Oh, planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering about those pesky checked bags? Don't sweat it! It's actually a pretty straightforward process, but knowing the ins and outs can save you time, money, and a whole lot of airport stress. Let's get you squared away so your luggage makes it to your destination smoothly!
Your Essential Guide to Purchasing Checked Bags with American Airlines
Step 1: Before You Even Think About Packing – Understand the Rules!
This is where many travelers make a mistake, leading to unexpected fees or re-packing at the airport. Before you buy a single souvenir or pack that extra pair of shoes, you need to understand American Airlines' baggage policy. It varies based on your destination, fare type, and even your AAdvantage status.
Engage with this question right away: Do you know if your ticket includes any free checked bags? If you're flying Basic Economy, it's highly likely you'll pay for your first checked bag, even on domestic flights. Business Class or First Class tickets often include multiple free checked bags, and certain AAdvantage elite statuses (Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum) also grant baggage waivers.
Key things to research:
Your specific itinerary: Fees differ for domestic flights (within the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) versus international flights (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, South America, Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific).
Your fare type: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class all have different baggage allowances.
AAdvantage status: Check your current status and the associated baggage benefits on the American Airlines website.
Credit Card benefits: Some American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer a free first checked bag for you and companions on the same reservation. Don't forget to link your AAdvantage number to your reservation if you have one of these cards!
Where to find this information:
The "Checked Bag Policy" section on the official American Airlines website (aa.com) is your best friend. It has detailed tables for fees by region.
When you book your flight, the baggage allowance and estimated fees will usually be displayed during the booking process.
You can also manage your trip online or through the American Airlines app to see your specific baggage allowance.
Step 2: Determining Your Baggage Needs
Now that you know the rules, it's time to figure out exactly what you're bringing.
Sub-heading: Weigh and Measure Your Bags
American Airlines has strict limits on both weight and dimensions for checked bags. Exceeding these limits will result in additional, often substantial, fees.
Standard Checked Bag Allowance:
Weight: Generally, 50 lbs (23 kgs) for Economy and Main Cabin. For First/Business class, it's often 70 lbs (32 kgs).
Dimensions (Length + Width + Height): Typically, 62 inches (158 cm) total.
What if your bag is overweight or oversized?
Overweight Fees: Expect to pay extra if your bag is over 50 lbs (or 70 lbs for premium cabins) but under 100 lbs (45 kgs). Bags over 100 lbs are generally not accepted. The fees increase in tiers (e.g., 51-70 lbs, 71-100 lbs).
Oversized Fees: If your bag exceeds the 62-inch dimension limit but is under the maximum acceptable size (usually 115 inches/292 cm total dimensions), you'll also incur a fee. Bags over 115 inches are typically not accepted.
Important Note: If a single item is both overweight AND oversized, the higher of the two applicable fees usually applies, in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Pro-Tip: Invest in a portable luggage scale. They are inexpensive and can save you a lot of hassle and money at the airport. Measure your bag's dimensions carefully at home!
Sub-heading: Consider Special Items
Are you traveling with sports equipment, musical instruments, or other unusual items? These often have their own specific rules and fees. Check the "Special Items" section on the American Airlines website.
Step 3: Choosing the Best Time to Purchase Your Checked Bag
American Airlines offers several ways to pay for your checked bags, and when you pay can impact the cost.
Sub-heading: The Savvy Traveler's Choice - Pay Online or via the App (During Check-in)
This is generally the cheapest and most convenient option. American Airlines often offers a discounted rate for your first checked bag if you pay online or through their mobile app.
When can you do this? Typically, you can add and pay for bags online when you check in for your flight, which is available 24 hours before your scheduled departure and up to 2 hours before domestic departures.
Benefits:
Cost Savings: Often $5 cheaper for the first checked bag on domestic flights.
Time Savings: Speeds up the airport process as you can often use express bag drop or kiosks.
Convenience: Do it from the comfort of your home or on the go.
Sub-heading: Pay at the Airport
While still an option, paying at the airport check-in counter or kiosk is usually more expensive than paying online.
At the Kiosk: Many airports have American Airlines self-service kiosks where you can check in, select the number of bags, pay the fees, and print your bag tags. This is often faster than waiting in line for a human agent.
At the Ticket Counter: If you have special circumstances, need assistance, or prefer human interaction, you can pay for your bags at the traditional check-in counter. Be prepared for potentially longer lines.
At the Gate (Gate Checking): If your carry-on bag is deemed too large or if the overhead bins are full, you might be asked to "gate check" your bag. If it's a bag that would normally incur a checked bag fee, you will likely be charged the standard checked bag fee at the gate, which can sometimes be even higher than the online or counter rate. Avoid this if possible by ensuring your carry-on meets the size requirements.
