Overview of American Airlines Baggage Policy

• American Airlines allows passengers to check bags on domestic and international flights for a fee. The baggage fees and policies vary based on your frequent flyer status, the cabin you are flying in, your departure airport, destination, and more.
• Understanding American's baggage allowances and fees is crucial to avoid surprise charges at the airport. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about checked baggage, carry-on baggage, excess baggage, and tips for avoiding fees when flying American Airlines.

American Carry-on Baggage Allowance

• American Airlines permits 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag for passengers flying in economy class.

• Personal Item

• Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and measure no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). This includes things like a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or briefcase.

• Carry-On Bag

• Your carry-on bag must fit in an overhead bin and measure no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). American Airlines recently reduced the maximum dimensions for carry-on bags, so make sure your bag fits the new size requirements.

• If your carry-on is oversized, you will be required to check it at the gate for a $150 gate handling charge. Make sure your carry-on bag fits in the template checker at the airport to avoid this fee.

• Passengers with elite status and those seated in premium cabins are permitted to bring onboard slightly larger carry-on items. First class passengers can bring onboard a carry-on measuring up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 40 x 25 cm).

American Checked Baggage Allowance

• The number of checked bags allowed and their weight limits depends on your frequent flyer status, cabin class, destination, and more.

• Here are the general checked baggage allowances for American Airlines:

• Economy Class

• Domestic flights: 1st checked bag $30, 2nd checked bag $40

• International flights: 1st checked bag $60, 2nd checked bag $100

• Weight limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag

• Size per bag: 62 linear inches (157 cm)

• Business/First Class

• 2 free checked bags

• 70 lbs (32 kg) weight limit per bag

• 62 linear inches (157 cm) per bag

• Advantage Elite Status

• Advantage Gold: 1 free checked bag

• Advantage Platinum/Platinum Pro: 2 free checked bags

• Advantage Executive Platinum: 3 free checked bags

• Weight and size limits same as economy class

• Active Duty U.S. Military

• 5 free checked bags when traveling on orders

• 70 lbs (32 kg) weight limit per bag

• American's military baggage policy allows certain oversized items like generators and rucksacks without oversize fees.

• Keep in mind there are seasonal, route-specific, and other restrictions that can affect your baggage allowance. Continue reading for more details on specific baggage policies.

Seasonal Baggage Restrictions

• During peak travel periods, American Airlines imposes seasonal baggage restrictions to certain destinations. This helps prevent cargo holds from becoming full and flight delays.

• Here are some common seasonal American Airlines baggage restrictions:

• Around major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, bags may be restricted on domestic routes to and from popular destinations like Florida, Las Vegas, and Hawaii.

• Many Caribbean and Mexico routes have baggage restrictions requiring passengers to pay excess baggage fees during winter months.

• Domestic ski destinations often have oversized and overweight baggage fees during peak winter travel season.

• Some Europe routes have seasonal baggage restrictions during busy summer travel months.

• American Airlines will notify passengers about seasonal baggage restrictions during booking if they apply to your itinerary. Restrictions can include reducing the weight limits, requiring excess baggage fees, or limiting allowances to only one checked bag per person.

• It's important to check your destination's page on AA.com when booking winter and summer vacations to see if seasonal baggage policies are in place. This allows you to properly prepare and budget for any additional fees.

Economy Checked Baggage Fees

• American Airlines charges standard checked baggage fees for economy class passengers, unless you have elite status or the right credit card to waive the fees.

• Here are the regular checked bag fees for economy class flights:

• Domestic Flights

• 1st Checked Bag: $30

• 2nd Checked Bag: $40

• Additional Bags: $150 per bag

• International Flights to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America

• 1st Checked Bag: $60

• 2nd Checked Bag: $100

• Additional Bags: $200 per bag

• International Flights to Europe, Asia, South America

• 1st Checked Bag: $75

• 2nd Checked Bag: $100

• Additional Bags: $200 per bag

• These standard checked baggage fees apply when you book a Main Cabin or Basic Economy ticket.

