Thinking about flying American Airlines and wondering about your carry-on luggage? You're in the right place! Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like a maze, but American Airlines has some fairly straightforward rules once you know them. Let's break down exactly what you can bring onboard so you can travel stress-free.
Unpacking American Airlines Carry-On Rules: Your Essential Guide
Packing for a trip can be exciting, but the last thing you want is a surprise at the airport. American Airlines, like most major carriers, has specific dimensions and allowances for carry-on bags. Adhering to these guidelines not only saves you from potential last-minute fees but also ensures a smoother boarding process for everyone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of American Airlines' carry-on policy.
Step 1: Understanding the Basics – What's Your Allowance?
Ready to pack? Before you even open your suitcase, let's establish the fundamental rule: American Airlines generally allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag AND one personal item. Yes, that's right – two separate items! This applies to most fares and cabins.
Your Mission: Identify these two items in your packing strategy. What will be your main carry-on, and what will be your smaller personal item?
Sub-heading: The "One and One" Rule Explained
This simple rule is the cornerstone of American Airlines' carry-on policy. It means you can bring:
One Carry-On Bag: This is your primary piece of cabin luggage, usually a small suitcase or a larger backpack, designed to fit in the overhead bin.
One Personal Item: This is a smaller item that must fit under the seat in front of you. Think purses, laptop bags, small backpacks, or briefcases.
It's crucial to understand that these are two distinct allowances. Don't try to squeeze a second "carry-on sized" bag into your personal item category!
Step 2: Mastering the Dimensions – Size Really Does Matter!
Now that you know how many items you can bring, let's talk about the most critical aspect: size. American Airlines is quite strict with its dimensions, and gate agents often have sizing devices to check. If your bag doesn't fit, you'll likely be forced to check it, and that can come with unexpected fees.
Sub-heading: Carry-On Bag Dimensions
For your main carry-on bag, the maximum dimensions are:
22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Important Note: These dimensions include handles and wheels! Many people forget to account for these, leading to their bag being slightly too large. Always measure your bag with these protrusions included.
Sub-heading: Personal Item Dimensions
Your personal item needs to be smaller and able to fit entirely under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are:
18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Again, this includes any handles, pockets, or wheels. If your backpack is overstuffed, it might exceed these limits.
Sub-heading: What if my bag is a soft-sided garment bag?
American Airlines offers an alternative to the standard carry-on: a soft-sided garment bag. If you opt for this, it can be up to 51 inches (130 cm) when measured as length + width + height. This is a great option for business travelers or those attending special events who need to keep clothes wrinkle-free.
Step 3: Weight Watchers (or Not!) – American Airlines Carry-On Weight Policy
Here's some good news that sets American Airlines apart from some other carriers:
Generally, American Airlines does NOT have a specific weight limit for carry-on bags, as long as you can lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
However, this doesn't mean you should pack an entire anvil! You still need to be able to safely lift and stow your bag. If it's too heavy for you to lift, a flight attendant might request you check it for safety reasons. For international flights, while a specific weight limit isn't typically listed for carry-ons, it's always wise to pack reasonably.
Step 4: Beyond the Basics – Special Items That Don't Count
American Airlines understands that some items are essential for travel and shouldn't count against your carry-on allowance. These include:
Sub-heading: Diaper Bags and Breast Pumps
If you're traveling with an infant, you can bring one diaper bag in addition to your carry-on and personal item.
A breast pump and a small, soft-sided cooler for breast milk also do not count towards your carry-on or personal item allowance.
Sub-heading: Child Safety Seats and Strollers
Child safety seats can be brought onboard if you've purchased a seat for your child or if there's an available seat. If not, they can be checked at the gate.
Strollers generally need to be gate-checked.
Sub-heading: Medical and Mobility Devices
Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, CPAP machines, and other assistive devices can be brought on board in addition to your standard carry-on allowance, and without charge. These items are essential for many travelers and are handled with care. If space is limited, they may need to be checked at the gate.
Crucially, if you have a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), ensure you have enough fully charged batteries to power it for at least 150% of the flight duration and ground connection time.
Sub-heading: Musical Instruments
Small musical instruments can be brought as your carry-on item if they fit safely in the overhead bin or under the seat.
