American Airlines Baggage Allowance & Policy

American Airlines is a major US airline, operating over 950 aircraft from its many hubs across the United States, including Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, Miami, and many more. Let's understand what their baggage policies are!

American Airlines baggage policies

As per American Airlines baggage policy, you can check 10 bags if your trip is domestic, transatlantic, or transpacific. You can check up to 5 bags if you are traveling to, through/from Mexico/Caribbean/Central America, South America, and Brazil. Bags weighing 51 - 70 lbs. (23.1–32 kg) are allowed according to the baggage policy of American Airlines.

American Airlines has seasonal limitations on the baggage allowance as well. The weight and dimensions of baggage depend on the cabin you are traveling in:

• Basic Economy Class: 23 kilograms/50 pounds
• Business Class: 32 kilograms/70 pounds
• First Class: 32 kilograms/70 pounds

The table below will explain the dates and numbers. of bags, and countries having seasonal limitations according to the baggage allowance policy of American Airlines:

AMERICAN AIRLINES CARRY-ON BAG SIZE

You can take one personal item and one carry-on with you. Items like a purse or small handbag are considered personal items, and following the baggage policy of American Airlines, they must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions allowed are 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

According to American Airlines baggage policy, the below-mentioned items don’t count as personal items or carry-ons:

• Diaper bags (1 per child)
• Breast pump
• A small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk
• Strollers, child safety seats, and medical or mobility equipment

In line with the American Airlines luggage allowance, the size and other requirements for carry-on are:

• The size of the bag shouldn’t exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters (including handles and wheels).
• It must fit in the sizer at the airport.
• If the items don’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, you will have to check them. 

American Airlines recommends labeling your carry-on the same way you do for checked bags in case they don't fit and have to be checked. They will check your bag for free if it does not fit in the overhead cabin.

Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches or 130 cm (length + width + height) will also be considered a carry-on.

Musical instruments should also be packed as carry-on luggage; they should fit under the seat in front of you or the overhead bin.

Also, when traveling with a pet, your pet carrier will be considered a carry-on, provided in-cabin rules are followed. Fees for pets are also charged.

AMERICAN AIRLINES CARRY-ON WEIGHT LIMIT

American Airlines keeps a close eye on both carry-on weight and dimensions, unlike some other airlines. The maximum weight that can be checked on American Airlines is forty pounds (18 kg).

American Airlines domestic and international baggage fees

According to American Airlines' baggage policy, they have different domestic and international baggage fees. Please refer to the table for a better understanding:

How to Avoid Baggage Fees on American Airlines

There are many ways in which you can avoid paying for baggage. You can: 

• purchase premium tickets.
• Check bags through select airline credit cards. Through Barclays and Citi, American Airlines provides co-branded rewards cards.  
• They have a frequent flyer program, American Airlines AAdvantage. With American Airlines, you can achieve elite status.
•  According to American Airlines baggage policy, the advantage will let you have free checked bags for yourself and select travel companions as well. 

There are four elite status tiers in the airline's loyalty program, and each one grants free checked baggage on American Airlines flights:

• AAdvantage Gold: one free checked bag
• AAdvantage Platinum: two free checked bags
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro: three free checked bags
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum: three free checked bags

• Travel credits are provided by credit cards to assist with the additional costs. 

American Airlines Baggage Fees for Checked Baggage Exceptional Item

Packing requirements, rules, and exceptions apply to particular objects. The cost of overweight and excessive luggage varies depending on your location, per American Airlines baggage rules. This cost is per person and is not refundable, even if your flight is canceled.

Oversize Baggage Fee

The oversized baggage fees for checked bags between 62in/158cm-126in/320cm according to the destination are as follows:

• Mexico/Caribbean/Central America (except Panama)*: $200
• South America and Panama: $150
• Europe (transatlantic)-$150
• China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Australia (transpacific): $200
• Between the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada: $200

Overweight Baggage Fee

For weights between 51 lbs / 23 kgs - 70 lbs / 32 kgs the fee for the following destinations is $100:

• Mexico/ Caribbean / Central and South America
• Europe (transatlantic)
• Between U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada
• China, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, and South Korea (transpacific)
• For weights between 71 lbs / 32 kgs - 100 lbs / 45 kgs, the fee varies according to the destination.
• Mexico / Caribbean / Central, and South America: $200 (not accepted to/from Cuba)
• Europe (transatlantic): not acceptable
• Between the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada-$200
• China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Australia (transpacific)-$450 (Not accepted to/from Australia)

FAQs

• How much extra will I have to pay for overweight baggage?

According to American Airlines Baggage Policy, you will have to pay $100  for overweight baggage.

• How many carry-ons can I take with me?

According to the baggage rules of American Airlines, in most cities, two bags of carry-ons are allowed. Provided you obey the rules for weight and size.

• What is the baggage weight limit for the basic economy class?

According to American Airlines baggage policy, 23 kg / 50 pounds is the weight limit for basic economy class.