• The baggage fees are each way and apply per traveler. So if you are traveling roundtrip domestically with one checked bag each way, it will cost $60 total ($30 each way).

Baggage Fee for Basic Economy

• American Airlines Basic Economy is the most restrictive fare class and comes with additional baggage limitations:

• You can only bring one personal item onboard for free. No standard carry-on baggage allowed.

• The first checked bag fees are $5-15 higher than standard economy rates.

• You can't pool checked bags with other passengers on the same reservation.

• No complimentary changes or upgrades allowed after booking.

• So if flying Basic Economy, be prepared to pay $40-$90 for your first checked bag each way, depending on your route. And you won't be able to check any bags for free, even if you have elite status or a co-branded credit card.

Bag Fees Broken Down by Destination

• Here's a breakdown of the standard checked bag fees for economy class passengers based on your flight destination:

• Domestic U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean:

• 1st bag: $30

• 2nd bag: $40

• Additional bags: $150 each

• Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama):

• 1st bag: $60

• 2nd bag: $100

• Additional bags: $200 each

• Europe (Including Turkey):

• 1st bag: $75

• 2nd bag: $100

• Additional bags: $200 each

• South America:

• 1st bag: $75

• 2nd bag: $100

• Additional bags: $200 each

• Asia:

• 1st bag: $75

• 2nd bag: $100

• Additional bags: $200 each

• These fees apply each way and per passenger. On domestic flights to Alaska and Hawaii, the mainland U.S. checked bag fees apply.

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees (Per One-way)

• If you exceed the standard checked baggage allowance for your route, you will pay excess baggage fees. This includes checking oversized, overweight, and additional bags beyond your free allowance.

• Here are the additional checked bag fees for economy class passengers:

• Domestic Flights

• 3rd+ Checked Bag: $150 per extra bag

• International Flights

• 3rd+ Checked Bag: $200 per extra bag

• Keep in mind Basic Economy fares only allow one personal item and no free checked bags. If flying Basic Economy domestically, your 1st checked bag costs $40 per one-way. Internationally, the 1st checked bag with Basic Economy starts at $60 one-way.

Oversized Fees

• If your checked bag exceeds the standard size limits for American Airlines, you will pay oversize baggage fees. This applies even if the bag is within the regular weight limit.

• Here are the oversize baggage fees for economy class passengers:

• Domestic Flights

• $150 for bags 63-80 linear inches

• $200 for bags 81-115 linear inches

• International Flights

• $200 for bags 63-80 linear inches

• $300 for bags 81-115 linear inches

• Oversized golf bags, surfboards, bicycles, and other large items often incur oversized baggage fees. Some specialty items like antlers and fishing poles can be checked oversized for just $30.

• Paying to check an oversized bag is still cheaper than paying $150 at the gate to check an oversized carry-on bag. Always double check your baggage dimensions before heading to the airport.

Overweight Fees

• When your bags exceed the standard weight limits for checked luggage, overweight baggage fees apply:

• Domestic Flights

• $100 for bags 51-70 lbs

• $200 for bags 71-100 lbs

• $250 for bags 101-150 lbs

• International Flights

• $100 for bags 51-70 lbs

• $200 for bags 71-100 lbs

• $250 for bags 101-120 lbs

• Overweight charge waived for active duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders.

• Try to weigh your checked bags at home first to avoid overweight surprises. Certain dense items like tools, books, sports equipment, and boots can cause bags to exceed weight limits quickly.

• If possible, redistribute heavy items into multiple lighter bags to avoid overweight fees. Pack lighter items like clothing around heavier objects to help disperse the weight.

How To Avoid American Airlines Baggage Fees

• Checked bag fees add up quickly, especially for families traveling together. Here are some ways to avoid paying bag fees on American Airlines:

Earn Elite Status With American Airlines

• Elite status members receive free checked bags and other baggage fee waivers.