For larger instruments, you may need to purchase an additional seat or check them as baggage, with specific rules and fees applying. It's always best to check American Airlines' dedicated policy for musical instruments if you're traveling with one.
Step 5: Packing Smart – Liquids, Prohibited Items, and Security
Once you know what you can bring, it's equally important to know what you cannot bring, especially when it comes to liquids and certain prohibited items.
Sub-heading: The TSA's 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids
This rule is universal for all flights departing from U.S. airports, including American Airlines:
3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container.
All containers must fit in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
1 bag per passenger.
Remember: This applies to gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes as well. Larger quantities of medically necessary liquids, baby formula/breast milk, and essential medications are exceptions but must be declared to TSA.
Sub-heading: Prohibited Items
American Airlines adheres to TSA's list of prohibited items. Common examples include:
Sharp objects: Knives (any type, including plastic), box cutters, scissors with blades longer than 4 inches (must be checked).
Flammable items: Lighter fluid, propane, explosives, fireworks.
Self-defense sprays: Pepper spray, mace (small amounts may be allowed in checked bags with restrictions, but never in carry-on).
Firearms and ammunition: Absolutely prohibited in carry-on bags; must be declared and checked with specific procedures.
Lithium Batteries: Spare lithium batteries (like power banks) must be in carry-on bags and protected from short circuits. There are watt-hour (Wh) limits: generally, up to 100 Wh are fine, 101-160 Wh require airline approval (and usually limited to two), and over 160 Wh are forbidden. Batteries installed in devices can be in either bag, but it's recommended to carry devices with batteries in your carry-on. Damaged or recalled batteries are generally forbidden.
When in doubt, check the TSA website or American Airlines' hazardous materials policy.
Step 6: Boarding Smart – Avoiding Gate-Check Surprises
Even if your bag meets the size requirements, overhead bin space can be limited, especially on full flights or smaller regional jets (American Eagle flights, for instance, often have smaller bins).
Board early if you can: If you have priority boarding or if your boarding group is called early, take advantage of it to secure overhead bin space.
Be prepared to gate-check: If the bins are full, American Airlines may ask for volunteers to gate-check their carry-on bags for free. While inconvenient, it's better than having your bag denied at the last minute.
Regional Flights: On American Eagle flights, carry-on bags larger than personal item dimensions often must be "valet checked" at the gate before boarding. This is usually free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about American Airlines carry-on policy, with quick answers:
How to measure my carry-on bag correctly for American Airlines?
Measure the length, width, and height of your bag, including wheels and handles. The total should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) for a carry-on or 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) for a personal item.
How to avoid checked bag fees on American Airlines if my carry-on is too big?
Ensure your carry-on and personal item strictly adhere to the size dimensions. If your bag is oversized at the gate, you will likely be charged a checked bag fee.
How to pack liquids in my American Airlines carry-on?
Follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, fit in one quart-sized clear zip-top bag, and you are limited to one bag per passenger.
How to travel with a laptop on American Airlines?
Your laptop can be in either your carry-on bag or your personal item. It will need to be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin for security screening.
How to bring a musical instrument as a carry-on on American Airlines?
Small instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat can be brought as your carry-on item. For larger instruments, you might need to purchase an extra seat or check them.
How to carry medication on an American Airlines flight?
Medications (including liquids and gels) are generally allowed in your carry-on in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces if medically necessary, but you must declare them to TSA for inspection.
How to travel with a CPAP machine on American Airlines?
CPAP machines and other medical/mobility devices do not count towards your carry-on limit and can be brought on board without charge.
How to bring a pet in the cabin on American Airlines?
Small cats and dogs can be carried on board in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. A fee applies, and the pet carrier counts as your carry-on allowance (you can still bring a personal item).
How to handle gate-checking a bag on American Airlines?
If overhead space is limited, American Airlines may ask you to gate-check your carry-on. This is typically free, and your bag will be returned to you at the gate upon arrival.
How to check for the most up-to-date American Airlines carry-on policy?
Always refer to the official American Airlines website's "Carry-on bags" section or their customer service pages for the most current and specific information, as policies can sometimes change.
