Planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering about baggage? You're not alone! Baggage policies can be a labyrinth of dimensions, weights, and fees, but don't fret. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how many bags you can expect on American Airlines, how much they might cost, and crucial details to ensure a smooth journey.
Step 1: Let's figure out what kind of traveler you are!
Before diving into the specifics, ask yourself:
Are you traveling light with just a small bag, or do you tend to pack for every possible scenario?
Are you flying domestically within the U.S., or embarking on an international adventure?
What fare class did you book (Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class)?
Do you have AAdvantage® elite status or a co-branded American Airlines credit card?
Your answers to these questions will significantly impact your baggage allowance and potential fees. Let's break it down!
Step 2: Understanding Carry-On Baggage (Your "Freebies")
Good news! Every passenger on American Airlines is generally allowed to bring two items onto the plane without charge:
Sub-heading: Your Personal Item
This is typically a smaller bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. Think of it as your in-flight essential bag.
Common examples: A purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a tote.
Maximum Dimensions: Generally, 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Always check your specific itinerary for any slight variations.
Weight Limit: American Airlines generally does not have a stated weight limit for personal items, as long as they fit under the seat. However, you should be able to lift it yourself.
Sub-heading: Your Carry-On Bag
This is your slightly larger bag that goes in the overhead bin.
Maximum Dimensions: Typically, 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. It must fit in the sizer at the airport.
Weight Limit: Unlike some airlines, American Airlines generally does not specify a weight limit for carry-on bags across all fares. The key is that it must fit in the overhead bin and you must be able to lift it unassisted.
Alternatives: A soft-sided garment bag (up to 51 inches / 130 cm total dimensions) can often be substituted for a standard carry-on bag.
Important Note for Basic Economy: While you're allowed both a personal item and a carry-on, be extra mindful of the size. If your carry-on is deemed too large or if overhead bin space is limited, you might be forced to gate-check it, potentially incurring a fee.
Sub-heading: What Doesn't Count Towards Your Carry-On Allowance?
American Airlines is usually quite flexible with certain essential items, which can be brought on board in addition to your personal and carry-on items:
Diaper bags (one per child)
Breast pump and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk
Child safety seats and strollers (can often be gate-checked)
Medical or mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, canes)
Duty-free purchases
A jacket or umbrella
Step 3: Navigating Checked Baggage (The "Hold Luggage")
This is where it gets a bit more complex, as the number of free checked bags and associated fees depend heavily on your route, fare class, and any elite status or credit card benefits.
Sub-heading: Standard Checked Bag Dimensions and Weight
For most regions, your checked bag must adhere to these general limits:
Maximum Dimensions (Length + Width + Height): 62 inches (158 cm).
Maximum Weight for Economy/Main Cabin: 50 lbs (23 kg).
Maximum Weight for First/Business Class: 70 lbs (32 kg).
Sub-heading: How Many Bags Are Free? (The Big Question!)
This is the crucial part. Here's a general breakdown, but always verify for your specific ticket on the American Airlines website:
Basic Economy: Generally, no free checked bags. You will likely pay for your first checked bag, and subsequent bags. For domestic flights, this is typically $40 ($35 if paid online) for the first bag. For international flights, Basic Economy fees can be higher (e.g., $75 for transatlantic/transpacific).
Main Cabin (Economy):
Domestic U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands: Often, no free checked bags. The first checked bag is typically $40 ($35 if paid online), and the second is $45.
International Flights (e.g., Transatlantic, Transpacific): Often includes one free checked bag. Subsequent bags will incur fees.
Premium Economy: Usually includes one or two free checked bags.
Business Class: Typically includes two or three free checked bags.
First Class: Generally includes three free checked bags.
Sub-heading: Factors That Can Grant You More Free Bags
AAdvantage® Elite Status:
AAdvantage Gold® / oneworld® Ruby: Usually, your first checked bag is free.
AAdvantage Platinum® / oneworld® Sapphire: Typically, your first two checked bags are free.
AAdvantage Platinum Pro® / AAdvantage Executive Platinum® / oneworld® Emerald: Generally, your first three checked bags are free.
These benefits often extend to companions on the same reservation.
