Flying with American Airlines and wondering about those pesky baggage fees? You're not alone! Baggage policies can be confusing, but don't fret. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about paying for your baggage on American Airlines, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Navigating American Airlines Baggage Payments: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's dive into how you can easily manage your baggage payments. Get ready to conquer those bag fees!
Step 1: Determine Your Baggage Needs – What Are You Bringing?
Before you even think about payment, you need to understand what you're bringing and what kind of baggage you'll have. This is crucial as it directly impacts your fees!
1.1 Carry-on vs. Checked Bags
Carry-on Bags: American Airlines generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack) for free. Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin (maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 cm, including handles and wheels), and your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you (maximum 18 x 14 x 8 inches / 45 x 35 x 20 cm). Always double-check these dimensions on the American Airlines website as they are strictly enforced.
Checked Bags: These are the bags that go into the cargo hold of the plane. Most American Airlines fares, especially domestic economy fares, do not include free checked bags. This is where the fees come into play.
1.2 Weight and Size Limits for Checked Bags
American Airlines has strict limits on the weight and size of your checked bags. Exceeding these limits will result in additional fees.
Standard Checked Bag: For most routes, a standard checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) in weight and 62 linear inches (158 cm) (length + width + height) in overall dimensions.
First/Business Class Allowance: If you're flying in First or Business Class, your complimentary checked bags can generally weigh up to 70 lbs (32 kg).
Overweight Bags: Bags exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg) but not more than 100 lbs (45 kg) will incur an overweight fee. The exact fee depends on how much it's overweight (e.g., 51-70 lbs vs. 71-100 lbs) and your destination. Bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) are generally not accepted.
Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding 62 linear inches (158 cm) but not more than 126 linear inches (320 cm) will incur an oversized fee. Bags over 126 linear inches are generally not accepted.
Excess Bags: These are simply additional bags beyond your allowed checked baggage limit. You'll pay a fee for each excess bag.
Pro Tip: Always weigh and measure your bags before heading to the airport! Investing in a small luggage scale can save you money and hassle.
Step 2: Understand American Airlines Baggage Fees – What Will It Cost?
Baggage fees vary significantly based on your destination, fare class, and AAdvantage status.
2.1 Domestic Flights (Within / Between U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands)
First Checked Bag: Typically $40 at the airport, but you can save $5 by paying $35 online within 24 hours of departure.
Second Checked Bag: Typically $45.
Third Checked Bag: Typically $150.
Fourth+ Checked Bag: Typically $200 per bag.
2.2 International Flights
International baggage fees are more complex and depend heavily on your specific route.
To/From Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana:
First checked bag: $35
Second checked bag: $45
Transatlantic (e.g., Europe): Often, your first checked bag is complimentary for Main Cabin and higher fares, but Basic Economy may incur a fee (e.g., $75). Subsequent bags will have fees.
Transpacific (e.g., Asia, Australia, New Zealand): Similar to Transatlantic, Main Cabin and higher usually get a first free checked bag, while Basic Economy may be charged (e.g., $75).
South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname): Varies, but often the first checked bag is free for Main Cabin, with a fee for Basic Economy (e.g., $60).
Important Note: These are general guidelines. American Airlines' website provides a fee calculator or detailed charts based on your specific origin and destination. Always consult the official American Airlines website for the most accurate and up-to-date fees for your itinerary.
2.3 Special Circumstances for Fee Waivers or Reductions
AAdvantage Status: Elite members of the AAdvantage program (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) receive complimentary checked bags, with the number increasing at higher status levels.
AAdvantage Gold / oneworld Ruby: First checked bag free.
AAdvantage Platinum / oneworld Sapphire: First two checked bags free.
AAdvantage Platinum Pro / AAdvantage Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald: First three checked bags free.
American Airlines Credit Cards: Many co-branded American Airlines credit cards (e.g., Citi® / AAdvantage®, AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard®) offer a first checked bag free benefit for the primary cardmember and sometimes companions on the same reservation, typically on domestic American Airlines-operated flights. Check your specific card's benefits carefully.
Premium Economy, Business, or First Class Fares: Passengers flying in these higher fare classes typically receive a greater allowance of complimentary checked bags.
Active U.S. Military Personnel: Active U.S. military and/or their dependents traveling on orders often receive a generous allowance of up to 5 bags, each up to 100 lbs, free of charge. For personal travel, active U.S. military can check up to 3 bags up to 50 lbs each for free. A valid military ID is required.
Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method – How to Pay?
American Airlines offers several convenient ways to pay for your baggage.
3.1 Online (Recommended for Savings!)
When: Within 24 hours of your scheduled departure and up to 2 hours before your flight.
Where: On the American Airlines website (aa.com) during online check-in, or via the American Airlines mobile app.
Why: This is often the cheapest option for domestic flights, as you can save $5 on your first checked bag. It also saves you time at the airport!
Process:
Go to aa.com or open the American Airlines app.
Access your reservation using your confirmation code and last name.
Proceed with the online check-in process.
During check-in, you will be prompted to declare and pay for any checked bags. The system will automatically calculate the applicable fees.
Follow the prompts to complete the payment using a credit card.
3.2 At the Airport
If you can't pay online, or if your flight type doesn't allow for online bag payment (e.g., certain international routes or if you have more than 3 bags), you can pay at the airport.
