlines co-branded credit card that offers free checked bags, flying in a premium cabin (First, Business, Premium Economy), or by packing light enough to only use a carry-on and personal item.
How to add baggage to American Airlines after booking but before check-in?
While the primary online method is during check-in (24 hours prior), you can call American Airlines Reservations or visit their website's "Manage Trip" section to see if an option to pre-pay bags is available for your specific itinerary before the check-in window opens. However, the best price is typically offered at online check-in.
How to track my checked baggage on American Airlines?
You can track your checked bags using the American Airlines mobile app or by visiting
How to handle oversized or overweight baggage with American Airlines?
Oversized or overweight bags will incur additional fees. These can often be paid online during check-in, but for extremely large or heavy items, it's best to declare them at the airport ticket counter where agents can provide specific guidance and assistance. Refer to the AA website for exact dimensions and weight limits for special items.
How to add special items like sports equipment or musical instruments?
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Special items like sports equipment or musical instruments often have specific size/weight allowances and fees. Check the "Special Items and Sports Equipment" section on aa.com. These items are usually best declared and paid for at the airport ticket counter to ensure proper handling.
How to know if my American Airlines credit card gives free checked bags?
Check the benefits guide for your specific American Airlines co-branded credit card. Most cards offer the primary cardholder and a certain number of companions on the same domestic itinerary one free checked bag.
How to get military baggage benefits on American Airlines?
Active U.S. military personnel and/or their dependents traveling on orders can typically check up to 5 bags, each up to 100 lbs. For personal/leisure travel, active U.S. military can check up to 3 bags, each up to 50 lbs. You must present your valid military ID and/or orders at the check-in counter.
How to pay for extra bags if I have a connecting flight on a different airline?
If your itinerary includes flights on other airlines (codeshare or partner airlines), American Airlines' baggage policies and fees may apply only to the American Airlines segments. It's crucial to check the baggage policies of each airline in your itinerary, as the most restrictive policy or the policy of the operating carrier for the first leg of your journey might apply.
How to confirm baggage fees if my flight was changed or rebooked by American Airlines?
If your flight was changed or rebooked due to a disruption, generally your original baggage allowance and any pre-paid fees should carry over. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with an American Airlines representative if you have any concerns to avoid unexpected charges.
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