Co-branded American Airlines Credit Cards: Many American Airlines credit cards offer a significant perk: your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the primary cardmember and a certain number of companions (often up to 4 or more) traveling on the same reservation. This is a fantastic way to save on baggage fees!
Military Personnel: Active U.S. military personnel and their dependents often receive a generous allowance of free checked bags, typically up to five bags for personal travel and ten bags for official travel, with higher weight limits. Always check with American Airlines directly for the most current military benefits.
Sub-heading: Checked Baggage Fees (When You Have to Pay)
If your bags aren't free, fees apply per bag, per person, and each way. Paying online typically offers a slight discount. Here's a general idea of common fees (subject to change and varying by route):
Domestic U.S. (including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands):
1st bag: ~$40 ($35 online)
2nd bag: ~$45
3rd bag: ~$150
4th+ bags: ~$200 each
To/From Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Guyana, Suriname:
1st bag: ~$35 (can be free for certain destinations or fare types)
2nd bag: ~$45
3rd bag: ~$200
4th+ bags: ~$200 each
Transatlantic (e.g., U.S. to Europe):
1st bag: ~$75 (for Basic Economy, often free for other fares)
2nd bag: ~$100
3rd bag: ~$200
4th+ bags: ~$200 each
Transpacific (e.g., U.S. to Asia/Oceania):
1st bag: ~$75 (for Basic Economy, often free for other fares)
2nd bag: ~$100 (or free, depending on destination)
3rd bag: ~$200
4th+ bags: ~$200 each
*These are illustrative fees and can vary significantly based on your exact origin, destination, and the date you purchased your ticket. Always use American Airlines' official baggage calculator on their website for the most accurate pricing for your specific itinerary.
Step 4: Dealing with Oversized and Overweight Baggage
Exceeding the standard dimensions (62 inches / 158 cm) or weight limits (50 lbs / 23 kg for economy, 70 lbs / 32 kg for premium classes) will result in additional fees. These fees are on top of any standard checked bag fees.
Sub-heading: Overweight Baggage Fees
51 lbs (24 kg) to 70 lbs (32 kg): Typically an additional $100 - $150 per bag. (Often waived for First Class, Business Class, and top-tier AAdvantage elite members).
71 lbs (33 kg) to 100 lbs (45 kg): Typically an additional $200 - $450 per bag. Bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
Note: Weight limits for accepted bags can be lower for certain international routes (e.g., bags over 70 lbs/32 kg are generally not accepted to/from Europe).
Sub-heading: Oversized Baggage Fees
63 inches (158 cm) to 126 inches (320 cm): Typically an additional $200 per bag.
Bags exceeding 126 inches (320 cm) in total dimensions are generally not accepted.
It's important to remember that you could face both an overweight AND an oversized fee for the same bag if it exceeds both limits. These fees can quickly add up, so it's always best to pack strategically!
Step 5: Special Items and Sports Equipment
Traveling with a surfboard, musical instrument, or pet? American Airlines has specific rules and fees for these items.
Sub-heading: Common Special Items
Sports Equipment: Items like golf clubs, skis, snowboards, bicycles, and fishing gear are often accepted as checked baggage, but specific packing requirements and fees apply. These can sometimes count as a standard checked bag, but if they exceed weight/size limits, overweight/oversized fees will apply, or a flat special item fee (e.g., $150 for bicycles).
Musical Instruments: Small instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat can be carried on. Larger instruments may need to be checked and are subject to checked baggage fees and special handling guidelines. American Airlines does not accept responsibility for damage to fragile musical instruments.
Pets: Pets can sometimes travel in the cabin (small cats/dogs in a carrier under the seat) for a fee (e.g., $150 one-way). Larger animals may need to travel as checked pets or cargo, with more extensive requirements and costs. Advance arrangements are mandatory.
Firearms and Ammunition: These can be checked as baggage under strict rules (unloaded, in a locked, hard-sided container, declared at check-in).
Always consult American Airlines' official "Special Items and Sports Equipment" section on their website for detailed rules and fees for your specific item.
Step 6: How to Pay for Bags and Save Money
Pay Online: American Airlines often offers a slight discount (e.g., $5 off the first checked bag fee for domestic flights) if you pay for your bags online within 24 hours of departure. This also saves you time at the airport.
