Packing for a trip can be exciting, but the cost of checking bags can quickly add up and dampen your travel budget. If you're flying American Airlines and planning to check two bags, understanding their fee structure before you get to the airport is crucial. Let's break down how much it costs and what factors influence the price, so you can travel with peace of mind and no last-minute surprises!
Decoding American Airlines Checked Bag Fees for Two Bags: Your Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever arrived at the airport, confident in your packing, only to be hit with an unexpected baggage fee that throws your travel budget into disarray? Trust me, we've all been there! When it comes to American Airlines and checking two bags, the cost isn't a fixed number. It's a dynamic puzzle influenced by several key factors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from base fees to ways you might even avoid them.
 |
| How Much Does It Cost To Check Two Bags On American Airlines |
Step 1: Identify Your Travel Itinerary (The Most Crucial First Step!)
-
Where are you flying? This is the single most important question when determining your checked bag fees. American Airlines has different pricing tiers based on your travel region.
-
Domestic U.S. Travel (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands): This is generally the most straightforward.
-
Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana: These regions often share a similar fee structure.
-
South America (excluding Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru): Fees can vary significantly here.
-
Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru: Another distinct category.
-
Transatlantic (Europe, Israel, Qatar): Expect higher fees for international journeys.
-
Transpacific (Asia, Australia, New Zealand): These routes can have unique rules, especially regarding basic economy.
-
Cuba and Haiti: These destinations often have specific, sometimes higher, fees.
Actionable Tip: Before you do anything else, pinpoint your exact origin and destination. This will immediately narrow down your potential costs.
-
Step 2: Understand the Base Fees for Your First and Second Bag
Once you know your travel region, you can determine the standard fee for your first and second checked bag. Keep in mind that these fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way.
Sub-heading 2.1: Domestic U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands
-
First Checked Bag: Typically $40 if paid at the airport, but you can save $5 by paying online (making it $35).
-
Second Checked Bag: A flat $45.
Total for two bags on a domestic flight: Generally $80-$85.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Sub-heading 2.2: Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America (except Panama), and Guyana
-
First Checked Bag: Generally $35.
-
Second Checked Bag: A flat $45.
Total for two bags to these regions: Typically $80.
Sub-heading 2.3: Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
-
First Checked Bag: Can be $0 for Main Cabin, but $45 for Basic Economy.
-
Second Checked Bag: A flat $100.
Total for two bags to these regions (Main Cabin): Typically $100. (Basic Economy: $145).
Sub-heading 2.4: South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname)
-
First Checked Bag: Can be $0 for Main Cabin, but $60 for Basic Economy.
-
Second Checked Bag: A flat $100.
Total for two bags to these regions (Main Cabin): Typically $100. (Basic Economy: $160).
Sub-heading 2.5: Transatlantic (Europe, Israel, Qatar)
-
First Checked Bag: Often $0 for Main Cabin, but $75 for Basic Economy.
-
Second Checked Bag: A flat $100.
Total for two bags for Transatlantic (Main Cabin): Typically $100. (Basic Economy: $175).
Sub-heading 2.6: Transpacific (Asia, Australia, New Zealand)
-
First Checked Bag: Often $0 for Main Cabin, but $75 for Basic Economy (for tickets issued before Nov 13, 2024 to Australia/New Zealand, otherwise it's $0 for Basic Economy to these specific destinations).
-
Second Checked Bag: A flat $100.
Total for two bags for Transpacific (Main Cabin): Typically $100. (Basic Economy varies).
Sub-heading 2.7: Cuba and Haiti
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
-
Cuba (from outside Cuba): First bag can be $0 or $35 (Basic Economy). Second bag can be $150 or $200 (seasonal).
-
Haiti: First bag can be $0 or $35 (Basic Economy). Second bag is $65.
These routes have more complex fees, and it's highly recommended to verify directly with American Airlines.
Step 3: Consider Your Ticket Type (Basic Economy vs. Main Cabin and Beyond)
-
Basic Economy tickets often come with reduced baggage allowances or higher fees for the first checked bag, especially on international routes. Always double-check the fine print of your Basic Economy ticket. Main Cabin and higher fare classes (Premium Economy, Business, First) typically offer more generous allowances, sometimes including multiple free checked bags.
Step 4: Factor in Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees (The Hidden Costs!)
Even if your first two bags are within the standard allowance, exceeding weight or size limits can lead to significant additional charges.
Sub-heading 4.1: Weight Limits
-
Standard Weight: For most regions and fare classes (excluding First/Business for complimentary bags), each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kgs).
-
Overweight Fees:
-
51 - 70 lbs (24 - 32 kgs): Expect a fee of $100 per bag for most routes. This is in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
-
71 - 100 lbs (33 - 45 kgs): The fee jumps to $200 per bag for many routes. Bags over 100 lbs (45 kgs) are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
-
Note: First and Business Class passengers, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, and oneworld Emerald members may have a higher standard weight allowance (up to 70 lbs/32 kgs) for complimentary bags.
-
Sub-heading 4.2: Size Limits
-
Standard Dimensions: The sum of the length, width, and height of your checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm).
-
Oversized Fees:
-
62 - 115 linear inches (158 - 292 cm): Fees typically range from $150 to $200 per bag, depending on the region. This is also in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
-
Bags over 126 linear inches (320 cm) are generally not accepted.
It's crucial to measure your bags accurately before you head to the airport to avoid these steep surcharges.
