Flying American Airlines and wondering about your luggage? Prepaying for your checked bags can be a real game-changer! Not only can it save you time at the airport, but in many cases, it can also save you money. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about prepaying for baggage on American Airlines, ensuring a smoother start to your journey.
Why Prepay for Your Bags?
Let's face it, airport queues can be a drag. By prepaying for your checked baggage, you essentially skip a step at the check-in counter, allowing you to proceed directly to bag drop or security if you're already checked in online. Plus, American Airlines often offers a slight discount for paying for your first checked bag online or via their app compared to paying at the airport. This small saving can add up, especially if you're traveling with multiple bags or family members.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Prepaying for Baggage on American Airlines
Ready to streamline your travel experience? Follow these steps to prepay for your American Airlines checked bags.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Understand Bag Allowances
Before you even think about paying, it's crucial to understand American Airlines' baggage policies and if you're eligible to prepay.
Sub-heading: Check Your Flight Details
Is your flight eligible for online baggage payment? Generally, you can prepay for up to three checked bags per person when checking in online or via the American Airlines app. This applies to eligible American Airlines marketed and operated flights. However, there are some exceptions: * Waitlisted or standby passengers: You won't be able to prepay online. * Flight disruptions: If your flight has been disrupted and you haven't confirmed your new flights, you'll need to sort that out first. * More than three bags: If you're checking more than three bags, you'll need to handle the additional bags at the airport. * Special bags: Items like cabin pets have specific charges and require payment at the airport.
Sub-heading: Know Your Baggage Allowance and Fees
American Airlines' baggage fees vary based on your destination, fare class, elite status, and even if you hold an American Airlines co-branded credit card. It's highly recommended to check the exact fees for your specific itinerary on the American Airlines website.
Here's a general idea of common fees for standard bags (up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 62 linear inches):
Domestic Flights (within U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands):
1st checked bag: $35 (online), $40 (at airport)
2nd checked bag: $45
3rd checked bag: $150
4th+ checked bag: $200
To/From Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America:
1st checked bag: $35
2nd checked bag: $45
Transatlantic/Transpacific Flights:
Often include one free checked bag for Main Cabin and higher fares (Basic Economy may incur a fee, e.g., $75 for first bag).
Subsequent bags can range from $100-$200+.
Overweight/Oversize Bags: These will incur additional fees, which can be substantial ($100-$450+ depending on weight/size and route). Always try to stay within the limits!
Sub-heading: Check for Free Baggage Benefits
Do you qualify for complimentary checked bags? Many passengers don't need to prepay because their ticket or status includes free checked bags. This can apply to: * AAdvantage Elite Status: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum members often receive one or more free checked bags. * American Airlines Co-branded Credit Card Holders: Several American Airlines credit cards offer a free first checked bag for the cardholder and sometimes companions on the same reservation, especially for domestic flights. * First/Business/Premium Economy Class: Passengers in these fare classes typically have at least one or two checked bags included. * Active U.S. Military Personnel: Often receive a generous allowance of free checked bags.
Always ensure your AAdvantage number is included in your reservation to receive any applicable baggage benefits.
Step 2: Access Your Reservation Online or via the App
Once you've confirmed your eligibility and reviewed the fees, it's time to access your booking.
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Website
Visit AA.com: Go to the official American Airlines website.
Navigate to "My Trips": Look for the "My Trips" or "Manage Trips" section, usually prominently displayed on the homepage.
Enter Your Details: You'll typically need your six-character confirmation code (PNR) and your last name. Alternatively, if you have an AAdvantage account, you can log in, and your upcoming trips should be listed.
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Mobile App
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the American Airlines app from your smartphone's app store.
Log In or Find Your Trip: Log in with your AAdvantage credentials, or select "Find Trip" and enter your confirmation code and last name.
Access Your Upcoming Trip: Your active reservation should appear on the main screen or under the "Trips" section.
Step 3: Initiate the Online Check-in Process
Prepaying for bags is typically integrated into the online check-in flow. You can generally do this starting 24 hours and up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
Sub-heading: Start Check-in
Select "Check In": On your reservation page, you'll see an option to "Check In." Click or tap this to begin the process.
Review Flight Details: The system will display your flight information. Confirm everything looks correct.
Confirm Traveler Details: You'll be asked to confirm passenger details and acknowledge any travel requirements.
Step 4: Select and Pay for Your Bags
This is where the magic happens!