At the Airport: You can pay at the check-in counter or a self-service kiosk.
Credit Card Benefits: As mentioned, co-branded American Airlines credit cards are a prime way to get free checked bags.
Elite Status: Achieving AAdvantage® elite status unlocks significant baggage benefits.
Pack Light: The most straightforward way to save is to avoid checking bags entirely, or to only check one bag if your fare allows it. Consider rolling your clothes, using packing cubes, and wearing your heaviest items on the plane.
Ship Your Luggage: For multiple heavy bags or unique items, consider using a luggage shipping service. This can sometimes be more cost-effective than airline excess baggage fees.
Step 7: Check Your Specific Itinerary!
This cannot be stressed enough: the information provided here is general guidance. American Airlines' baggage policies can vary based on:
Specific route: Fees and allowances can differ significantly between domestic, international, and specific regional flights (e.g., to/from Cuba, Australia/New Zealand, South America).
Date of ticket purchase: Policies can change over time, and the policy in effect when you purchased your ticket is typically the one that applies.
Codeshare flights: If your flight is operated by a partner airline (a "codeshare"), their baggage policy might apply. Always check the operating carrier's website.
The best practice is to visit the American Airlines official website (aa.com), go to their "Baggage" section, and use their "Baggage Calculator" or "Checked Bag Policy" tool to input your exact itinerary and fare class for the most precise information.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the total dimensions of my bag for American Airlines?
To calculate the total dimensions, simply add the length, width, and height of your bag (L + W + H). For standard checked bags, this sum should generally not exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
How to avoid paying checked bag fees on American Airlines?
You can avoid checked bag fees by flying in a premium cabin (Premium Economy, Business, First Class), having AAdvantage® elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum), or holding an eligible co-branded American Airlines credit card which offers a free checked bag benefit for domestic flights. Packing light and only taking carry-on luggage is another guaranteed way to avoid fees.
How to pay for American Airlines checked bags online?
You can usually pay for your checked bags online through the American Airlines website (aa.com) during the online check-in process, which typically opens 24 hours before your flight. Look for the option to "Add Bags" or "Pay for Bags" within your reservation details.
How to know if my American Airlines flight is a codeshare and whose baggage policy applies?
Check your flight confirmation or itinerary. It will usually state "Operated by [Partner Airline Name]" if it's a codeshare. In such cases, the baggage policy of the operating carrier (the airline actually flying the plane) generally applies, so visit their website for specifics.
How to check for seasonal or permanent bag embargoes on American Airlines?
American Airlines publishes information about bag embargoes on their official website, usually under the "Checked Bag Policy" or "Travel Alerts" sections. These embargoes typically restrict the number or size of bags to certain destinations during peak travel seasons or due to operational limitations.
How to travel with a car seat and stroller on American Airlines?
Car seats and strollers are generally allowed free of charge in addition to your standard baggage allowance. They can often be checked at the curb, ticket counter, or gate-checked right before boarding. Ensure they are properly tagged.
How to get a refund for an incorrectly charged baggage fee on American Airlines?
If you believe you were incorrectly charged a baggage fee, you should contact American Airlines customer service directly or file a refund claim through their website within 45 days of the incident. Keep all receipts and documentation.
How to determine the baggage allowance for infants and children on American Airlines?
Infants and children traveling on a paid ticket (even if it's a discounted infant fare) usually have the same baggage allowance as an adult. For lap infants, a diaper bag, breast pump, and car seat/stroller are typically allowed in addition to the adult's allowance.
How to pack an oversized item like a bicycle for American Airlines?
Bicycles must be packaged in a rigid case or an American Airlines approved box. Specific dimensions and weight limits apply (e.g., max 70 lbs/32 kg and 126 inches/320 cm total dimensions). A special fee, typically $150, will apply. Always check American's "Special Items" policy for detailed packing requirements.
How to ensure my carry-on bag fits American Airlines' dimensions?
Before heading to the airport, measure your bag (including handles and wheels) to ensure it's within 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). At the airport, be prepared to place your carry-on in the sizing device at the check-in counter or gate to confirm it fits. If it doesn't, it will need to be checked.
