Ever found yourself scrambling at the airport, suddenly realizing you need to add a checked bag to your American Airlines flight? Or perhaps you're simply planning ahead and want to ensure a smooth travel experience. You're not alone! Adding bags can sometimes feel like a puzzle, but with the American Airlines app, it's actually quite straightforward. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're fully prepared for your journey.
Let's dive in and make sure your luggage is sorted before you even reach the airport!
A Comprehensive Guide to Adding Bags on the American Airlines App
Adding checked bags through the American Airlines app is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to handle your luggage. Fees for checked bags are typically lower when paid online or via the app compared to paying at the airport. Plus, it saves you valuable time at the check-in counter!
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| How To Add Bags On American Airlines App |
Before You Start: Essential Information
Before you open the app, it's good to have a few things ready:
Your Confirmation Code (Record Locator) or Ticket Number: This is crucial for accessing your reservation.
Your Last Name: As it appears on your booking.
Payment Method: A credit or debit card for the baggage fees.
Understanding Baggage Policies: Familiarize yourself with American Airlines' baggage allowance, weight limits, and any potential oversize/overweight fees for your specific route. This can save you from unexpected charges later. Generally, checked bags should not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and 50 lbs (23 kg) in weight for Economy class. Business and First Class passengers often have a higher weight allowance (70 lbs / 32 kg) for complimentary bags. Fees vary significantly based on your destination and the number of bags.
Step 1: Accessing Your Reservation on the American Airlines App
Are you ready to get started? The first step is to open the American Airlines app on your mobile device. If you don't have it yet, download it from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Sub-heading: Logging In or Finding Your Trip
Once the app is open, you have a couple of options:
Option A: Log in to your AAdvantage Account. If you have an AAdvantage account and booked your flight while logged in, simply sign in. Your upcoming trips should automatically appear on the home screen. This is often the easiest method.
Option B: Find Your Trip as a Guest. If you booked as a guest or prefer not to log in, look for a section like "Find Your Trip" or "Manage Trip." You will then be prompted to enter your last name and your 6-character confirmation code (record locator) or e-ticket number. Enter this information carefully to retrieve your booking.
Step 2: Navigating to the Baggage Section
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Once your reservation is successfully loaded, you'll see an overview of your flight details. This typically includes your flight numbers, dates, times, and passenger information.
Sub-heading: Locating the Baggage Option
Look for a section or tab specifically labeled "Bags," "Baggage," "Add Bags," or "Modify Bags." The exact wording might vary slightly depending on the app's current version, but it will be clearly related to luggage.
You might find this option within a larger "Manage Trip" or "Flight Details" section. Tap on it to proceed.
Step 3: Selecting and Adding Your Checked Bags
Now you're at the core of the process – indicating how many bags you want to check.
Sub-heading: Choosing the Number of Bags
The app will display options for adding checked bags. It will usually show the number of bags you currently have accounted for (often zero if you haven't added any yet) and provide a way to increase this number.
Select the number of bags you wish to check. Remember that fees are typically applied per bag, per person, each way.
Pay close attention to any information regarding baggage allowances for your specific fare type (e.g., Basic Economy may have different rules than Main Cabin or First Class) and destination.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Fees and Policies
As you select the number of bags, the app should dynamically display the associated fees. This is a crucial step to avoid surprises.
Important Note: Fees are non-refundable. Make sure you are confident in the number of bags you are adding.
The app will also remind you of weight and size restrictions. If you anticipate your bag might be overweight (e.g., more than 50 lbs/23 kg for economy) or oversized, be aware that additional fees will apply and these are typically paid at the airport. The app primarily handles the standard checked bag fees.
Step 4: Proceeding to Payment
Once you've selected your bags and reviewed the fees, it's time to finalize the transaction.
Sub-heading: Entering Payment Information
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Tap the "Continue" or "Proceed to Payment" button.
You will be directed to a secure payment gateway. Enter your credit or debit card details as prompted. Ensure all information is accurate.
Double-check the total amount before confirming.
Sub-heading: Confirming Your Purchase
After entering your payment information, you'll usually have a final "Confirm Payment" or "Purchase" button. Tap this to complete the transaction.
The app will process your payment. This usually takes only a few moments.
