Traveling can be exciting, but the logistics, especially around baggage, can sometimes feel like a puzzle. If you're flying American Airlines and want to manage your baggage seamlessly, their mobile app is your best friend. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of buying bags on the American Airlines app, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
Ready to Streamline Your Travel? Let's Talk Bags!
Are you tired of waiting in long airport lines, fumbling with payment at the counter, or stressing about baggage fees? The American Airlines app empowers you to handle your checked bags efficiently, often at a reduced price compared to paying at the airport. Let's dive in and see how easy it can be!
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| How To Buy Bags On American Airlines App |
Step 1: Get the American Airlines App and Log In
First things first, you need the American Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
Sub-heading: Downloading the App
For iPhone users: Open the App Store, search for "American Airlines," and tap "Get" to download.
For Android users: Open the Google Play Store, search for "American Airlines," and tap "Install" to download.
Sub-heading: Logging into Your Account
Once the app is installed, open it. You'll typically see options to:
Log in with your AAdvantage® number or username and password.
Find your trip using your six-character confirmation code (also known as your PNR or Record Locator) and your last name.
It's highly recommended to log in with your AAdvantage® account if you have one, as this often grants you access to personalized benefits like free checked bags based on your status or credit card.
Step 2: Access Your Trip Details
After successfully logging in or finding your trip, you'll be directed to your trip details.
Sub-heading: Navigating to "My Trips"
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
On the app's home screen, look for a section or tab labeled "My Trips" or a similar phrase. Tap on it.
You'll see a list of your upcoming flights. Select the specific flight for which you want to add or pay for bags.
Sub-heading: Locating Baggage Options
Within your selected trip details, you'll need to find the baggage management section. This can be labeled in various ways:
"Bags"
"Checked Bags"
"Add Bags"
"Check-in" (as the option to add bags often appears during the check-in process).
Tap on the relevant option to proceed.
Step 3: Understand Your Baggage Allowance and Fees
Before adding bags, it's crucial to know what you're eligible for and what the potential costs will be. American Airlines' baggage policy can vary based on your fare type, destination, AAdvantage® status, and whether you hold an American Airlines co-branded credit card.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Carry-on and Personal Item Rules
Even if you're planning to check bags, quickly review the carry-on rules to avoid surprises:
Generally, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item.
Carry-on bag dimensions: Typically no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
Personal item dimensions: Usually 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), and it must fit under the seat in front of you.
There are usually no weight restrictions for carry-on bags on American Airlines, but they must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Sub-heading: Checking Checked Bag Allowance and Fees
This is where the app shines, as it will automatically calculate the fees based on your specific itinerary and status.
The app will typically display the allowance for your fare (e.g., "Basic Economy does not include a free checked bag").
You'll see the cost for the first, second, and subsequent checked bags.
Paying online through the app often saves you $5 per bag compared to paying at the airport for domestic flights.
Standard Weight Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per checked bag for Economy/Main Cabin.
Standard Dimension Limit: 62 linear inches (length + width + height) per checked bag.
Be aware of potential fees for overweight or oversized bags. These can be substantial! The app might prompt you if your bag is likely to exceed these limits, or you'll need to assess this yourself before heading to the airport.
Step 4: Select the Number of Bags
Once you've understood the policies, you can proceed to select how many bags you want to check.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Bags
The app will present options for the number of checked bags.
Simply tap to select the quantity you intend to check (e.g., "1 Checked Bag," "2 Checked Bags").
The total cost will update as you select more bags.
Remember: You can generally check up to three bags online/in the app during check-in for domestic flights. For international flights or more than three bags, airport check-in might be required.
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Step 5: Complete the Payment
This is the final step to secure your baggage payment.
Sub-heading: Entering Payment Information
The app will lead you to a secure payment screen.
You'll be prompted to enter your credit card details (card number, expiration date, CVV).
Ensure all details are accurate.
Sub-heading: Reviewing and Confirming
Before finalizing, the app will show a summary of your purchase, including the number of bags and the total cost.
Carefully review this information.
Tap on "Confirm Payment" or a similar button to complete the transaction.
Sub-heading: Confirmation
Upon successful payment, you'll receive an on-screen confirmation.
An email confirmation with your baggage payment details will also be sent to the email address associated with your reservation. Keep this for your records!
Step 6: What Happens Next? (At the Airport)
You've paid for your bags! Now, what do you do at the airport?
Sub-heading: Bag Drop-off
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Since you've already paid, you can typically head directly to the self-service kiosks or the bag drop counter at the airport.
At the kiosk, you'll scan your boarding pass (which you might have on the app as well), and it will print your bag tags.
Attach the tags securely to your bags.
Proceed to the designated bag drop area, often clearly marked, where an airline agent will accept your tagged luggage.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can go straight to an American Airlines counter and an agent can assist you with printing tags and checking your bags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about buying bags on the American Airlines app, along with quick answers:
How to check if my fare includes free checked bags on American Airlines?
Your booking confirmation and the "Bags" section within your trip details on the American Airlines app will clearly state your baggage allowance based on your fare type and AAdvantage® status.
How to add a checked bag to an existing American Airlines reservation if I didn't do it at the time of booking?
You can add checked bags when you check-in for your flight, which is typically 24 hours before departure, using the American Airlines app or website.
How to find the exact baggage fees for my specific American Airlines flight?
The American Airlines app will automatically calculate and display the exact baggage fees for your itinerary once you access your trip details and select the "Bags" option.
How to avoid paying baggage fees on American Airlines?
You can avoid baggage fees by having elite AAdvantage® status (Gold, Platinum, etc.), holding certain American Airlines co-branded credit cards, or flying in a premium cabin (First, Business, Premium Economy) which often includes free checked bags. Packing only a carry-on and personal item is another way to avoid fees.
How to know the size and weight limits for checked bags on American Airlines?
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
For most flights, checked bags should not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm). The app often has links to the full baggage policy for detailed dimensions and weight limits, especially for international travel or premium cabins.
How to pay for overweight or oversized bags using the American Airlines app?
Generally, you cannot pre-pay for overweight or oversized bags through the app. These fees are usually assessed and paid at the airport check-in counter, so be prepared for additional charges if your bags exceed standard limits.
How to get a receipt for baggage fees paid on the American Airlines app?
After successful payment, an on-screen confirmation will appear, and a detailed receipt will be sent to the email address associated with your American Airlines reservation.
How to get assistance if I have trouble adding bags on the American Airlines app?
If you encounter issues, you can contact American Airlines customer service through the app's "Contact Us" section, call their reservations line, or seek assistance at the airport.
How to know if I can check more than three bags on my American Airlines flight?
While the app generally allows checking up to three bags online, for more than three bags, especially on international routes, you will likely need to check them in at the airport counter, where specific limits may apply based on your destination.
How to get a refund for baggage fees if my plans change or I no longer need to check a bag?
American Airlines baggage fees are generally non-refundable, even if you cancel your flight or don't end up checking the bag you paid for. It's best to be certain of your baggage needs before paying.
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