American Airlines Baggage Allowance & Policy

Table of Contents

• American Airlines Baggage Policies
  • American Airlines Baggage Policies for Carry-On Bags 
    • American Airlines Carry-On Bag Size
    • AMERICAN AIRLINES CARRY-ON BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT
  • American Airlines Baggage Policies for Checked Bags 
    • American Airlines check-in baggage weight
    • American Airlines check-in baggage size
  • American Airlines Weight Limit
  • American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees
    • Oversize Baggage Fee
    • American Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee
  • American Airlines Domestic and International Baggage Fees
  • How do I avoid baggage fees on American Airlines?
    • American Airlines Baggage Fees for Checked Baggage Exceptional Item
  • American Airline baggage allowance for Active-duty Military 
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

Want to learn about American Airlines baggage allowance and fees in more detail? On this page, we have bought an easy and detailed guide to American Airlines' baggage allowance policy for your upcoming trip. 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. American Airlines baggage allowance may differ depending on the fare type and route. Let's understand the American Airlines baggage policy in detail.

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, or Brazil. Bags weighing 51–70 lbs. (23.1–32 kg) are allowed according to the American Airlines baggage policy.

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 American Airlines baggage rules:- 

American Airlines Baggage Policies for Carry-On Bags 

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 American Airlines baggage policy, they must fit under the seat in front of you. American Airlines carry-on dimensions is 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 policies, American Airlines carry-on dimensions 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 baggage policy 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 BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT

American Airlines keeps a close eye on both carry-on weight and dimensions, unlike some other airlines. American Airlines carry-on baggage weight limit is forty pounds (18 kg).

American Airlines Baggage Policies for Checked Bags 

As per American Airlines baggage allowance, if your flight is domestic, transatlantic, or transpacific, you can check with American Airlines up to 10 times per passenger. 

If your trip includes travel to or from Brazil, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America, you can check up to 5 bags per passenger. 

American Airlines check-in baggage weight

American Airlines check-in baggage weight is calculated by adding length + width + height. This total must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches). American Airlines check-in baggage weight should not exceed 23 kg (50 lbs). 

American Airlines check-in baggage size

The total dimension of American airline check-in baggage is 62 inches (158 cm) 

American Airlines Weight Limit

American airline baggage size is 50 pounds per bag for Economy Class passengers and 70 pounds per bag for passengers and customers travelling to Australia and New Zealand American Airlines does not accept bags over 100 pounds and a $30 fee for checked bags of 50 pounds. American Airlines baggage dimensions of Business and first-class customers can check two bags up to £70 for free. 

American Airlines baggage weight limit over 70 pounds is not allowed on flights to certain destinations: 

• Cuba 
• Europe
• Israel and Qatar 
• Australia and New Zealand (not allowed for flow out or in).

American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

Oversize Baggage Fee

The oversized baggage fees for checked bags between 62 in/158 cm and 126 in/320 cm 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

American Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee

For weights between 51 lbs (23 kg) and 70 lbs (32 kg), American Airlines overweight baggage 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 kg) and 100 lbs (45 kg), 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)

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 of American Airlines international baggage allowance and domestic baggage allowance - 

How do I avoid baggage fees on American Airlines?

There are many ways in which you can avoid paying American Airlines baggage fees. 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 Advantage. 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:

• Advantage Gold: one free checked bag
• Advantage Platinum: two free checked bags
• Advantage Platinum Pro: three free checked bags
• Advantage 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. American Airlines baggage fees for overweight and excessive luggage varies depending on your location, per American Airlines baggage rules. As per American Airlines luggage policies, this cost is per person and is not refundable, even if your flight is canceled.

American Airline baggage allowance for Active-duty Military 

Military personnel and their dependents are allowed to check up to 5 checked bags for travel on the book. If you are an active duty member of the US military.

Conclusion

It is very necessary to review all the specific details of American Airlines baggage rules before your flight to avoid any inconvenience and unexpected American Airlines baggage fees. This airline’s official website provides up-to-date information on American Airlines baggage policy, and it can help you plan accordingly for your upcoming trip. 

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 American Airline baggage policy, 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.

• How much can a suitcase weigh on American Airlines? 

American Airlines baggage size: 62 inches/158 cm. 

Bag weight American Airlines: 50 lbs/23 kg. 

For First / Business, the weight is 70 pounds / 32 kg for free bags and 50 pounds / 23 kg for other bags.

• Does American Airlines charge you for bags? 

Like most airlines, American Airlines charges a fee for checked baggage. These costs can add up quickly, especially if there is more than one piece of luggage or multiple passengers. American Airlines baggage fees based on where you fly, as well as size and weight limits.

• Is American Airlines strict about baggage weight?

Bag weight American airline: American Airlines does not accept checked baggage over 100 lbs/45kg. 

• Is there any baggage limit or size restriction for checked baggage? 

There is no specific American Airlines baggage limit for checked baggage. But the bags must be handled by baggage handlers.