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Step 5: Receiving Confirmation and What to Do Next
Congratulations! You've successfully added bags to your American Airlines flight via the app.
Sub-heading: Confirmation of Your Updated Booking
You should receive an on-screen confirmation within the app, indicating that your bags have been added.
American Airlines will also typically send a confirmation email to the address associated with your booking. Keep this email handy, as it serves as proof of your payment and updated reservation.
Sub-heading: Preparing for the Airport
Express Bag Tags: At many airports, American Airlines offers Express Bag Tags. If you've paid for your bags online or in the app, you can often use a self-service kiosk at the airport to scan your boarding pass and print your bag tags, saving you time at the counter. Follow the kiosk instructions.
Bag Drop: Once you have your bag tags, simply attach them to your luggage and proceed to the designated "Bag Drop" area. If you don't use Express Bag Tags, you'll go to the regular check-in counter.
Arrive Early: Even if you've paid for bags in advance, always arrive at the airport with ample time to check your bags, especially during peak travel seasons.
What if I can't add bags on the app?
While the app is convenient, there might be rare instances where you can't add bags online:
Close to Departure: If you are very close to your departure time (e.g., within an hour or two), the online check-in and bag adding window might close.
Flight Disruptions/Changes: If your flight has recently been changed or delayed, or you are on standby, the app might temporarily restrict bag additions until your status is fully confirmed.
Exceeding Online Limits: American Airlines typically allows up to 3 checked bags per person to be paid for online. If you need to check more than three, you'll have to handle those at the airport.
Oversize/Overweight Bags: While you can declare bags, the app doesn't typically collect the specific fees for oversize or overweight bags. These additional charges are calculated and paid at the airport.
In these situations, don't worry! You can always add and pay for your bags directly at the American Airlines check-in counter at the airport. Just be prepared for potentially higher fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further:
How to check American Airlines baggage policy?
You can check American Airlines' baggage policy by visiting their official website (aa.com) and navigating to the "Travel Information" or "Baggage" section. You can also find a summary within the American Airlines app.
How to determine American Airlines checked bag fees?
American Airlines checked bag fees vary based on your destination, fare type, and AAdvantage status. The best way to determine the exact fee is to use the baggage calculator on their website or by proceeding through the bag adding process on the app, which will display the cost before payment.
How to find American Airlines carry-on bag dimensions?
American Airlines' carry-on bag dimensions are generally 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you and typically shouldn't exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
How to track my checked bags on American Airlines?
You can track your checked bags on American Airlines using your record locator or bag tag number via the "Track your bags" tool on the American Airlines website or within the app's "Bags" or "Travel Information" section.
How to know if my AAdvantage status offers free checked bags?
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
Your AAdvantage status (e.g., Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum) or eligible AAdvantage credit card often provides free checked bags. The number of free bags depends on your specific status level and the route. This information is usually detailed in your AAdvantage benefits on the American Airlines website.
How to add bags to an American Airlines flight after booking but before check-in?
You can add bags to an American Airlines flight after booking by accessing your reservation through the American Airlines app or website using your confirmation code and last name, then navigating to the "Bags" or "Manage Trip" section.
How to add bags if I've already checked in on the American Airlines app?
Generally, if you've completed the check-in process on the app and haven't added bags, you might not be able to add them directly through the app afterwards. In such cases, you will need to add and pay for your bags at the American Airlines check-in counter or kiosk at the airport.
How to avoid overweight baggage fees on American Airlines?
To avoid overweight baggage fees, ensure your checked bags do not exceed the weight limit for your fare class and destination (typically 50 lbs or 23 kg for economy, 70 lbs or 32 kg for premium classes). Weigh your bags before heading to the airport.
How to handle oversized baggage with American Airlines?
If your bag exceeds the standard dimensions (62 inches or 158 cm total), it will be considered oversized. American Airlines will assess an oversized baggage fee at the airport. Bags over 115 inches (292 cm) or 100 lbs (45 kg) are generally not accepted.
How to get a receipt for baggage fees paid on American Airlines?
If you paid for baggage fees online or through the app, your confirmation email for the flight typically includes a breakdown of charges. You can also request a receipt through the "Receipts and refunds" section on the American Airlines website.
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