Thinking about your upcoming American Airlines flight and realizing you need to add a checked bag? Don't fret! It's a common scenario, and American Airlines offers several convenient ways to do so. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process for getting your luggage from your home to your destination.
Let's dive right in and get that bag added! Are you ready to make your travel preparations a breeze?
Step 1: Understand American Airlines' Checked Bag Policy and Fees
Before you even think about adding a bag, it's crucial to understand American Airlines' baggage policies. Fees and allowances can vary significantly based on your destination, fare class, and AAdvantage® status. Knowing this upfront can save you time and money.
Sub-heading: Key Factors Affecting Your Checked Bag Allowance and Fees:
Your Destination: Domestic flights, international flights to different regions (e.g., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia), and specific countries can have different fee structures. For instance, a first checked bag on a domestic flight might cost $40 ($35 if paid online), while a transatlantic flight could be $75.
Your Fare Class: If you're flying Basic Economy, you'll almost certainly pay for checked bags, and the fees might be higher than for Main Cabin or higher fare classes. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class tickets often include one or more free checked bags.
AAdvantage® Status: If you're an AAdvantage® elite member (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) or a oneworld® elite member, you often receive complimentary checked bag allowances. Make sure your AAdvantage® number is in your reservation!
American Airlines Credit Cards: Many American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and sometimes for companions on the same domestic itinerary.
Bag Dimensions and Weight: Most standard checked bags should not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and 50 lbs (23 kgs) for Economy class. First and Business Class typically have a higher weight allowance of 70 lbs (32 kgs) for complimentary bags. Bags exceeding these limits will incur oversize and overweight fees, which can be substantial.
Pro-Tip: Always check the most up-to-date baggage policy on the official American Airlines website before your trip. A quick search for "American Airlines checked bag policy" will get you there!
Step 2: Choose Your Method for Adding a Checked Bag
American Airlines offers several convenient ways to add a checked bag to your flight. The best option for you might depend on how far in advance you're doing it, and whether you prefer online convenience or in-person assistance.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Online via the American Airlines Website (Recommended for Savings!)
This is often the cheapest way to add a bag, as American Airlines typically offers a discount for paying online within 24 hours of departure for domestic flights.
Visit the American Airlines Website: Go to aa.com.
Access "Manage Trips": Look for the "Manage Trips" or "Check-in" section on the homepage.
Enter Your Trip Details: You'll need your 6-character confirmation code (also called a record locator) and your last name.
Locate Your Trip: Once you've entered your details, your flight itinerary will appear.
Find the Baggage Option: Look for an option like "Add Bags," "Pay for Bags," or "Baggage Information." This is usually available during the online check-in process, which opens 24 hours before your flight.
Select Number of Bags: You'll be prompted to select the number of bags you wish to check.
Review Fees: The system will display the applicable fees for your chosen number of bags based on your itinerary and fare type.
Complete Payment: Proceed to payment using a credit card.
Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation that your bags have been added and paid for. Keep this confirmation handy!
Sub-heading: Option 2: Using the American Airlines Mobile App
The mobile app offers a similar seamless experience to the website and is great for managing your trip on the go.
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the American Airlines app from your device's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
Log In or Find Your Trip: Open the app and either log in with your AAdvantage® account or find your trip using your confirmation code and last name.
Navigate to Your Trip: Select the relevant flight.
Access Baggage Options: Similar to the website, look for options to "Add Bags" or "Check-in." This will typically become available within the 24-hour check-in window.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: Select the number of bags and review the fees.
Process Payment: Complete the payment within the app.
Receive Confirmation: You'll get an in-app confirmation and often an email confirmation as well.
Sub-heading: Option 3: At the Airport Kiosk
This is a convenient option if you're already at the airport and need to add bags, especially for printing bag tags quickly.
Locate an American Airlines Kiosk: These self-service kiosks are typically found in the check-in area of the airport.
Access Your Reservation: You can do this by scanning your paper or mobile boarding pass, entering your 6-character confirmation code, or entering your AAdvantage® number.
Select "Check Bags": Once your trip appears, look for the option to check bags.
Declare Number of Bags: Indicate how many bags you want to check.
Pay Fees (if applicable): If there are fees, you'll pay directly at the kiosk using a credit card.
Print Bag Tags: The kiosk will print out your bag tags. Attach these tags securely to your bags.
Proceed to Bag Drop: Take your tagged bags to the designated "Bag Drop" area.
Sub-heading: Option 4: At the American Airlines Check-in Counter
This is the most traditional method and best if you have complex baggage needs, special items, or prefer in-person assistance.
Arrive Early: Especially if you anticipate a long line, arrive well in advance of your flight's departure time.
Join the American Airlines Check-in Line: Find the appropriate line for your fare class (e.g., Economy, First/Business, AAdvantage® status).
Present Your ID and Reservation: Inform the agent that you wish to check a bag.
Bags Will Be Weighed/Measured: The agent will weigh and measure your bags to ensure they comply with regulations and determine any applicable fees.
Pay Fees: You'll pay any necessary bag fees directly to the agent.
Bag Tags Issued: The agent will attach bag tags to your luggage.
Bags Sent Away: Your bags will be sent on their way.
Important Note: While you can pay at the airport, keep in mind that fees might be slightly higher than paying online for certain domestic routes. Also, if you're flying Basic Economy, the first bag fee is often higher for international flights if not paid online in advance.
