If you're flying with American, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about American Airlines baggage, fees and restrictions. Show
Check the list of American's carry-on restrictions before you pack. If you packed batteries, scissors or self-heating meals, you may have to check them, throw them away or rearrange your luggage. For example, American Airlines asks that you remove certain batteries from devices and put them in your carry-on in separate plastic bags. There are items, such as e-cigarettes, that are allowed in carry-on bags but not in checked bags. Also, remember to put your small liquid toiletries, such as lotion, shampoo and perfume, in a clear, quart-sized zip-top bag. Here's a closer look at the two types of carry-on bags you can take on an American flight without paying a bag fee. Table of contentsAmerican Airlines carry-on bags: GuidelinesAmerican Airlines allows travelers to board with one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. Personal item guidelinesYou may bring one personal item, such as a purse or other small bag, that fits under the seat in front of you. The bag can't be any larger than 18" x 14" x 8". Certain items don't count as personal items or carry-ons. For example, you can board with:
The medical or mobility devices and comfort items may need to be checked if space is limited. Each ticketed passenger is also allowed one car seat and one stroller that can be checked at the gate for free. Carry-on bag guidelinesYou're allowed one carry-on item, which is typically a smaller suitcase or bag that will fit in the overhead bin. Your carry-on bag cannot be larger than 22" x 14" x 9". Soft-sided garment bags may also be carried on if they are no larger than 51 inches when you account for length, width and height. If your carry-on is larger than allowed, you'll have to check it — and possibly pay a bag fee.  AA.com on Dec. 3, 2021 American Airlines checked bag cost: GuidelinesHere's a rundown of the checked-bag guidelines and limits on American Airlines if you're traveling with a larger bag or if you just don't want the hassle of carrying a suitcase on the plane. As a general rule, you can check up to 10 bags on domestic, trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights. Trans-Atlantic flights are ones that cross the Atlantic Ocean, while trans-Pacific flights cross the Pacific Ocean, such as to Asia and Australia. However, if you are traveling to, through or from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America or Brazil, you cannot check more than five bags. Checked bags must not be larger than 62 inches when you add up the dimensions (length, height and width). They cannot weigh more than 50 pounds if you're flying in the main cabin or 70 pounds if you're flying first or business class. For flights to or from Australia and New Zealand, your checked baggage allowance is 62 inches and 70 pounds. The standard first-checked-bag fee for an economy flight within the U.S. is $30. But the airline's checked-bag fees vary depending on how many bags you have, the class you're flying and your destination. You'll also pay extra if your bags are oversized or overweight. See the chart below for more details on American checked-bag fees for different destinations and classes. You can pay your checked-bag fee online when purchasing your ticket or during the online check-in process. Or, you can pay for your bag at an American Airlines kiosk or service desk at the airport. Some ticket counters accept cash, but be prepared to pay with a card if necessary. Like carry-on bags, there are restrictions on what you can pack inside checked bags. For example, if you loaded up during a trip to California wine country or a Kentucky distillery, you can carry up to five liters of alcohol with an alcohol by volume content between 24% and 70% in a checked bag. If you're headed to cooking school in Italy, you also pack your knives in a checked bag. Some items, such as pepper spray, are not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage. An American Airlines baggage handler moves luggage. (Photo credit: American Airlines) American Airlines checked bags: FeesIn most cases, the first bag is free for premium economy passengers, business and first-class passengers. The price typically rises for each additional checked bag. To get an idea of the checked-bag fees for additional bags, check out the following chart:
If you want to know exactly how much you'll pay for a specific itinerary or situation, contact the American Airlines reservations line. Additional baggage fees and restrictionsOverweight bag feesOversize bag feesDepending on the size and weight, you may still be allowed to bring additional or overweight bags with you at a cost. These baggage fees can sometimes be heftier than your luggage and may even cost you more than your flight. Note that more than one fee may apply to a single bag. For instance, you may have to pay both an overweight and oversized baggage fee in addition to the original checked bag fee. Check the following charts to learn how much you could pay in overweight and oversized bag fees on American Airlines. Keep in mind that fees can vary by route and season. Depending on the size and weight, you may still be allowed to bring additional or overweight bags with you at a cost. These baggage fees can sometimes be heftier than your luggage and may even cost you more than your flight. Note that more than one fee may apply to a single bag. For instance, you may have to pay both an overweight and oversized baggage fee in addition to the original checked bag fee. Check the following charts to learn how much you could pay in overweight and oversized bag fees on American Airlines. Keep in mind that fees can vary by route and season.
