American Airlines Baggage Rules: Complete Guide
Understanding American Airlines Baggage Policy
Figuring out the baggage policy for American Airlines is key if you want your journey to go smoothly. Here’s the scoop on what you gotta know about taking your carry-on and personal items with you.
Carry-On Bag Allowance
When you’re flying with American Airlines, you’re in luck—you can carry a bag and a personal item. Think of that carry-on as your in-flight survival kit, storing anything you may want access to, like snacks or that magazine you’ve been meaning to read.
The size of your carry-on matters, so make sure it doesn’t get bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). And that’s including the handles and wheels—gotta fit in the overhead bin or snug under the seat.
| Bag Type | Max Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Carry-On Bag | 22 x 14 x 9 in |
| (56 x 36 x 23 cm) |
Wanna know more baggage rules? Check out our guides for Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Personal Item Guidelines
Besides your carry-on, you get to bring one personal item with you onboard American Airlines. These can be something like a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or a briefcase. It just has to be able to squeeze under the seat.
Aim to keep your personal item under 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
| Item Type | Max Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Personal Item | 18 x 14 x 8 in |
| (45 x 35 x 20 cm) |
This way, you’re keeping the tiny bags well-ordered under seats, letting large carry-ons take their rightful places above.
Need more tips on other airlines? Head over to see our insights on British Airways and Emirates.
For the fine print and latest updates, visit the official American Airlines carry-on baggage page and Travelpro.
Special Items and Pet Carriers
Flying with stuff that matters to you or your lovable pal on American Airlines can be way less stressful if you know the ropes. Let’s get you up to speed so you’re all set for takeoff.
Carrying Pets on Board
Thinking of taking your pet along? American Airlines lets you bring ’em, as long as they’re small enough to chill in a carrier under the seat. It’ll cost you $125 to have your furball as a flying buddy (Travelpro). Keep these points in mind for the journey:
| What You Need to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee for Pet Carrier | $125.00 |
| Max Carrier Size | 19″ x 13″ x 9″ (48.3 x 33 x 22.9 cm) |
| Allowed Pet Types | Dogs and Cats |
For all the nitty-gritty details, check out American Airlines’ pet travel policies.
Musical Instruments as Carry-On
Got a guitar or violin you can’t leave behind? You’re good to go. American Airlines lets you swap your standard carry-on for a musical instrument, as long as it plays nice in the overhead bin or squeezes under the seat (Travelpro). Here’s what you need to know:
- Instruments like guitars and violins fit right in as carry-on items.
- Soft-sided garment bags are also cool as carry-on substitutes.
- Make sure your instrument plays by the rules for size and weight.
These rules mean your precious instruments stay safe and sound with you, free from baggage carousel misadventures. If you need more details on this and other stuff like sports gear, hop over to American Airlines’ specialty and sports equipment guidelines.
Planning a bigger trip or flying with another airline? Here are some quick links to help get everything sorted:
- Delta Air Lines Baggage Allowance
- United Airlines Baggage Allowance
- Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance
- British Airways Baggage Allowance
- Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance
Being in the know helps you plan better, so you and your precious cargo have a smooth flight without any surprises somewhere 30,000 feet in the air.
Checked Baggage Rules
Weight and Size Restrictions
Flying with American Airlines? Make sure your suitcase doesn’t pack more than just clothes. Following their weight and size restrictions for checked bags can help you dodge those nasty extra charges.
Size Restrictions
- Your checked bag must fit within 115 inches when you add up length, width, and height (American Airlines).
Weight Restrictions
- 50 lbs is your limit for checked bags if you’re just a regular Joe or Jane flying coach.
- Flying in style? Business and Domestic First flyers can bring bags swinging up to 70 lbs, no extra fee.
- Fancy titles like Flagship® First, Flagship® Business Plus, or AAdvantage Executive Platinum®? You, too, can lug bags up to 70 lbs without the nasty surprise of a bill.
- Warning: Bags tipping the scales over 100 lbs? Not happening on American Airlines’ flights (American Airlines).
Number of Free Checked Bags
How many bags you can freely wave through on American Airlines depends on your ticket type, where you’re headed, and if you have any fancy memberships.
| Class of Service | Number of Free Bags | Weight per Bag (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1 (for Basic and Main) | 50 lbs |
| Premium Economy | 2 | 50 lbs |
| Business | 2 | 70 lbs |
| First | 3 | 70 lbs |
Details for the perks party:
- AAdvantage® Status Members: Play your status card right, and you might waltz on with up to 3 free checked bags. Just be sure your AAdvantage® number’s in your reservation (American Airlines Baggage Policy).
