American Airlines Baggage Policy

Planning your next trip with American Airlines? Before you start packing, it’s good to get a clear picture of American Airlines baggage policy. Whether it’s about carry-ons, checked bags, or personal items, knowing what you can bring and what American Airlines baggage fees can save you time and avoid any surprises at the time of boarding.

If you’re running short of time, the American customer service team can be connected through their phone number 1-800 AMERICAN (1-800-433-7300 ) or +1-877-830-6456. Their representatives can help you with any of your questions or Complaints regarding American baggage policy.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about American Airlines’ baggage allowances and fees so you can plan accordingly to enjoy the trip you want.

What is the American Airlines Baggage Policy?

An American Airlines Baggage Policy is a set of rules and guidelines set by the airlines. It covers what you can carry on a flight or not, what are the fees charged by the airline, and what are the size restrictions for carry-on bags, checked luggage, and personal items.

American Baggage policy typically covers:

• The maximum weight, size, and number of bags you can bring on board without incurring extra fees.
• The size and weight restrictions for items you can bring into the cabin with you, such as backpacks, suitcases, or personal items like laptops or purses.
• The size and weight restrictions for checked baggage during check-in at the airport.
• Any additional fees for overweight or oversized checked baggage.
• Fees for any extra luggage beyond the American Airlines baggage allowance limit or for special items like sports equipment or musical instruments.
• Items that are prohibited to bring.

To know more in detail about baggage allowance and restrictions on American Airlines, kindly visit the official website or call a customer service executive at 1-800 AMERICAN (1-800-433-7300) or +1-877-830-6456.

American Airlines Updated Baggage Policy (November 13, 2024)

As you are aware of American Airlines’ previous baggage policy, but as of now, serval items have been added and removed. Below is the list:

Domestic Travel (U.S., Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands)

• 1st checked bag: $40 ($35 if paid online)
• 2nd checked bag: $45

International Travel (Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America & Guyana)

• 1st checked bag: $35
• 2nd checked bag: $45

Important Baggage Fee Rules:

• All baggage fees are non-refundable and apply per person, per check-in location, each way.
• Even if your ticket includes free checked bags due to an upgrade, standard baggage fees may still apply.
• If you believe you were incorrectly charged, contact an American Airlines representative or file a refund claim within 45 days.

What are the different types of baggage with American Airlines?

The different types of baggage allowed to ensure a seamless journey on American Airlines include carry-on baggage, checked baggage, and personal items. When traveling with American Airlines, it’s important to know the different types of baggage and information regarding size, weight, and additional fees.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each type of baggage in detail.

Carry-On Baggage:

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The carry-on bag must adhere to the airline’s size restrictions and items that are allowed or not.
Guidelines, size, and weight restrictions—

• Only one carry-on item, along with your personal item.
• Your carry-on, including the handles and wheels, should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) in size.
• Soft-sided garment bag size must be within 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height).
• It must fit in in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
• If your carry-on item doesn’t fit under your seat, it will need to be checked.
• Make sure your carry-on items are labeled if they need to be checked.
• If you are traveling, your musical instrument must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
• There’s no specific weight limit for carry-on bags.
• However, bags that weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) may incur an American Airlines baggage fee.

Items that are prohibited—

Items prohibited on the American Airlines to bring as carry-on are,

• Diaper bags
• Breast pumps
• Small, soft-sided coolers of breast milk
• Child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices
• Alcohol in excess of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
• Camping equipment that uses flammable fuel

Checked Baggage:

American Airlines allows passengers to check in up to 10 bags on select flights. Plus, additional fees may apply depending on the route and more, while certain memberships, like AAdvantage status, offer free checked bags. For more details on American Airlines Checked Baggage Policy, look at the points below—

American Baggage Allowances:

You can bring up to 10 bags on American Airlines-operated flights if your trip is:

• Domestic
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific

You can bring up to 5 bags on your flight with American if you’re traveling to/through/from:

• Mexico / Caribbean / Central America
• South America
• Brazil

Size and weight restrictions for checked luggage If you’re traveling anywhere except Australia or New Zealand:

• The checked bag dimension should not exceed the size limit of 62 inches / 158 cm.
• The weight limit for checked bags is 50 lbs (23 kg) for economy and basic economy passengers.
• For first-class and business-class passengers, the weight limit is 70 lbs (32 kg).

If you have a confirmed flight to/from Australia or New Zealand, the size and weight restrictions are—-

• Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm
• Weight: 70 lbs / 32kgs for free bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags

How to add a Checked Bag on an American Airlines Flight?

If you want to add a checked bag to an American Airlines flight, you can check in online or on the American Airlines app and pay for the American Airlines Baggage Fees. You can add up to 10 bags per passenger but not more than three bags per person online or in the app. If you need to add more than three bags, you’ll need to do so at the airport check-in counter.

Here are the steps you can follow online to make Baggage check-in easier at the airport—

Step 1: Add American Airlines Baggage Online or App:

• First, do check in online or on the app.
• Select the number of bags you want to check.
• If it’s required, pay for the American Airlines baggage fees.
• Download or print your boarding pass.

Step 2: Head toward the Kiosk At the Airport:

• Scan your printed boarding pass at the kiosk to get bag tags.
• Collect your bag tags and tag each piece of baggage.
• Now, take your bags to Bag Drop.

Or

Step 3: Visit the Airport Desk

• If you need more personalized assistance or have oversized baggage, head to the Delta airport desk.
• Provide your booking details and identification to the airline representative.
• The agent will verify your baggage, print tags, and guide you on any fees if applicable.
• Once your bags are tagged, proceed to the designated Bag Drop area.