Do you get a free checked bag with American Airlines?You can get one or more free checked bags on American Airlines if you:
Some travelers can check as many as three bags on a flight without paying bag fees. Here are the main ways to get free checked bags on American Airlines: 1. Qualify for AAdvantage elite statusYou get free checked bags on American flights if you join the airline's AAdvantage frequent flyer program and earn elite status. The program rewards members with miles when flying American, oneworld or other partner airlines. The program has four elite tiers: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum. The higher elite tier you reach, the more bags you can check for free. For example:
The checked-bag fee will be waived for all elite members and guests traveling on the same reservation for travel in the main cabin on flights marketed or operated by American or American Eagle. 2. Achieve oneworld elite statusAmerican Airlines is part of the oneworld alliance, so you can get free checked bags by attaining oneworld status. For example
3. Get an AAdvantage credit cardAnother way to get a free checked bag on American Airlines is to get an AAdvantage credit card. Many AAdvantage cardmembers get a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines-operated flights (more on this later). 4. Book a higher class ticketPremium economy, business and first-class customers can get checked bag fees waived in certain instances. In many cases:
The number of free checked bags varies by destination. 5. Be active-duty militaryActive-duty U.S. military and their dependents can get up to five free checked bags when they are traveling on orders and they show a military ID. Active-duty U.S. military members with ID on personal travel can get up to three free checked bags. Do AAdvantage members get free checked bags?Non-elite AAdvantage members do not get free checked bags, but they do earn miles and other perks. AAdvantage members who fly enough to earn elite status do get free checked bags. Depending on your elite membership tier, you can check from one to three bags for free. Earn free checked bags with these credit cardsHere are some top credit cards that either offer a free checked bag on American Airlines or a travel credit that can reimburse you for checked bag fees you pay on any airline. Many of these cards also offer priority boarding, in-flight purchase credits and other perks that come in handy for travel. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® gives you and up to four travel companions on your same reservation a first free checked bag on domestic American flights, plus preferred boarding and 25% on eligible in-flight food and beverages. If you spend $20,000 during your membership year, you earn a $125 American Airlines flight discount. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®Sign Up Bonus Earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening APR 18.99% - 27.99% (Variable) The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® comes with one free checked bag on American for you and up to eight travel companions, priority boarding and a statement credit for either TSA Precheck or Global Entry every five years. This card also gives you an Admirals Club membership that allows you to relax in an airport lounge while waiting for your flight. This is a great option for frequent travelers who don't mind paying a high annual fee ($450) in exchange for a host of travel benefits. CitiBusiness®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®The CitiBusiness®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® offers a free checked bag on American Airlines for you and up to four companions on your same reservation, as well as preferred boarding. You'll also get 25% off in-flight Wi-Fi, food and beverage purchases when you fly American Airlines. You could earn an American Airlines Companion Certificate for domestic travel when you spend $30,000 each year and you renew your membership. Note that redeeming this certificate costs $99 for taxes, fees and ticketing. AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® from Barclays offers a free checked bag on American for you and up to four companions. You get up to $25 in statement credits for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases, as well as a 25% reimbursement for in-flight food and drink purchases. The card also offers preferred boarding. The Platinum Card® from American ExpressWelcome Offer 80,000 Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers an airline fee credit up to $200 each year for incidental fees such as checked bags and in-flight cocktails through a qualifying airline (enrollment required). Other travel perks include reimbursement for Global Entry and TSA Precheck application fees and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection at select airports. This is a good card for big spenders who travel frequently and who also want perks for hotel stays and Uber rides. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ CardSign Up Bonus Earn 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and receive a $50 statement credit after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