-
Step 5: Explore Ways to Avoid or Reduce Fees (Be a Savvy Traveler!)
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Nobody likes paying extra, right? American Airlines offers several avenues to potentially reduce or eliminate checked bag fees.
Sub-heading 5.1: AAdvantage Elite Status
-
AAdvantage Gold®: One free checked bag.
-
AAdvantage Platinum® / oneworld® Sapphire: Two free checked bags. This is your golden ticket for two bags!
-
AAdvantage Platinum Pro® / AAdvantage Executive Platinum® / oneworld® Emerald: Three free checked bags.
If you fly American Airlines frequently, earning elite status can save you a significant amount on baggage fees over time.
Sub-heading 5.2: American Airlines Branded Credit Cards
-
Many American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer perks like a free first checked bag for the cardholder and sometimes even companions on the same reservation. Some premium cards might offer a free second bag as well.
-
Before you travel, check the benefits of your specific American Airlines credit card.
-
Sub-heading 5.3: Flying in a Higher Cabin Class
-
Premium Economy, Business, or First Class tickets almost always include a generous checked bag allowance, typically two or even three bags, with higher weight limits.
-
While these tickets are more expensive upfront, they can offer significant savings if you plan to check multiple heavy bags.
-
Sub-heading 5.4: Active U.S. Military Personnel
-
American Airlines provides generous baggage allowances for active U.S. military personnel and their dependents.
-
Traveling on orders: Up to 5 bags, each up to 100 lbs (45 kgs) and 126 inches (320 cm) in total dimensions, with no oversize or overweight fees.
-
Personal/Leisure travel: Up to 3 bags, each up to 50 lbs (23 kgs) and 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions.
-
Always present your valid military ID and/or orders at the check-in counter.
-
Sub-heading 5.5: Pay Online in Advance
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
-
As mentioned, for domestic flights, you can save $5 on your first checked bag by paying online during check-in (24 hours to 2 hours before departure). While this doesn't make your second bag free, every little bit helps!
Step 6: Double-Check for Seasonal or Route-Specific Embargoes/Limitations
-
American Airlines may impose seasonal or year-round limitations on the number of checked bags, especially to certain international destinations. Always verify this on their official website or by calling their customer service if you're traveling to a less common destination or during peak seasons.
Putting It All Together: An Example Calculation
Let's say you're flying from New York to Los Angeles (domestic U.S. travel), and you want to check two bags. You don't have elite status or an American Airlines credit card.
-
Bag 1 (under 50 lbs, standard size): $35 (if paid online) or $40 (at airport)
-
Bag 2 (under 50 lbs, standard size): $45
-
Total Estimated Cost: $80 (online) or $85 (at airport) for a one-way trip.
Now, imagine your second bag weighs 60 lbs:
-
Bag 1 (under 50 lbs, standard size): $35 (online)
-
Bag 2 (60 lbs, standard size): $45 (base fee) + $100 (overweight fee) = $145
-
Total Estimated Cost: $180 for a one-way trip.
As you can see, those extra fees can really add up!
Frequently Asked Questions about American Airlines Checked Bag Fees
To make your travel planning even easier, here are 10 common questions related to American Airlines checked bag fees, with quick answers:
-
How to check two bags on American Airlines without paying?
-
You can often check two bags for free if you have AAdvantage Platinum or higher elite status, oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status, or are flying in Business or First Class. Active U.S. military personnel traveling on orders also receive significant allowances.
-
-
How to pay for checked bags on American Airlines online?
-
You can pay for up to three checked bags online during the check-in process on aa.com or through the American Airlines app, typically starting 24 hours and up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
-
-
How to know if my American Airlines ticket includes free checked bags?
-
Check your ticket confirmation or itinerary details. It will explicitly state your baggage allowance. Also, review the benefits associated with your AAdvantage status or American Airlines credit card.
-
-
How to avoid overweight bag fees on American Airlines?
-
Ensure each checked bag weighs 50 lbs (23 kgs) or less by using a luggage scale before you leave for the airport. Distribute weight evenly among your bags or ship heavier items separately.
-
-
How to find American Airlines' current baggage policy?
-
Always refer to the official American Airlines website's "Checked Bag Policy" section (
aa.com/checkedbags
-
-
How to calculate oversized baggage fees for American Airlines?
-
Add the length, width, and height of your bag. If it exceeds 62 linear inches (158 cm), it's oversized. The fee for oversized bags (up to 115 or 126 inches, depending on the region) is typically $150-$200, in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
-
-
How to get military baggage benefits on American Airlines?
-
Active U.S. military personnel and their dependents traveling on orders must present a valid military ID and/or official orders at the airport check-in counter to receive complimentary baggage allowances.
-
-
How to check a third bag on American Airlines?
-
After your first two bags, a third checked bag on most American Airlines routes will incur a fee, typically around $150, in addition to any overweight/oversize charges.
-
-
How to handle bags that exceed 100 lbs on American Airlines?
-
Bags exceeding 100 lbs (45 kgs) are generally not accepted as checked baggage by American Airlines. You would need to explore cargo services for such items.
-
-
How to get a refund for checked bag fees if my flight changes?
-
American Airlines bag fees are generally non-refundable. If your flight is changed or canceled by the airline and you choose not to travel, you might be eligible for a refund, but this is typically on a case-by-case basis and requires contacting customer service.
-
 |