• Advantage Gold - 1 free checked bag

• Advantage Platinum - 2 free checked bags

• Advantage Platinum Pro - 3 free checked bags

• Advantage Executive Platinum - 3 free checked bags

• Earning elite status requires flying a certain amount of miles or segments each year on American Airlines. For example, Executive Platinum status requires at least 100,000 elite qualifying miles or 120 flight segments.

• Credit cards like the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard include some elite perks, like a free checked bag. But you'll need to fly frequently to reach the top AAdvantage elite tiers for the best baggage allowances.

Use an American Airlines Credit Card

• Several co-branded American Airlines credit cards allow cardholders to check their first bag for free on domestic itineraries. This perk does not apply to international flights, where you still pay standard checked bag fees.

• Cards like the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard include a free first checked bag. The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard offers this perk when purchasing tickets with the card.

• Just pay for your American Airlines flight using the credit card and your first domestic checked bag flies free. That's an automatic savings of $30 each way if you check a bag.

• Some premium AA credit cards like the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offer greater baggage allowances, like two free domestic checked bags.

Book a Premium Cabin

• Passengers seated in business class, premium economy, or first class receive better baggage policies, including more free checked bags.

• First and business class passengers receive two free 70 lb checked bags. Plus they can check bags up to 15 days before departure, rather than just 24 hours ahead for economy passengers.

• Booking a more premium seat ensures you don't have to pay any checked baggage fees, outside of any overweight or oversized charges.

Use Travel Credits

• One way to lower your baggage costs is using American Airlines travel credits and flight credits. Travel credits can be purchased and applied to baggage fees or other flight expenses.

• Flight credits are earned when you voluntarily give up your seat on an oversold flight. The amount of a flight credit depends on the length of your flight and route. You can use flight credits towards future baggage fees.

• Both travel and flight credits take some of the sting out of checked bag charges. Look for promotions where American offers bonus value when you purchase travel credits too.

Be a Member of the Military

• Active U.S. military members receive five free checked bags when traveling on official duty. Military personnel also receive waived baggage fees for extra bags when flying for personal reasons.

• Make sure to have your military ID ready when checking in to qualify for American's military baggage policies. Qualifying branches are U.S. Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force. Reservists must be on active duty to receive waived baggage fees.

• Even if not on orders, the first checked bag is free for U.S. military members when flying internationally.

Don’t Check a Bag

• The easiest way to avoid checked baggage fees with American Airlines is to not check a bag at all. Try fitting everything you need into a carry-on bag and personal item.

• Choosing lightweight, versatile clothing that can be washed and worn multiple times will help downsize your packing. Bringing sample or travel-sized toiletries also reduces bulk.

• Wearing bulky shoes and clothes like jackets, boots, and sweaters during travel allows you to pack less clothing. Rolling clothes keeps them compact in your bag too.

• If possible, avoid overstuffing your carry-on. Overflowing bags may still be checked at the gate for a $150 fee. Make sure your carry-on bag fits all size requirements to prevent issues boarding the plane.

Fly on Another Airline

• Some U.S. airlines offer the first checked bag free, even in basic economy, like JetBlue, Southwest, and Hawaiian Airlines.

• Booking on these carriers avoids the $30-$40 charges for your first checked bag on American for domestic routes. Even Spirit Airlines charges just $35 for the initial checked bag.

• When flying internationally, look for other carriers that allow your first one or two bags free based on the route, like Delta, United, and Aer Lingus.

• Shop around using comparison sites like Kayak to find the best baggage policies and deals when booking airfare. It helps avoid the fees that quickly add up, especially if multiple people are checking bags.

When Do I Pay American Airlines Baggage Fees?

• American Airlines collects checked bag fees at several points during the travel process:

• When booking: Baggage fees can be paid upfront when booking on AA.com, directly with American reservations, or through online travel agencies. Prepaying locks in the checked bag rate and helps budget for the trip.

• Online check-in: Checked baggage fees can be paid in advance online anytime from 24 hours to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. Paying early guarantees your bags travel on the same flight.

• Airport check-in kiosk: Baggage fees can be paid when printing boarding passes at airport self service kiosks. Kiosks accept credit/debit cards, but not cash.