APR 18.99% - 27.99% (Variable) The co-branded American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card has a $0 annual fee, but it doesn't give cardholders a free checked bag on American Airlines. Therefore, we recommend American frequent flyers looking to avoid bag fees consider one of the other travel cards outlined above. The free checked bags and other perks should more than make up for the annual fee if you travel more than a few times a year. American Airlines baggage: Important things to knowDelayed or damaged bagsWith the cost of your ticket, American Airlines provides $3,800 worth of coverage for damaged or lost bags on domestic flights, or up to $5,000 when you declare excess value. If your belongings are worth more than that, you may want to consider additional insurance. Keep in mind that some credit cards provide baggage benefits when traveling, so you may get extra coverage for free if you buy your plane ticket with one of these cards. If you're flying American Airlines and you can't find your luggage at baggage claim, or you discover your suitcase is damaged, you can report the problem to an American agent at the airport or call American Airlines. The agent will give you a 13-character reference number to use to check the status of your claim. The American Airlines online baggage tracker can help you track your delayed luggage. If your bag is delayed by five days or more, you will need to complete a questionnaire. You will fill in your flight itinerary, including the flight number, travel dates and destinations. You'll also need to describe your bags and the items that are in them. If your luggage is not found, you will have to file an additional claim to get reimbursement from American Airlines. Damaged luggage must be reported within 24 hours for domestic flights and seven days for international flights. You will fill out the same questionnaire as you would for lost luggage. If your bag was checked by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the damage could have been caused by the inspection, you will need to call the TSA at 866-289-9673. Music and sports equipmentThe policy on musical instruments is pretty straightforward. In some cases, you may be able to carry your instrument onto the plane with you on a first-come, first-served basis if it fits in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, you can buy an extra seat for your instrument if it does not weigh more than 165 pounds. Instruments can be checked as baggage if they meet size and weight restrictions, but you'll have to pay oversize or overweight bag fees if the instrument is larger than 126 inches (adding the length, width and depth measurements) or heavier than 50 pounds. Instruments larger than 150 inches or heavier than 165 pounds may be shipped as cargo. Sports equipment policies on American Airlines vary based on the type of item. Here are some common items you can check for standard bag fees, though oversize or overweight fees may apply if the item is unusually large or heavy:
Here are some examples of equipment you may check at an extra cost:
If you're unsure about your special item, check with American Airlines well before you fly to make suitable arrangements. American Airlines baggage FAQsHere are some answers to questions travelers frequently ask about American Airlines bag fees. Can I take my guitar on American?Yes, you can take your guitar on American Airlines. If you can fit it in an overhead bin, you may be able to take it as a carry-on item. If not, you can check it for standard baggage fees, but you should make sure it is in a hard, protective case. If you check it in a case that lacks adequate protection, you may not be reimbursed for any damage caused in transport. How strict is American with carry-on size?The carry-on size limit for American Airlines is 22" x 14" x 9". If your bag is too big to fit in the bin, you may be pulled aside and asked to check your bag before boarding. Can I take a backpack and carry-on on American?Yes, you are allowed one personal item and one carry-on. The backpack would be considered a personal item as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. Can you prepay baggage fees on American Airlines?Yes, you can choose to pay for up to three bags when you check in online. Online check-in begins 24 hours before departure and ends four hours before departure. If checking more than three bags, you will need to pay for additional bags at the airport. Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags with American Airlines?American Airlines does not specify a carry-on weight limit; only a carry-on size limit. But before you stuff your bag with too much heavy gear, keep in mind that you will have to lift your carry-on above your head and place it in the overhead bin. Are carry-on bags free on American?American Airlines allows each passenger one carry-on and one personal item for free. The carry-on bag will have to fit in the overhead bin in the cabin. How do I get a baggage fee refund from American Airlines?American Airlines does not offer refunds if you pay your bag fee online. If there's any chance you may be eligible for a free checked bag or may upgrade your flight, wait to pay your baggage fee. If you upgrade after paying your baggage fee, American Airlines may not refund your money. However, you can request an American bag fee refund online. The information related to Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, CitiBusiness®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® and AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. How strict is American Airlines on carryAmerican Airlines carry-on dimensions should be no more than 22 inches X 14 inches X 9 inches (56 cm X 36 cm X 23 cm), including handles and wheels. All carry-on must fit the sizer at the departure gate. If the bag does not fit in the sizer, it will need to be checked.
Can a 24 inch luggage be a carryCan a 24 inch luggage be a carry on? Unfortunately no, the standard carry-on size is typically 22” x 14” x 9”, so a 24 inch bag is too large to bring on board of most economy standard airlines.
Can I bring a carryAdditional items
Unless there are other restrictions, you can also bring: 1 carry-on item. 1 personal item.
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American airlines standard carry on luggage size
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