Step 3: Prepare Your Bags for Check-in
Once you've decided how to add your bag, it's essential to prepare it correctly to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Sub-heading: Packing Smart: What to Leave Out
Valuables: Never pack jewelry, cash, important documents (passport, tickets), electronics (laptops, cameras, tablets), or medications in your checked bag. Keep these in your carry-on or on your person.
Lithium Batteries: Spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks are generally not allowed in checked luggage due to fire risk. They must be in your carry-on.
Perishables: Avoid packing food items that could spoil or leak.
Prohibited Items: Familiarize yourself with TSA (for US flights) and international aviation security regulations regarding prohibited items in checked baggage.
Sub-heading: Weigh and Measure Your Bag
This is a critical step to avoid unexpected overweight or oversized bag fees at the airport.
Use a Luggage Scale: Invest in a small, portable luggage scale, or use a bathroom scale.
Check Dimensions: Use a tape measure to ensure your bag's length, width, and height (including wheels and handles) do not exceed the 62 linear inches limit.
Adjust if Necessary: If your bag is overweight or oversized, redistribute items or consider shipping some items separately if time permits.
Step 4: Arrive at the Airport and Tag Your Bags
Even if you've paid for your bags online, you still need to get the physical bag tags and drop off your luggage.
Sub-heading: If You Paid Online or Via the App:
Print Express Bag Tags (where available): At many airports, after checking in online or via the app and paying for your bags, you can simply scan your boarding pass at an American Airlines kiosk to print your express bag tags.
Attach Tags Securely: Peel off the adhesive backing and wrap the tag securely around the handle of your checked bag. Make sure the barcode is clearly visible.
Proceed to Bag Drop: Follow signs for "Bag Drop" or "Self-Service Bag Drop." This line is usually much shorter than the full-service check-in counter. An agent will quickly verify your ID and boarding pass before taking your bag.
Sub-heading: If You're Paying at the Airport:
Proceed to Kiosk or Check-in Counter: As outlined in Step 2, use either the self-service kiosk or go to the full-service check-in counter.
Receive and Attach Tags: After paying and confirming your bags, you'll receive the physical bag tags. Attach them securely.
Bags Will Be Taken: Your bags will be taken by the agent or you'll be directed to a bag drop point.
Step 5: Keep Your Bag Receipt and Track Your Luggage
Once your bag is checked, you'll receive a baggage claim receipt. This small sticker or printout is invaluable.
Keep Your Receipt: Do not discard this! It contains a barcode and a number that allows American Airlines to track your bag.
Take a Photo (Optional but Recommended): Snap a quick picture of your bag and the bag tag on your phone. This can be helpful if your tag becomes detached.
Track Your Bag (Optional): American Airlines often allows you to track your checked bag's journey through their app. This can provide peace of mind.
By following these steps, adding a checked bag to your American Airlines flight will be a straightforward process, letting you focus on the excitement of your upcoming journey!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 "How to" FAQ questions with quick answers related to adding checked bags to your American Airlines flight:
How to check if my American Airlines ticket includes free checked bags?
Quick Answer: Check your ticket confirmation email, your itinerary on the American Airlines website/app under "Manage Trips," or the baggage policy section on aa.com. It depends on your fare class (e.g., Basic Economy rarely includes free bags), AAdvantage® status, or eligible American Airlines credit card.
How to find American Airlines baggage fees for my specific flight?
Quick Answer: Go to the "Checked Bag Policy" section on aa.com. You can typically use a baggage calculator by entering your origin, destination, and fare class to get exact fee estimates.
How to pay for American Airlines checked bags online and save money?
Quick Answer: You can usually pay for checked bags when you check in online via aa.com or the American Airlines app, starting 24 hours before your flight. For domestic flights, paying online can save you $5 on the first checked bag.
How to ensure my checked bag isn't overweight for American Airlines?
Quick Answer: Weigh your packed bag at home using a luggage scale. For Economy, the limit is typically 50 lbs (23 kgs). If it's over, redistribute items to your carry-on or another bag.
How to handle an oversized or overweight bag with American Airlines?
Quick Answer: If your bag exceeds the standard 62 linear inches or 50 lbs (70 lbs for premium cabins), you will incur additional fees at the airport. These fees are charged per bag, per way, and are non-refundable.
How to get bag tags for my American Airlines checked bag if I paid online?
Quick Answer: At the airport, go to an American Airlines self-service kiosk. Scan your boarding pass (mobile or printed), and the kiosk will print your express bag tags. Attach them to your bags and proceed to the bag drop.
How to add a checked bag to my American Airlines flight if I booked through a third-party site?
Quick Answer: You can still add bags directly through the American Airlines website or app using your 6-character confirmation code (record locator) provided by the third-party booking site. Alternatively, add them at the airport kiosk or check-in counter.
How to check baggage policies for American Airlines codeshare flights?
Quick Answer: For codeshare flights (flights booked through American Airlines but operated by a partner airline), the baggage policy of the operating carrier usually applies. Check the partner airline's official website for their specific baggage rules and fees.
How to track my checked bag on American Airlines?
Quick Answer: After checking your bag, keep your baggage claim receipt. You can often track your bag's journey using the American Airlines app by entering the baggage tag number.
How to request a refund for incorrect American Airlines bag fees?
Quick Answer: If you believe you were incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American Airlines representative for assistance or file a refund claim through their website within 45 days of the charge.
