American Airlines has specific requirements for carry-on luggage and permissible items to bring onboard their aircraft. Passengers need to pay a baggage fee for their luggage. However, with American Airlines baggage policy, you have many ways to avoid paying extra fees for your next flight. It all depends on your American Airlines elite status, the type of ticket you bought, or the credit card you have.
American Airlines Baggage Rules
American Airlines baggage fees rules are simple and provide clarity regarding what you will be charged for on your upcoming journey. Let us delve deeper into them for a closer examination.
American Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
American Airlines only charges fees for checked bags. American Airlines checked baggage policy permits travelers to bring up to 10 checked bags, but if you have two or more bags, you will need to pay for the excess.
- On flights to and from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America operated by American Airlines, passengers can bring up to five checked bags.
- However, seasonal and year-round baggage restrictions may vary, so it's best to check in advance.
- It is important to be mindful of your baggage weight, as American Airlines requires bags to weigh under 50 pounds and have total dimensions within 62 inches. This means your bag must be smaller than 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 20 inches high.
- For transpacific flights to or from Australia or New Zealand, or for passengers flying business or first class, the weight limit for free checked bags is increased to 70 pounds, with the weight reverting back to 50 pounds for additional checked bags.
Checked Bag Fee
|
Region |
Bag 4+ |
Bag 3 |
Bag 2 |
Bag 1 |
|
Canada and Mexico |
$200 |
$200 |
$45 |
$35 |
|
Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti) |
$200 |
$200 |
$45 |
$35 |
|
Central America (except Panama) |
$200 |
$200 |
$45 / $65 |
$35 |
|
Guyana and Suriname |
$200 |
$200 |
$45 |
$35 |
|
Haiti |
$200 |
$200 |
$65 |
$0 / $35 |
|
Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru |
$200 |
$200 |
$100 |
$0 / $45 |
|
South America (except Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname) |
$200 |
$200 |
$100 |
$0 / $60 |
|
Transatlantic |
$200 |
$200 |
$100 |
$0 / $75 |
|
Transpacific |
$200 |
$200 |
$100 |
$0 / $75 |
|
U.S. (including HI / AK), Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands |
$200 |
$150 |
$45 |
$40 |
American Airlines Carry-On Bag Policy
As per American Airlines carry-on policy, each passenger, regardless of their class, is permitted one carry-on bag. The American airlines baggage dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters), along with one personal item such as a purse or small backpack, measuring 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 centimeters).
- Musical instruments can be brought on board as long as they fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
- Soft clothing bags up to 51 inches are also considered as carry-on items. Pet carriers count as carry-ons, but additional fees are required to stow them under your seat and not in the overhead compartment.
- Diaper bags, strollers, child safety seats, medical and mobility devices, breast pumps and small soft-sided coolers containing breast milk are all allowed and will not be counted towards your carry-on limit.
- If you choose for carry-on only travel, be sure to follow TSA regulations for liquids, which mandate that liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, packed into a quart-size resealable bag.
- There is no set American Airlines carry-on baggage weight limit.
How to add baggage on American Airlines?
As per American Airlines baggage rules you can add baggage on American Airline during the booking process online or through the airline's mobile app. Alternatively, you can add baggage later by accessing your reservation through the airline's website or by contacting their American Airline customer service. Keep in mind that fees may apply for adding baggage, and they vary depending on factors such as your ticket type, destination, and frequent flyer status.
How strict is American Airlines with carry-on pets?
Pets are allowed onboard certain American Airlines flights, but only in specific circumstances. The pet, while in its carrier, is considered one carry-on item. The carrier must allow the pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a natural position. There is a fee of $125 for bringing a pet onboard, payable one way. Passengers must arrange with the airline in advance for their pet's travel.
American Airlines Baggage Allowance for Infants
American Airlines baggage allowance for families with infants can bring one diaper bag per infant and one soft cooler for storing breastmilk or similar food items. Strollers and car seats, even if collapsible, must be checked at the gate and are not considered part of the carry-on allowance for infants.