- Heading to or from Australia or New Zealand? Their rules mean:
- 1 freebie bag if you’re in Basic or Main
- 2 bags free for Premium Economy or Business flyers
- 3 bags free for First class (American Airlines)
Keeping these perks in mind can help your wallet breathe easy, especially if you’re zooming across the globe. Curious how other airlines stack up? Check out Delta Airlines baggage allowance or United Airlines baggage allowance to compare.
Oversize and Overweight Bag Fees
Got a bag that requires its own zip code? You’re gonna pay for that. Here’s the lowdown on how much it’ll hurt your wallet if your luggage gets too beefy or cumbersome when flying with American Airlines.
Updated Fees as of 2024
American Airlines is shaking things up with new baggage charges from February 20, 2024. These costs kick in for trips starting April 17, 2024. The fine print? Prices shift depending on where you’re headed and certain travel periods. For crystal-clear answers, chat up American Airlines Reservations.
| Bag Type | Excess Weight Damage | Oversize Hit |
|---|---|---|
| 51-70 lbs / 23-32 kg | $100 a pop | $200 a pop |
| 71-100 lbs / 33-45 kg | $200 a go | $550 a go |
| 101-115 lbs / 46-52 kg | Sorry, no dice | $550 a go |
| 115+ inches / 292+ cm | Nope, no way | Nope, no way |
Excess Bag Charges
Don’t let fees sneak up on you! Know your excess baggage charges before you go. A heads up: American Airlines doesn’t mess with bags over 115 inches in total (length + width + height). Go beyond your bag allowance, and you’ll cough up extra (American Airlines).
| Baggage Type | Number of Bags | Fee per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | Changes by fare and location | $30 – $60 |
| 2nd Checked Bag | Changes by fare and location | $40 – $75 |
| Extra Bags | Each one more | $150 – $200 |
Pro tip: Chop off $5 from your first checked bag fee when you pay online at aa.com or through the American Airlines app for domestic flights, including to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (American Airlines).
Once those fees are in, don’t expect them back. They hit the wallet per person, each check-in point, every trip segment, regardless of upgrades that shuffle in free bags. Got beef with an extra charge? You have 45 days to raise the flag (American Airlines).
Checking out baggage rules for other airlines? Here’s your homework:
- Delta Air Lines baggage
- United Airlines baggage
- Southwest Airlines baggage
- Air Canada baggage
- British Airways baggage
Smart travelers cut costs and steer clear of airport surprises by staying informed on all the latest fees and rules. Fly wise!
Special Items and Sports Equipment
American Airlines seems to have a bit of a soft spot for lugging around special items and sports gear. Knowing what’s cool and what’s not with their limits and fees helps to dodge any travel hassles.
Maximum Weight and Size Limits
Got gear? AA’s got rules. Stick to their weight and size limits so your stuff makes the cut.
For special items and sports treasures:
- Max Weight: 100 lbs (or 45 kilos for the metric fans)
- Max Size: 115 inches total (height + width + length) according to American Airlines.
If you’re heading to or from Mexico, the box gets smaller:
- Max Size: 80 inches total (American Airlines)
| Where you’re headed | Max Weight (lbs) | Max Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Anywhere | 100 | 115 |
| Mexico way | 100 | 80 |
Fees and Exceptions
What you pay to lug that sports stuff around can change faster than you say “Go team!” Just depends on what you got and where you’re going.
For your beloved sports gear:
- Usual Charge: $150 for stuff weighing up to 70 lbs (again, 32 kilos if you’re counting) as per American Airlines.
Free Pass for VIPs: Some media pros and favored travelers get a break on those annoying overweight fees. Dig into the details on fees and any perks flying sports equipment over here.
Once in a while, specific places have stricter size limits for checked bags. So, if Madrid’s on your radar:
- Max Length: 43 inches for any side
- Max Whopper Size: 115 inches (all sides combined (American Airlines).
Before packing, double-check for any changes in fees by swinging by AA’s official rules. For info on other airlines, see our guides on Delta’s baggage rules, United’s bag policies, and Southwest’s luggage do’s and don’ts.
Save on Bag Fees
Traveling with American Airlines? Let’s chat about saving money on those pesky baggage fees. You know, the ones that can sneak up and nibble at your travel budget. We’ve got some smart tips to help you dodge extra costs and keep more cash in your pocket.
Online Payment Discount
Here’s the scoop: If you book your ticket for American Airlines on or after February 20, 2024, there’s an easy way to save on your first checked bag. Just pay for your baggage online through their website or the mobile app within 24 hours before you jet off. It’s a smooth $5 off your first checked bag fee. This deal applies when flying anywhere in the U.S., including those tropical vibes in Hawaii and the frozen fun of Alaska, plus territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Seriously, it’s that simple (American Airlines).
| Baggage Scenario | Usual Fee | Discounted Fee with Online Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flights (First Bag) | $30 | $25 |
| Flights to Hawaii/Alaska (First Bag) | $30 | $25 |
| Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands (First Bag) | $30 | $25 |
By paying online, your travel gets a bit cheaper and check-in gets quicker. So, skip the line and keep a little more in the wallet. If you’re curious about how this stacks up against others, take a peek at our pieces on delta air lines baggage allowance and united airlines baggage allowance.
