Last Updated: July 3, 2023
American Airline Baggage Allowance: All You Need To Know
Got a flight coming up with American Airlines but you’re not sure about their baggage allowance and policies? Then you’re in the right place because this detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about the various baggage allowances on flights with American Airlines!
One important thing you should know is that the rules mostly depend on the destination of the flight, and they’re not the same if you’re flying within the US, or from North America to Asia. So, keep reading to find out the most important rules about baggage allowance on American Airlines!
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American Airlines Policy on Carry-on Bags
Passengers on all American Airlines flights are allowed to bring a carry-on bag and a small personal item inside the cabin. This includes basic economy passengers as well, which wasn’t the case until recently.
The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18” x 14” x 8” (45 x 35 x 20 cm), while the maximum dimensions for the larger carry-on bag are 22” x 14” x 9” (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters). These two luggage sizes are included in your plane ticket no matter what, and it’s important to note that the maximum weight of carry-on items is 40 lbs (18 kg), which is a very generous allowance.
Passengers who are traveling with children should know that soft-sided cooler bags and diaper bags do not count towards the carry-on baggage allowance and can be brought inside the cabin, in addition to your other luggage.
American Airlines Policy on Checked Bags
American Airlines baggage allowance for luggage in the hold is up to 10 bags on domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific trips, but up to 5 bags for flights to South America, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Brazil.
Passengers with economy class tickets can check a bag that weighs up to 50 lbs, while business and first-class passengers can check bags that are up to 70 lbs. It’s worth noting that Economy passengers do not get a free checked bag and they must pay a fee if they have a suitcase that must go in the hold.
The fees for checked baggage depend on where you’re flying to and how many bags you’re checking, but they usually start at $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second bag, and up to $200 for the fourth bag and any additional bags.
Another thing to note is that premium cabin passengers are entitled to a free checked bag, as well as loyalty members of special American Airlines partner programs. On some flights, first-class passengers can bring up to two checked bags for free, but that really depends on the flight destination and season.
American Airlines Policy on Excess Baggage
Fees for Excess Baggage
American Airlines baggage fees are charged to all passengers who bring more luggage than their ticket allows. Economy class passengers must pay to have a bag checked, and they can do this either when buying the ticket or at the airport check-in desk.
The airlines will let passengers check up to 5 or 10 bags depending on the flight destination, but the fees for traveling with more than one checked bag are quite high. It’s usually $30-75 for the first checked bag, $40-100 for the second, $150-200 for the third, and $200 for the fourth and every other bag you want to check.
Fees for Overweight Baggage
Economy passengers can check a bag that weighs up to 50 lbs on an American Airlines flight. Premium cabin passengers are allowed to check bags that weigh up to 70 lbs, and if your checked bag exceeds the airline’s weight limits, you will be required to pay an overweight baggage fee. It’s worth noting that American Airlines does not accept any luggage that weighs more than 100 lbs.
The fee for a bag that weighs 51-70 lbs is $100 per item, per flight to most destinations, except for Cuba ($200). For a bag that weighs 71-100 lbs, you’ll need to pay $200-450 on some flights, and on flights to Cuba, Israel, Qatar, Europe, and Australia, the bag won’t be accepted at all.
Fees for Oversized Baggage
American Airlines charges oversized bag fees to passengers who bring luggage that exceeds the airline’s maximum baggage dimensions. If you bring a carry-on bag that exceeds the company’s maximum dimensions for cabin bags, you will be forced to check and pay the checked baggage fee.
This airline does not accept any bags that exceed 126”. For bags that are between 62” and 126”, an oversized baggage fee of $150 or $200 can be applied, depending on the flight destination.
American Airlines Policy on Sports Equipment
Passengers can travel with sports equipment on American Airlines flights. The maximum linear size for sports equipment is 126” and the maximum weight is 70 lbs, but passengers are charged a standard 50-lbs checked baggage fee for sports equipment that meets these regulations, meaning that overweight and oversized baggage fees don’t apply.
However, if your sports equipment contains any additional items, you will be charged standard baggage fees depending on the size and weight of the items, and additional fees can be applied.
American Airlines Policy on Musical Instruments & Other Special Items
Depending on the size and weight of the musical instrument, it can be regarded as a carry-on, a checked item, or require an extra airplane seat. Instruments that can fit in the overhead bin or under an airplane seat will be regarded as cabin luggage, and you can bring them on the airplane without paying any additional fees.
Musical instruments that do not fit inside overhead bins on airplanes and which are up to 150 inches and 165 lbs must be checked. Standard baggage fees apply in these cases. Additionally, it is possible to buy an additional seat for an instrument for the standard price, but the instrument bag must not weigh more than 165 lbs.
If you’ve got a musical instrument that exceeds all these dimensions, you can only ship it by cargo.
Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees on American Airlines
Travel with just the carry-on. Since the airline decided to allow Basic Economy passengers to bring carry-on luggage on international and domestic flights, it’s really worth the money to pack light. You can easily pack for a week-long trip in the two bags that are included with all American Airlines tickets, and you’ll save quite a lot of money in the process.
Weigh all your bags at home. Whether you’re traveling with just a carry-on or a checked bag, make sure to weigh the luggage at home to ensure it’s under the maximum weight limit. Also, if your luggage is close to the weight limit, I would suggest you take something out, just so you have the option of purchasing something on the trip and taking it home without incurring overweight baggage fees.
Pay for any additional baggage in advance. It’s usually cheaper to pay for an extra bag either when buying the tickets or at the check-in, as opposed to at the gate. Plan your trip on time and pay for everything in advance, to save money on baggage fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags can I take on American Airlines for free?
All passengers are allowed at least two complimentary bags. This entails a small personal item and a carry-on bag that is not taller than 22”. Business and first-class passengers, as well as loyalty members of select American Airlines’ partners, are also allowed 2-3 free checked bags, depending on the flight destination.
Does American Airlines allow 2 free checked bags?
Only passengers who purchase first and business plus tickets are allowed to check two bags for free, as well as passengers who are members of certain frequent flyer and loyalty programs.
How much is a 23kg bag on American Airlines?
A 23 kg / 50 lbs bag can cost $30-75, depending on the flight destination. Checked bags are the most expensive on Transatlantic and Transpacific flights.
Do loyalty program members or frequent flyers receive any exceptions or special considerations regarding luggage allowance?
Yes, loyalty program members and frequent flyers are eligible for free checked luggage if they can prove their status. Members of AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro®, and oneworld® Emerald are eligible for up to three free checked bags, as well as all First and Business Plus passengers, and Active U.S. military personnel.
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About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
