American Airlines Baggage Policy:

Have you ever been in a long line at the airport nervously changing items in your bags with people behind you giving you impatient looks? This baggage policy confusion is a challenge many travelers have with American Airlines, and it can surprise anybody.

No one wants their trip to start off with additional costs due to surprise fees or the stress of "I can't believe I forgot something!" That is why understanding the baggage policy of American Airlines to pack to avoid surprise costs is essential. It helps travelers with costs, prevents extra time at the check-in counter, and creates a more pleasant experience.

Below I have summarized the American Airlines baggage allowance. You need to know about the baggage policy before you pack your bags with the rules for carry-on bags, personal items, and checked baggage. The information listed includes the size and weight limit allowed, baggage rules related to the ticket class purchased (Premium Economy, Business, or First Class), and some additional exceptions that you may not hear about elsewhere. After reading this, you will be ready to pack and hopefully avoid any pre-flight surprises.

What is American Airlines' (AA) carry-on baggage policy?

Knowing what is permitted on American Airlines is very valuable information for your packing needs. Each passenger is allowed one carry-on and one personal item for free. A carry-on bag goes in the overhead compartment and cannot be larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. A personal item can be a purse, a backpack, or a laptop case; however, it goes under your seat and cannot be larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

There is some good news: if you are traveling with a stroller, infant diaper bag, or if you need some form of mobility aid, these items are not counted in the preceding allowance, so some families and travelers with specific needs can have some extra ease in their travel plans. American Airlines is very strict on their size limits, so it makes sense to always store your bag for this trip fully and before testing your luck at the airport. If you adhere to the size limits, you will have had a smoother check-in, and you can focus on a comfortable flight.

What is American Airlines' (AA) checked baggage/hold luggage policy?

Being aware of checked baggage rules for American Airlines can save you additional charges and hassle when traveling through the airport. For most domestic flights, your first checked bag is, generally speaking, not included as a part of your ticket price unless you are traveling in the premium cabin, are an elite status member, or have paid for a fare that includes bags. In the absence of one of those options, you will pay bag fees starting with your first bag.

Each checked bag must not exceed the standard dimensions of 62 linear inches (length + height + width) and no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) for economy passengers. If you are traveling business or first class, or if you are an elite member, then you may be permitted a heavier bag—in those cases, you may be able to check a bag as heavy as 70 lbs (32 kg) without paying additional fees.

Paying oversize and overweight fees can add up quickly, so it's always a good idea to measure before you leave the house. American Airlines also accepts special items and also has regulations around special items like sports bags and musical instruments.

Are there fees for baggage on American Airlines (AA)?

Yes, in general, American Airlines charges fees for checked baggage. If you fly from point to point within the U.S. on a basic economy or main cabin ticket, you'll normally pay for your first checked bag. The amount you have to pay will depend on your route, but normally, the fee for your first bag starts at approximately $30, and your second bag will be somewhere between $50 and $75. The fees go up for international flights, unless your fare includes one free checked bag (the rules vary based on your ticketing type and destination.)

What is good to know? If you travel first class or business class or have some level of elite status in either AAdvantage or oneworld, you may have at least one or both checked bags for free. Specific co-branded American Airlines credit cards will also eliminate the first bag fee for you and sometimes your traveling companions as well.

When it comes to bag fees, the numbers can add up quickly, so it is always a best practice to double-check the details on your ticket before packing so that you don't have any surprises at your airport.

What is American Airlines' (AA) fee for excess baggage?

A little something extra may not be as expensive as you thought flying American Airlines. They charge for extra bags, but if your checked bag is overweight or oversized...you are going to have an extra fee plus the normal checked bag fee. For most economy customers, you have an added fee if your checked bag weighs over 51-70 lbs (24-32 kg) and again at an even more expensive 71-100 lbs (33-45 kg). American Airlines does not accept checked bags that weigh over 100 lbs (45 kg).

If your bag is going to take up that much room, you won't escape those extra fees. Depending on how much the checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches (length + width + height), you are subject to an even bigger oversize fee.

All of these prices can definitely add up and could even exceed what you had paid for your ticket; therefore, you want to be cognizant of avoiding going in blind.

The best answer? Weigh and measure the size of your bags before getting to the airport. Planning ahead and weighing your bags can save you cash (fees) and the stress of self-checking in.

What is American Airlines' (AA) fee for overweight baggage?

Be ready to shell out extra if your suitcase weighs a bit more when flying with American Airlines. Because if an overweight charge applies, that charge will be added to the price of a checked bag. This applies to most passengers in the main cabin if a checked bag weighs 51–70 lbs (24–32 kg). 71–100 lbs (33–45 kg) carry a hefty fee! Anything above 100 lbs (45 kg) is unaccepted and must be repackaged or shipped separately.

The fee really depends on the route, but overweight charges can be up to $100-$450 for each bag, which is one of the most expensive add-ons you can acquire. If you can prevent yourself stress (and extra cost), just weigh your luggage before you get to the airport. There is a good chance redistributing even a few pounds into a carry-on can save you those hefty fees.

What is American Airlines' (AA) fee for oversize baggage?

In some cases, it isn't just what your bag weighs to see if you can check it on American Airlines; it is also how big your bag is that can incur additional charges. In other words, if your checked bag exceeds the maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (length + width + height), then you will incur an oversize bag fee plus your checked baggage. If the bag's linear measurement is between 63 and 126, you will still be accepted and incur excessive fees, sometimes around $150 or over $200+, depending on your itinerary. Any bags over 126 linear inches will be unacceptable, so you might want to consider shipping oversized items separately. There are sometimes exceptions for sports equipment and sometimes musical instruments, so you will want to check on your specific situation.

Overall the key takeaway is to measure your bag prior to going to the airport. If you have your luggage dimensions known ahead of time, that can prevent you from rushing to repack your bag and also avoid anything else more expensive that may come from that.

"How many bags can I bring for free on American Airlines?
You may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. Checked bags normally have an added fee unless you are fare restricted and fly internationally (to/from the US), fly in premium cabins, or have privileges for elite-status/credit-card rewards.

 FHQ Questions 

(1) What is the cost of a checked bag?
On most US domestic flights, the first checked bag is $30, the second $40, and other bags can cost more. For international routes, usually, the first bag is free (and with your fare), and the airline's free policy is supposed to accede to additional free bags, as you require them to be covered by your ticket.

(2) What happens if my bag is overweight?
Bags 51-70 lbs (24-32 kg) or heavier are subject to an extra fee; 71-100 lbs (33-45 kg) next assess an even healthy enhanced fee. Anything over 100 lbs will not be accepted aboard the aircraft.

(3) Are oversize bags permitted?
Yes; however, oversize bags would fall under oversize limits. If your bag arrives at 63-126 inches (L+W+H), you will incur oversize charges. If a bag exceeds 126 inches, it will not be permitted on board.

(4) May I bring special items like sports equipment or strollers?
Yes; however, it is best to follow any special operational rules for each airline. Strollers, car seats, and diaper bags can fly for free for children. Sports equipment and musical instruments can fly provided you follow the size or weight related to your fare.

(5) How do I get rid of baggage fees?
Fly in premium cabins, earn AAdvantage elite status, or have one of the few AA credit cards that waive the first checked bag fee for you (and sometimes companions).