American Airlines Baggage Allowance for Sports Equipment
American Airlines permits sporting equipment to be a maximum size of 126 inches or 320 centimeters and a maximum weight of 70 pounds or 32 kilograms. If your equipment bag contains items other than the specific sporting equipment, such as a snowboard bag filled with clothing, American Airlines will treat it as a regular checked bag and apply additional oversized fees. The fees for different types of sports equipment vary.
What is American Airlines Excess Baggage Policy?
No matter if you are traveling in first class, economy, or basic economy, oversized or overweight checked baggage will result in additional charges. Ensure that your luggage meets the size and weight limits to avoid potentially paying hundreds of dollars in fees.
- Oversize baggage: If your luggage is larger than 158 cm in size, it will be considered oversize baggage or exceeds American Airlines carry-on baggage weight limit, and you will need to pay a fee. American Airlines has a maximum size limit of 320cm (126 inches) for baggage. When traveling to/from the UK, the oversize baggage fee is £100. For travel within the US, the fee for oversize baggage ranges from $150 to $200 depending on the destination.
- Overweight baggage: If your luggage weighs more than 23kg, it will be considered overweight baggage, and you'll be charged accordingly. American Airlines has a weight limit of 45kg (100lbs) for luggage. Traveling to/from the UK, you'll be charged £65 for overweight baggage per one way. For US domestic travel, overweight baggage fees range from $100 to $200, depending on the weight and destination. Keep in mind that these fees are non-refundable and apply to each bag for each leg of the journey.
American Airlines Delayed and Damaged Bags:
Delayed bags
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, bags may be delayed. If you can't locate your bags upon landing, make sure to file a report at the Baggage Service Office before exiting the airport.
For domestic flights within the U.S., report delayed bags:
- Within 4 hours of reaching your destination
- Within 12 hours of arrival if Bags VIP Luggage Delivery was used
- For international flights, report delayed bags upon arrival at your destination and before leaving the airport.
Damaged bags
Despite our best efforts, checked bags may sometimes incur damage. If you observe damage to your bags upon arrival, it is important to promptly file a report at the Baggage Service Office.
- For domestic flights within the U.S., report the damage before leaving the airport, or within 24 hours of receiving your bags.
- For international flights, report the damage before leaving the airport, or within 7 days of receiving your bags.
- Upon filing a report, you will receive a 13-character file ID, which you can use to initiate a claim.
What to do if you lose luggage on American Airlines?
American Airlines' lost baggage department does not take responsibility for items that are missing from a checked bag on domestic flights in the U.S. unless it has been reported as delayed or damaged. If your bag was delayed or damaged and you discover missing items upon its delivery, you must submit a claim for missing items within 24 hours of receiving your bag for domestic flights, or within 7 days for international flights.
American Airlines baggage claim offers reimbursement of up to $3,800 per ticketed domestic passenger for lost or damaged checked luggage, pending verification of the claim. Detailed instructions on how to file lost or damaged baggage claims will be provided to you when you submit a claim.
How to avoid American Airlines baggage fees?
Passengers flying in premium cabins, elite members, and those holding co-branded credit cards from American Airlines enjoy the perk of complimentary checked bags. Additionally, travelers to certain destinations can avoid bag fees.
- Free checked bags for elite members: American Airlines offers four elite tiers with various benefits, including free checked bags. This benefit extends to elite members and their guests traveling on the same reservation on American Airlines or American Eagle flights.
- American Airlines credit cards with free checked bags: If you are not aiming for elite status or premium cabin travel, you can avoid bag fees by obtaining a co-branded American Airlines credit card. These cards provide a free checked bag benefit tied to your AAdvantage account number, irrespective of whether you use the card to purchase your flight.