• Ticket counter: If not prepaying online, bags must be checked and fees paid at the airport ticket counter. Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted. Fee discounts available at self-serve kiosks do not apply at staffed counters.

• Gate check: Baggage fees, plus a $150 gate handling charge, apply if bags must be checked at the departure gate due to lack of overhead bin space. Gate baggage only accepts credit cards, no cash.

• To get the lowest possible baggage rates, pay fees in advance when booking online. Failing to prepay risks higher airport baggage costs.

Excess Baggage Seasonal Restrictions

• During peak travel seasons to certain destinations, American Airlines adds restrictions for checking excess and oversized/overweight baggage. These seasonal limits help alleviate overcrowding of cargo holds that can lead to flight delays.

• Some common seasonal restrictions on excess checked baggage include:

• Reducing the extra bag allowance to just one additional checked bag instead of two.

• Prohibiting bags over 50 pounds, versus the normal 70 pound limit.

• Adding oversized and overweight fees for all additional checked bags, including your first one.

• Lowering the dimensions for excess baggage before oversize fees apply.

• Requiring advance purchase and prepayment of excess baggage fees.

• Destinations frequently subject to seasonal excess baggage restrictions include domestic ski and beach markets, Europe in summer, and the Caribbean/Mexico in winter.

• Be sure to check for any seasonal restrictions when booking winter and summer getaways. Paying excess baggage fees in advance will hold your rate if seasonal limits apply. Trying to check oversized or extra bags same-day at the airport risks denied boarding if the flight is already over capacity.

Excess Baggage Year-round Restrictions

• Beyond seasonal limits, American Airlines imposes year-round restrictions on excess checked bags for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Understanding these rules ensures your extra bags are accepted when you get to the airport.

• For domestic flights, American allows up to three extra bags (in addition to your free checked allowance) per passenger as long as they meet the size and weight limits. Additional bags may be accepted on a case-by-case basis if cargo space permits.

• On most international itineraries, American permits just one excess checked bag per traveler due to smaller cargo holds on international aircraft. Extra bags are not guaranteed to make the flight.

• Excess bags may be denied if theadditional weight would exceed maximum takeoff and landing limits for the aircraft. Space constraints for last minute bags are also more common during busy holiday travel periods.

• Avoid issues when checking extra bags by prepaying excess luggage fees in advance whenever possible. This reserves space and confirms your excess baggage for your itinerary.

Sporting Equipment and Musical Instruments

• American Airlines charges oversized and overweight fees for most sporting gear including golf clubs, bikes, surfboards, and kayaks. Fishing equipment and ski gear is also considered oversized when checking your bags.

• Some special sporting equipment checked bag fees include:

• Golf Bag: $150 domestic, $200 international

• Bike: $150 domestic, $200 international

• Surfboard/Kiteboard: $150 domestic, $200 international

• Ski/Snowboard Bag: $150 domestic, $200 international

• Fishing Equipment: $30-$50 domestic, $150-$200 international

• For domestic travel, your first checked ski bag flies free. This perk does not apply to other oversized sporting equipment.

• Musical instruments like guitars and cellos are also subject to oversize service charges. American Airlines recently increased the cost of traveling with large instruments:

• Small Musical Instruments: $40 domestic, $65 international

• Medium Instruments: $150 domestic, $200 international

• Oversized Instruments: $300 domestic, $400 international

• Booking a seat for your instrument may help avoid baggage fees. Carrying on smaller instruments is free. But larger instruments must meet carry-on size limits.

• Always measure your sports and music gear before heading to the airport. Some items, like golf and hockey bags, often exceed both the size and weight limits, requiring multiple oversize and overweight fees.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

• Yes, American Airlines allows you to prepay checked bag fees:

• When Booking: Paying baggage fees upfront while booking locks in the rate and guarantees space for your bags.

• Online Check-In: Fees can be prepaid any time from 24 hours to 15 minutes before your scheduled departure during online check-in.

• At Airport Kiosk: Checked bag fees can also be paid when printing boarding passes at airport self-service kiosks.