How much baggage can you bring for free on American Airlines?

American Airlines offers free baggage allowances based on your route and ticket type. Most passengers can bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. Checked baggage allowances vary by cabin class and destination.

Carry-On Baggage:

• American Airlines allows one free carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger.
• The carry-on bag must be 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller, including handles and wheels.
• The personal item must be 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) or smaller.

If carry-on baggage size and quantity increase, as mentioned above, you might be charged for excess American Baggage Fees.

Checked Baggage:

American Airlines allows one free Checked baggage for—

• Eligible AAdvantage® credit cardholders traveling on domestic American Airlines-operated flights.
• AAdvantage Gold® status
• GOL Diamond Smiles members
• Oneworld® Ruby

Plus, if you are flying to any of the following destinations (excluding Basic Economy)—

• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
  Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Haiti
• Hong Kong
• India
• Israel
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Qatar
• South Korea
• Transatlantic
• Uruguay

You can bring up to 2 checked bags free if,

• You have AAdvantage Platinum® status
• Member of oneworld® Sapphire.
• If you booked for Business or Premium Economy.

You can bring up to 3 checked bags free if,

• You are a Confirmed Flagship® First and Flagship® Business Plus passenger.
• If you own AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro®, or oneworld® Emerald
• If you serve in the U.S. military or are a dependent with ID traveling on orders (1st – 5th bags free of charge).

What is the Baggage Fee Structure for American Airlines Checked Baggage?

American Airlines’ baggage fee structure depends on the destination and the number of checked bags. The cost to bring checked bags on American Airlines as of November 2024 for different locations is mentioned below.

Note: All fees are non-refundable and apply per person.

Region	1 Bag	2 Bag	3 Bag	4+ Bag
U.S. (including HI / AK), Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands	$40	$45	$150	$200
Canada and Mexico	$35	$45	$200	$200
Haiti	$0 / $35	$65	$200	$200
Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti)	$35	$45	$200	$200
Central America (except Panama)	$35	$45	$200	$200
>Guyana and Suriname	$35	$45	$200	$200
Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru	>$0 / $45	$100	$200	$200
South America (except Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname)	$0 / $60	$100	$200	$200
Transatlantic	$0 / $75	$100	$200	$200
Transpacific (except Australia and New Zealand)	$0 / $75	$100	$200	$200
Australia / New Zealand	$0	$100	$200	$200

For more precise information on American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees, visit the official website or contact the American Airlines baggage department on the helpline 1-800 AMERICAN (1-800-433-7300 ) or +1-877-830-6456.

What Items are Not Allowed in Baggage?

Like other Air carriers, American Airlines also prohibits the transport of hazardous materials, firearms, and certain other items in their baggage. These may include,

• Explosives.
• Compressed gases.
• Flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers.
• Poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials.
• Firearms and ammunition.
• Camping equipment that uses flammable fuel.
• Caustic or corrosive items such as drain cleaners and solvents.
• Insect sprays.
• Internal combustion engines.
• Lighter refills.
• Liquids, gels, and aerosols in larger amounts than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).
• Personal air purifiers.
• Pool chemicals.

How Can You Avoid Baggage Fees on American Airlines?

To avoid American Airlines baggage fees on your flight, keep your bags within the allowed size and weight limits, travel in business or first class, or hold elite status, such as AAdvantage or Oneworld Ruby membership. Moreover, Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders and GOLD Diamond Smiles members can also check in for a free bag.
Additionally, American Airlines flights to some destinations and using LugLess to ship your luggage can also offer a fee waiver.

Can I contact American Airlines for Baggage Issues, complaints, or questions?

Yes! If you have baggage-related issues or questions with American Airlines, you can reach out to the American Airlines customer service through the following options:

• American Airlines Baggage Phone Number: For assistance within the U.S., call 1-800 AMERICAN (1-800-433-7300 ) or +1-877-830-6456. If you have hearing or speech impairments, contact them at 711.
• Online: For delayed or damaged bags, you can file a report online or can also call the numbers mentioned above. Additionally, if you have any general questions regarding American Airlines you can also use its live chat feature via Website and App.
• In Person: If you’ve lost an item on the plane or at the gate, file a lost and found report online or visit the Baggage Service Office at the airport upon arrival to report any baggage issues directly.

Final Verdict:

Overall, American Airlines’ baggage policy offers a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines, ensuring you can have a smooth travel experience for all passengers. Whether you’re carrying a small personal item, a carry-on bag, or checking luggage, it’s an ideal way to understand the size and weight restrictions so that you can pack accordingly.

If you ever find yourself facing any issues with lost, delayed, or damaged baggage, American Airlines customer service is available to assist. You can contact them via phone at 1-800-AMERICAN (1-800-433-7300 ) or +1-877-830-6456, file a report online, or visit the Baggage Service Office at the airport. For further details or immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the American Airlines baggage department on the given toll-free helplines.

Read More American Airlines Blogs:-

• American Airlines Booking
• American Airlines Student Discount
• American Airlines Cancellation Policy
• American Airlines Change Flight Policy
• American Airlines Low Fare Calendar
• American Airlines Vacations Packages
• American Airlines Last Minute Deal
• American Airlines SFO Terminal
• American Airlines En Español Telefono
• American Airlines Lost and Found
• Como llamar American Airlines?
• How do I get a human at American Airlines?
• American Airlines Chat
• How to Select Seats on American Airlines?
• American Airlines Record Locator
• American Airlines Credit Card
• American Airlines Multi-City Flights
• American Airlines Delay Compensation
• American Airlines Wheelchair Assistance