- Free checked bags for military members: Active duty members of the United States military and their dependents are entitled to receive up to five checked bags free of charge when traveling on official orders. For personal travel, up to three bags can be checked free of charge.
- Free checked bags for premium cabin travel: Traveling in premium business, economy or first class comes with additional perks, including free checked bags. Passengers in premium economy, business, and domestic first class can check up to two bags for free, while premium passengers may check up to three bags, depending on the destination.
- Waived fees based on destination:With the exception of basic economy fares, every long-haul international main cabin ticket on American Airlines comes with a complimentary checked bag. Moreover, certain routes to and from the U.S. offer this benefit. If flying on a basic economy ticket, the baggage policy might vary. It is advisable to verify with American Airlines regarding the checked bag fee.
- Use premium cards: Some premium credit cards, like The Platinum Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card from American Express, offer an annual $200 airline fee credit, which can cover expenses like checked bag fees. Similarly, cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Citi Prestige Card provide annual travel credits that can be used for checked bag fees, offering flexibility for travelers who fly with various airlines.
FAQs About American Airlines Baggage Policy
Q1. How much does American Airlines charge for international baggage?
Unless you are traveling on a basic economy fare, all main cabin tickets for long-haul international flights with American Airlines come with a complimentary checked bag. Additionally, American Airlines provides one free checked bag on specific routes to and from the U.S.
Q2. How much is checked baggage on American Airlines?
Checked baggage fees on American Airlines vary depending on the route and fare type. Generally, for domestic flights within the United States, the fee for the first checked bag ranges from $30 to $35, while the fee for the second bag is around $40 to $45. International baggage fees can vary widely, but for many routes, the first checked bag is free for main cabin passengers, excluding Basic Economy fares.
Q3. What is not allowed in checked baggage on American Airlines?
Illegal drugs and narcotics are not allowed as they are against the law in most countries. Firearms, ammunition, replicas, or imitations are also prohibited. Explosives, flammable items like fireworks, gas, and aerosols are not permitted. Additionally, poisonous substances such as pesticides and certain chemicals are prohibited from being packed in checked baggage.
Q4. Do you have to pay for baggage on American Airlines?
Yes,The fees for checked baggage on American Airlines differ based on the fare class, route, and quantity of bags. In Basic Economy, the initial fee for the first checked bag ranges from $45 to $75, and for the second bag, it ranges from $65 to $200. However, with Main Cabin fares, one checked bag is complimentary, and the fee for the second bag varies from $65 to $100.
Q5. Is there a baggage fee for American Airlines economy?
American Airlines economy class passengers pay $30 for the first checked bag on most domestic and select international flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. However, on flights to destinations like Hong Kong or Paris, the first checked bag is free. The fee for a second checked bag is $40 for domestic flights, $65 for certain countries in Central America or South America, and $100 for flights to Europe or Asia. Exceptions may apply, so it's advised to check in advance.
Q6. Does the Main Cabin include baggage on American Airlines?
In American Airlines' Main Cabin, you will find a standard economy experience, featuring seats with decent legroom, complimentary seat selection, and the option to bring along a full-size carry-on bag as well as a personal item.
Q7. Do car seats count as checked baggage on American Airlines?
Every passenger with a ticket is permitted to check one stroller and one car seat without any additional fee. However, if you have both a stroller and a car seat, only one of them can be checked at the gate. Strollers weighing over 20 lbs must be checked at the ticket counter.
Q8. Can you pack alcohol in checked baggage on American Airlines?
You cannot bring opened containers. In checked bags, passengers are allowed a maximum of 5 liters of beverages with an alcohol content between 24 and 70 percent by volume. Customs regulations differ depending on the country.
Q9. Does American Airlines charge baggage fees for basic economy?
Passengers flying in basic economy seats will encounter different fees than those mentioned previously. They should anticipate a $75 charge for the first checked bag on international flights and a $45 fee for most flights to South America. Occasionally, the reduced fare for a basic economy ticket may be higher than the baggage fee.