Refund Policy for Bag Fees
Here’s something you should know: bag fees with American Airlines are mostly non-refundable. Yup, once you’ve paid, it’s pretty much gone. Even if you get an upgrade that includes free checked bags, the original fees won’t come strolling back. But hey, mistakes happen! If you think you were charged in error, you can file a claim within a 45-day window (American Airlines Baggage Policy).
Here’s the lowdown on refunds:
| Refund Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Are Fees Refundable? | Nope, sorry! |
| Claims for Mistakes | File within 45 days |
| Who Pays Fees? | Each traveler, each trip, upgrade or not |
Check their guidelines if something feels fishy or if you need to lodge a claim. Staying on top of these things helps keep surprise charges at bay. For even more tips on saving and comparisons, see what southwest airlines baggage allowance or air canada baggage allowance has to offer. Who doesn’t love a little extra in their pocket after a trip, right?
Premium Bag Allowance
Here’s some sweet news coming your way: if you’re flying with American Airlines and have premium status, some extra perks are waiting for you. Let’s break down these nifty benefits of having some AAdvantage status and knowing your way around that premium check-in.
AAdvantage Status Benefits
Whether it’s your first rodeo as an AAdvantage® member or you’ve got a solid oneworld® credential backing you up, your travel game just got a whole lot easier. Premium folks like yourself get more room for extra baggage, making your trips less of a hassle.
Here’s the scoop on what to expect with your snazzy status:
| Status Level | Free Checked Bags | Additional Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 1 | Get on the plane sooner |
| Platinum | 2 | More free bags! |
| Platinum Pro | 3 | Skip to another flight for free if you need |
| Executive Platinum | 3 | Possible seat upgrade without spending extra |
Want the full lowdown? Check out the deets on the American Airlines website; they’ve got you covered.
Premium Check-In Information
Being a premium passenger means rolling with the big dogs. The check-in experience is smoother—you won’t know how you ever traveled before without it, especially when you have a heap of bags or special items.
- Priority Check-In Stations: These are your fast lanes, set up to handle the VIP experience quickly and hassle-free.
- Priority Security: After check-in, you can breeze through security ’cause you’re fancy like that and don’t have time to spare.
When you know what you’re allowed, jet-setting becomes that much more chill. Need more baggage info? Here’s a collection of guides to check out:
- Delta Air Lines Baggage Allowance
- United Airlines Baggage Allowance
- Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance
- Air Canada Baggage Allowance
- British Airways Baggage Allowance
- Emirates Baggage Allowance
- Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance
- Singapore Airlines Baggage Allowance
- Lufthansa Baggage Allowance
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Baggage Allowance
- Air France Baggage Allowance
- Etihad Airways Baggage Allowance
- Turkish Airlines Baggage Allowance
Make the most of these nifty benefits and let your travels with American Airlines be nothing but chill vibes and smooth sailing.
Basic Economy Baggage Policy
Figuring out what to pack when flying Basic Economy on American Airlines is key to keeping travel light and surprise fees at bay. Here’s the scoop on luggage rules for these budget-friendly tickets.
Basic Economy Fare Rules
Flying Basic Economy with American Airlines? There’s a few guidelines in place to keep things affordable and streamlined. Here’s what you need to know:
- Carry-On Bag Policy: You get a personal item that must squeeze under the seat. A bigger carry-on means checking it at the gate and paying the usual fee.
- Boarding Order: Got a Basic Economy ticket? You’ll generally board last (as Group 9), so those overhead bins may look pretty packed. If you’ve got a little one under two or need help getting onboard, you can ask to jump the line.
- AAdvantage® Benefits: Got the AAdvantage® card? You can check a bag for free on domestic flights handled by American Airlines, but this only applies if you’ve got the right card in hand.
Baggage Allowance Updates
American Airlines likes to shake things up with their baggage rules now and then. Here’s what’s current and noteworthy:
| Destination | Ticket Issue Date | Checked Bags Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| To/From Australia & New Zealand | Before Nov 13, 2024 | 0 Free Checked Bags | No freebies here for Basic Economy travelers. |
| To/From Australia & New Zealand | On/After Nov 13, 2024 | 1 Free Checked Bag | Starting then, you’ll get a freebie bag with Basic Economy. |
| Within U.S. & Canada | Any Date | 0 Free Checked Bags | Status members or cardholders get a free checked bag, lucky them. |
Keeping up with these updates will save your wallet. For more tips on saving those extra bucks on bag fees, check out our online payment discount section.
Finally, if you’re weighing baggage options across airlines, our guides on Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines might help.