• Prepaying baggage is highly recommended, especially for overweight and oversized bags. It reserves space and ensures your bags fly with you.

• You cannot prepay for pets traveling in cargo, oversized musical instruments, or extra bags not included in your reservation. These must be paid when checking in at the airport.

Weight Limits

• American Airlines enforces weight restrictions for checked bags on all routes:

• Domestic & Short-Haul International

• First Class/Business: 70 lbs (32 kg)

• Economy: 50 lbs (23 kg)

• Long-Haul International

• First Class/Business: 70 lbs (32 kg)

• Economy: 51 lbs (23 kg)

• Overweight Fees

• Going over the standard weight allowances incurs overweight baggage fees:

• $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg)

• $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (32-45 kg)

• $250 for bags 101+ lbs (45+ kg)

• Weigh your bags at home before packing to avoid overweight surprises. Scale apps can provide estimated bag weights too.

• Distribute heavy items into multiple lighter bags. Wearing heavy boots and clothing helps lighten packed luggage too.

Size Limits and Special Items

• Along with weight limits, American Airlines enforces size restrictions for checked bags:

• Standard Bag Size

• Up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) - length + width + height

• Oversize Fees

• $150 for bags 63-80 linear inches (over 158 cm)

• $200 for bags 81-115 linear inches (over 292 cm)

• Special Items

• Car seats, strollers, and mobility aids fly free when checked

• Surfboards, bikes, golf clubs, and other sports gear are considered oversized

• Fishing poles and ski bags can be checked oversized for just $30 domestically

• Measure all bags to confirm their dimensions fit within American's size limits before heading to the airport. Overstuffing bags causes many travelers to unknowingly incur oversize charges.

Exclusions and Waivers

• Some select baggage is excluded from American's typical size and weight policies, including:

• Active duty U.S. military bags when traveling on official orders

• Assistive medical devices like wheelchairs, canes, and walkers

• Car seats, strollers, and other baby gear when checked in original packaging

• American may also waive oversize or overweight charges on a case by case basis depending on cargo space availability. But waivers are not guaranteed, especially during holidays and summer travel season.

• Always call American Airlines before your trip if you plan to check unusual, non-standard, extra large, or overweight baggage. Advance notice improves your odds of a waiver, as crew can plan accordingly.

Bottom Line

• Understanding American Airlines' baggage policies is key to avoiding fees for your checked luggage. While rules vary based on elite status, credit cards, and other factors, these tips can help all passengers:

• Weigh bags at home to avoid overweight charges

• Measure dimensions to prevent oversize costs

• Distribute weight across multiple lighter bags

• Ship heavy, odd-shaped gear instead of checking it

• Book premium cabins for more generous allowances

• Watch for seasonal restrictions to popular destinations

• Prepay bag fees online for best rates and guaranteed space

• Following American's guidelines for carry-on and checked baggage ensures you start any trip off on the right foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How early can I check bags with American Airlines?

•     You can check bags up to 24 hours before domestic flights and usually 48 hours before international flights. Prepaid bags can be checked in 15 minutes before the flight.

• Does American Airlines allow pool sharing of checked bags?

•     Yes, on domestic flights American allows up to four passengers booked together to check their bags together under one person's name if each person's bags stay under the standard size and weight limits.

• What is American's policy for musical instruments?

•     Small instruments under 18 x 14 x 8 inches fly free in cabin. Larger instruments must be checked for $150-400 based on route and size or booked an extra seat starting at $150.

• Can I lock my checked bags on American Airlines?

•     Yes, TSA approved locks can be used to secure your checked baggage on American Airlines. Make sure not to lock any bags containing firearms, which must be declared.

• Does American Airlines use a hub and spoke system?

•     Yes, American operates a hub and spoke network connecting regional flights through nine major airline hubs in cities like Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

• What does it cost to check extra bags on American Airlines?

•     On domestic flights, the 3rd checked bag is $150 and additional bags are $200 each. For international routes, additional bags beyond your free allowance are $200 per extra bag.

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