At the Self-Service Kiosk: Many airports have American Airlines self-service kiosks where you can check in, print boarding passes, and pay for checked bags. This can be quicker than waiting in line for an agent.
Simply follow the on-screen instructions.
At the Ticket Counter: If you have special baggage (e.g., oversized, overweight, sporting equipment, or more than 3 bags), or prefer human assistance, you can pay at the American Airlines ticket counter.
An agent will assist you with weighing, measuring, and processing payment.
3.3 Accepted Payment Methods
American Airlines accepts a wide range of payment methods:
Credit Cards:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
Diners Club
JCB
UATP Card
Union Pay (credit only)
PayPal: You can use PayPal for flights and other extras on aa.com or the American Airlines app if you reside in the U.S. or the United Kingdom.
Citi® Flex Pay: Eligible Citi® / AAdvantage® cardmembers can use this to pay over time with fixed monthly payments for purchases of $75 or more.
Cash or Check: Accepted at some airport ticket counters or travel centers. It's always best to have a card as a backup, as cash acceptance may be limited.
Gift Cards/Flight Discounts: These are typically for flights only and cannot be used for baggage fees.
Travel Credit: Flight Credit, Travel Vouchers, and Trip Credit are usually for flights only and not valid for extras like bags.
Step 4: After Payment – What Happens Next?
Once you've paid for your bags, the process is usually straightforward.
4.1 Bag Tagging
Online/App Payment: If you paid online, you'll still need to get your bag tags at the airport. You can typically print them at a self-service kiosk or get them from an agent at the baggage drop-off counter.
Airport Payment: If you paid at the kiosk or ticket counter, your bag tags will be printed for you.
4.2 Baggage Drop-Off
Self-Service Bag Drop: Many airports have dedicated self-service bag drop areas where you can attach your tags and place your bags on the conveyor belt after paying.
Assisted Baggage Drop: If you need assistance or have special items, an American Airlines agent at the baggage drop-off counter will help you.
Remember: Keep your baggage receipt! This is your proof of payment and can be useful if there are any discrepancies.
Step 5: Troubleshooting & Tips – Avoiding Surprises
Double-Check Your Itinerary: Baggage policies can vary by individual flight segment, especially if you have connecting flights with partner airlines. Always review your entire itinerary's baggage rules.
Basic Economy Fares: Be extra aware if you've booked a Basic Economy fare, as these often have the most restrictive baggage allowances and generally do not include free checked bags, even for international routes where Main Cabin might.
Seasonal Restrictions: American Airlines may impose seasonal or year-round restrictions on the number of bags or acceptance of oversized/overweight items for certain destinations. Check before you fly!
File a Refund Claim: If you believe you were incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American Airlines representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.
By following these steps, you'll be a pro at paying for your baggage on American Airlines, leaving you more time to enjoy your trip!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate American Airlines baggage fees for my specific trip?
You can calculate American Airlines baggage fees by visiting the "Checked bag policy" section on aa.com or their "Bag and optional fees" page, and using their fee calculator or looking up the detailed charts based on your origin, destination, and fare class.
How to get a free checked bag on American Airlines?
You can get a free checked bag on American Airlines if you have eligible AAdvantage elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum), an American Airlines co-branded credit card (e.g., Citi® / AAdvantage®, AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard®), are flying in Premium Economy, Business, or First Class, or are active U.S. military personnel.
How to pay for overweight or oversized baggage on American Airlines?
Overweight or oversized baggage on American Airlines must be paid for at the airport (either at a self-service kiosk or the ticket counter) after your bags are weighed and measured, as these fees are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How to add bags to my American Airlines reservation online?
You can add bags to your American Airlines reservation online during the online check-in process, which typically opens 24 hours before your flight, by logging into your reservation on aa.com or through the American Airlines mobile app.
How to know if my American Airlines flight includes a free checked bag?
Check your ticket confirmation or itinerary details; it will typically specify your baggage allowance. Alternatively, visit the "Checked bag policy" on aa.com and input your flight details to see if a free checked bag is included based on your fare class and destination.
How to avoid baggage fees on American Airlines if I don't have elite status or a credit card?
If you don't have elite status or an eligible credit card, the best way to potentially save on American Airlines baggage fees for domestic flights is to pay for your bags online during check-in (usually $5 cheaper for the first bag) or by sticking to only a carry-on and personal item.
How to get a refund for incorrect baggage charges on American Airlines?
To get a refund for incorrect baggage charges on American Airlines, you should contact an American Airlines representative directly or file a refund claim through their customer service portal within 45 days of the charge.
How to pay for baggage on American Airlines if I have a connecting flight with a partner airline?
For connecting flights with partner airlines, American Airlines' baggage policy generally applies if American Airlines is the marketing carrier for the first leg of your journey. However, it's critical to check the baggage policy of the operating carrier for each segment, as the most restrictive policy may apply.
How to know the exact dimensions and weight limits for American Airlines carry-on bags?
American Airlines' carry-on bag dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels, and personal items are 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). While there isn't a specified weight limit for carry-ons on American Airlines, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unaided.
How to pay for extra bags beyond the standard allowance on American Airlines?
You can pay for extra bags (excess bags) beyond the standard allowance on American Airlines either online during check-in (up to 3 bags per person) or at the airport ticket counter or self-service kiosk for additional bags, where excess baggage fees will apply per bag.