Step 4: Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Online (Recommended Method)
Let's walk through the most efficient way to get your bags sorted.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Reservation
Go to aa.com or Open the American Airlines App: Approximately 24 hours before your flight, online check-in becomes available.
Locate Your Trip:
Click on "Check In" or "My Trips."
Enter your six-character confirmation code (PNR) and your last name.
Alternatively, you can log in with your AAdvantage number if the reservation is linked.
Sub-heading: The Check-in Process
Review Your Flight Details: Confirm your flight information is correct.
Confirm Passenger Details: Verify your personal information and any travel companions.
Baggage Section: This is the crucial part!
You will see a section dedicated to "Bags" or "Checked Bags."
It will typically display your baggage allowance based on your fare type and status.
Click on "Add Bags" or a similar option.
Select Number of Bags: Choose how many bags you intend to check for yourself and any other passengers on your reservation.
View and Confirm Fees: The system will display the applicable fees for each bag. Double-check these fees against your understanding of the policy for your specific itinerary.
Payment:
Enter your credit card details to process the payment.
Confirm the payment amount.
You will receive a confirmation of your bag purchase.
Complete Check-in: Finish the rest of the check-in process, which may include selecting seats (if not already done) and confirming contact information.
Obtain Boarding Pass: You can typically get a mobile boarding pass in the app or print it at home.
Sub-heading: At the Airport - Bag Drop
Express Bag Tag Kiosk: If available at your airport, this is the fastest way. Scan your mobile or printed boarding pass at the kiosk. It will automatically print your checked bag tags.
Attach Bag Tags: Carefully and securely attach the printed bag tags to your luggage handles. Make sure old tags are removed to avoid confusion.
Proceed to Bag Drop: Take your tagged bags to the designated "Bag Drop" area. This line is usually much shorter than the full-service check-in line.
Full-Service Counter: If express bag tags aren't available or you need assistance, head to the regular American Airlines check-in counter. They will handle the tagging and acceptance of your bags.
Step 5: What to Do on the Day of Travel
Arrive Early: Especially if you're checking bags, give yourself ample time at the airport. Security lines and bag drop queues can be unpredictable.
Keep Valuables and Essentials in Your Carry-On: Always pack medications, important documents, electronics, jewelry, and any other irreplaceable items in your carry-on bag. Checked bags can sometimes be delayed or lost, and you don't want to be without these critical items.
Lock Your Bags (Optional but Recommended): Use TSA-approved locks if you wish to secure your luggage.
Know Your Bag's Contents: Be aware of prohibited items in checked luggage (e.g., certain hazardous materials, large lithium batteries). Check the TSA website for a comprehensive list.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check American Airlines baggage fees for my specific flight?
You can check your specific baggage fees by visiting the "Checked Bag Policy" section on aa.com and using their fee calculator, or by logging into your reservation on the American Airlines website or app 24 hours before departure during online check-in.
How to get a free checked bag on American Airlines?
You might get a free checked bag if you have certain AAdvantage elite status (Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum), hold an eligible American Airlines co-branded credit card, or are flying in Premium Economy, Business, or First Class.
How to add a checked bag to my American Airlines reservation after booking?
You can add and pay for checked bags when you check in online or via the American Airlines app, typically starting 24 hours before your flight. You can also do so at the airport kiosk or check-in counter.
How to pay for overweight baggage on American Airlines?
Overweight baggage fees are assessed at the airport when your bag is weighed. These fees are in addition to any standard checked bag fees and are non-refundable.
How to find out American Airlines checked bag size limits?
American Airlines generally allows checked bags up to 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and up to 50 lbs (23 kgs) for Economy/Main Cabin. Specific details are on their "Checked Bag Policy" page.
How to use an American Airlines bag drop kiosk?
At select airports, scan your mobile or printed boarding pass at an American Airlines kiosk to print your checked bag tags, then proceed to the designated "Bag Drop" area.
How to know if my American Airlines ticket is Basic Economy and requires bag fees?
When you book your ticket, the fare type (Basic Economy, Main Cabin, etc.) will be clearly displayed. Basic Economy tickets almost always require payment for checked bags, even for the first one.
How to pack properly to avoid American Airlines baggage fees?
To avoid extra fees, weigh and measure your bags at home using a luggage scale and tape measure, ensure they are within the standard limits, and consider consolidating items or mailing non-essential goods if you're close to the limits.
How to deal with American Airlines special baggage items like sports equipment?
For special items like sports equipment or musical instruments, check the "Specialty and Sports" section on the American Airlines website, as they often have specific packing requirements, weight/size limits, and dedicated fees.
How to get a refund for a checked bag fee on American Airlines if my plans change?
American Airlines baggage fees are generally non-refundable. If your flight is canceled by the airline and you do not rebook, you might be eligible for a refund of the bag fee, but typically not if you cancel your trip or change your mind.