Sub-heading: Choose Your Checked Bags
Baggage Selection Screen: As you proceed through check-in, you'll reach a screen specifically for baggage. Here, you'll see your allowed carry-on and personal items.
Add Checked Bags: You'll have the option to add the number of checked bags you wish to take. The system will typically show the associated fees for each bag based on your itinerary and any applicable benefits.
Review Fees: Carefully review the displayed fees to ensure they align with your expectations. If you believe you should have a free bag and the fee is showing, double-check your AAdvantage number is linked or that your credit card benefit applies.
Sub-heading: Make Your Payment
Proceed to Payment: Once you've selected the desired number of bags, you'll be directed to the payment screen.
Enter Payment Information: American Airlines accepts various payment methods, including major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), UATP cards, and sometimes PayPal (for U.S. and U.K. residents). Affirm and Citi® Flex Pay may also be options for flights and seats, though not typically for extras like bags.
Confirm Payment: Enter your payment details and confirm the transaction. You'll receive a confirmation of your baggage payment.
Step 5: Complete Check-in and Get Your Boarding Pass
After successfully paying for your bags, you're almost done!
Sub-heading: Finalize Check-in
Complete Check-in: Continue through the remaining check-in prompts, which may include reviewing seat assignments, adding emergency contacts, or agreeing to airline terms.
Obtain Your Boarding Pass: Once check-in is complete, you'll be issued your boarding pass. You can:
Download a mobile boarding pass: Save it to your phone's wallet or the American Airlines app.
Print your boarding pass: Print it at home.
Email your boarding pass: Send it to yourself for easy access.
Step 6: At the Airport: Bag Drop
Even though you've prepaid, you still need to get your bags to the airline!
Sub-heading: Head to Bag Drop
Express Bag Tag Kiosks (where available): At many airports, American Airlines offers Express Bag Tag kiosks. Scan your mobile or printed boarding pass, and the kiosk will automatically print your checked bag tags. Attach them securely to your bags.
Bag Drop Counter: With your bags tagged (either from a kiosk or if you prefer a human touch), proceed to the designated "Bag Drop" counter. This line is typically much shorter than the full-service check-in counter.
Full-Service Counter (if needed): If you encounter any issues, have more than three bags, or special items, you can always go to the full-service American Airlines check-in counter.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to breeze through the airport with your prepaid American Airlines baggage! Enjoy your flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my American Airlines baggage allowance?
You can check your baggage allowance by visiting the "Checked Bag Policy" section on the American Airlines website (
How to get a discount on American Airlines baggage fees?
You can often save $5 on your first checked bag fee for domestic flights by paying online via aa.com or the American Airlines app during the online check-in process, as opposed to paying at the airport.
How to know if my American Airlines credit card offers free baggage?
Check the benefits guide for your specific American Airlines co-branded credit card. These cards typically offer a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines operated itineraries for the cardholder and often a certain number of companions on the same reservation.
How to add more than 3 bags to my American Airlines reservation online?
You can only prepay for up to 3 checked bags per person online or via the app. If you have more than 3 bags, you will need to add and pay for the additional bags at the airport check-in counter.
How to pay for overweight or oversized baggage on American Airlines?
Overweight or oversized baggage fees cannot typically be prepaid online. These fees must be paid at the airport check-in counter, as they are assessed based on physical bag dimensions and weight.
How to confirm my prepaid baggage on American Airlines?
After prepaying, you will usually receive an email confirmation of your payment. Additionally, when you complete online check-in, your boarding pass or reservation details in the app should reflect that checked bags have been accounted for.
How to change the number of prepaid bags on American Airlines after payment?
Once you've paid for bags, the payment is generally non-refundable. If you need to add more bags, you can do so at the airport. If you have fewer bags than prepaid, you may not be eligible for a refund unless there was an error in the charge. Contact American Airlines customer service for assistance.
How to prepay for baggage if I'm on a Basic Economy fare with American Airlines?
For some Basic Economy fares, especially on international routes, a first checked bag fee may apply. You can typically prepay for this during online check-in to potentially receive a small discount. Always check the specific fees for your Basic Economy ticket.
How to prepay for baggage if I'm flying on a codeshare flight with American Airlines?
If your flight is operated by a partner airline (a codeshare flight), American Airlines' baggage policies and prepayment options may not apply. You will usually need to refer to the operating carrier's website for their baggage policy and payment options.
How to get a refund for incorrect baggage fees paid to American Airlines?
If you believe you were incorrectly charged for baggage fees, you should contact American Airlines customer service directly or file a refund claim within 45 days of the charge.
