American Airlines Baggage Policy

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Before heading to flight, it's always advisable for passengers to review the American Airlines Baggage Policy. According to the policy, there are several important details every passenger should know to avoid any issues at check-in or boarding. American Airlines, a leading airline in the industry, boasts a large fleet, high revenue, and strong passenger satisfaction. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, American Airlines operates flights to nearly 273 destinations across 4 continents. Let’s dive into the details of the American Airlines Baggage Policy.

American Airlines Carry-On Bag Size Requirements

American Airlines has specific restrictions for carry-on bags. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Dimensions: Carry-on bags must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

  • Sizer Check: Bags must fit in the sizer at the departure gate. If your bag doesn't fit, it will need to be checked.

  • Fees: If a carry-on is too large and needs to be checked, American Airlines charges a fee ranging from $30 to $200, depending on your destination and the number of bags you’ve already checked.

American Airlines Carry-On Weight Restrictions

American Airlines has specific limits for carry-on luggage, including both size and weight. The maximum weight permitted for a carry-on bag is 40 pounds (18 kg).

American Airlines Baggage Restrictions

American Airlines has strict rules to ensure passenger safety. Here's what you need to know:

  • Prohibited Items:

    • Sharp objects (scissors, knives)

    • Lithium batteries (flammable)

    • Mace, tear gas, or pepper spray

    • Explosives, arms, and ammunition

    • Marijuana (illegal in most countries)

    • Aerosol sprays

  • Exempt Items:

    • Diaper bags

    • Medical or mobility devices (e.g., collapsible walkers, wheelchairs)

    • Comfort items (e.g., seat pillows, footrests)

Note: Exempt items do not count towards your carry-on or checked baggage limits.

American Airlines Checked Baggage

Here's a quick guide to American Airlines' checked baggage rules:

Details

Policy

Maximum Number of Bags

Up to 10 checked bags

Maximum Dimensions

62 inches (length + width + height)

Economy Class Weight Limit

50 pounds per bag

Business Class Weight Limit

70 pounds per bag

Domestic Economy Fee

Starts at $30, varies by number of bags and destination

Oversized/Overweight Fees

Additional charges apply

Business Class Benefits

2 free checked bags up to 70 pounds each

First-Class Benefits

3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds each


American Airlines Oversized and Overweight Baggage

Criteria

Policy

Maximum Dimensions

126 inches (320 cm) total (length + width + height)

Maximum Weight

100 pounds (45 kg)

Acceptance

Bags exceeding these limits will be rejected

Fees

Additional fees apply for oversized or overweight bags, varying by destination

For precise fees and further details, visit the American Airlines website before your journey.

American Airlines Additional Baggage Fees

American Airlines charges extra fees for carry-on baggage that exceeds size and weight limits. Here’s a breakdown of the costs for overweight and oversized bags on Trans-Pacific flights:

Overweight Baggage Fees:

  • 51–70 pounds: $100

  • 71–100 pounds: $450

Oversized Baggage Fees:

  • 62–126 inches: $200

For the most accurate and updated fees, check the American Airlines website.

American Airlines Baggage Fees or Charges

Class

1st Bag

2nd Bag

3rd Bag

4th Bag

Overweight/Oversized Bags

Basic Economy

30

40

150

200

$100 – $200

Economy

30

40

150

200

$100 – $200

Premium Economy

0

0

150

200

$100 – $200

Business Class

0

0

150

200

$100 – $200

First Class

0

0

150

200

$100 – $200


Note: Fees for overweight and oversized bags vary by destination. For more details, visit the American Airlines website.

Frequently Asked Questions On American Airlines Baggage Allowance

Can I pay for my baggage online with American Airlines?

Yes, American Airlines allows you to pay for baggage online within 24 hours of departure. 

Do the military get free bags on American Airlines?

Yes, active U.S. military members can check up to 5 bags free of charge when traveling on official orders and up to 3 bags at no cost for personal travel.

Is there a weight limit on carry-on bags for American Airlines?

As per the American Airlines Baggage Policy, the carry-on size including wheels and handles must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and must fit in the size at the airport. Apart from that, if you have any soft side garment bag, then its size must not exceed 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height).

Do military dependents get free checked bags on American Airlines?

For the personnels in active U.S. military have the right to carry up to 5 bags free of cost. 

Does American Airlines charge for baggage?

Yes, this policy applies to economy class passengers. However, elite tier members and their guests enjoy additional benefits:

  • AAdvantage Gold: 1 free checked bag

  • AAdvantage Platinum: 2 free checked bags

  • AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 3 free checked bags

What liquids can go in checked baggage?

According to American Airlines baggage policy, passengers are restricted to carrying a total of 70 ounces of liquid. Additionally, no individual container can exceed 16 fluid ounces.

How to purchase extra baggage with American Airlines?

Yes,  you can pay for the extra baggage at the time of check-in on aa.com or via the app.

Is American Airlines strict about baggage weight?

Yes, American Airlines doesn't accept checked baggage over 45 kgs.

Can I add checked baggage after booking american airlines?

Yes, passengers can add extra carry-on or checked baggage even after booking. This can be done online or through the mobile app.

How many pieces of baggage can I take on American Airlines?

The passengers can take one carry-on and one personal item like laptop along with them. Please make sure your carry on must fit under the booked seat. 

What is baggage allowance on American Airlines international flight?

For international flights, economy passengers are allowed one free checked bag with a weight limit of 23 kg and maximum dimensions of 158 cm. Additional bags can be added for a fee of $100.

How do you pay for checked baggage on American Airlines?

The passengers can pay for the checked baggage online. They can check in up to 3 bags in total on American Airlines website or they can use mobile apps as well. For additional  information, feel free to contact AA's customer service team.

How much does overweight baggage cost on American Airlines?

American Airlines charges overweight baggage fees for bags over 50 lbs. The fees are $100 for bags weighing 51-70 lbs and $200 for bags weighing 71-100 lbs, in addition to standard and oversized baggage fees.

Can you prepay for checked baggage on American Airlines?

Yes, passengers can pay for their baggage from 24 hours after booking until 4 hours before departure.

How to add baggage on American Airlines?

The passengers can check up to 3 bags via online mode or via the app. For more details, you can also get in touch with the AA’s customer support department.

How much is baggage on american airlines?

The fees for checked baggage are $40 for the first bag, $45 for the second, $150 for the third, and $200 for the fourth.

What is the weight limit for carry-on baggage on American Airlines?

There are no specific weight restrictions. However, the dimension for one carry on item is 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm). For personal items the dimension should be 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Can an infant travel on the lap of an adult on American Airlines?

Yes, only one infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult, and the infant must be included in the reservation.

How much do I pay for extra baggage on American Airlines?

If you are looking forward to checking more than two bags, then for the third bag you have to pay the fee $150 and if you wish to check the fourth bag, then it will cost you $200.

Where can I find the airline baggage allowance chart?

You can find the airline baggage allowance chart on the official website of the airline you are flying with.

Which of the following items are prohibited in checked baggage in American Airlines?

Items like fireworks, gas, toxic substances, lithium batteries and more.

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