American Airlines Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Founded in 1926, American Airlines (AA), is a major North American flag carrier from the United States. They operate globally, with a major focus on North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, offering flights to 350+ destinations.

American Airlines' baggage allowance is primarily determined by the fare type and the route/region of travel. All customers are generally allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge, regardless of their fare or class, with the exception of select routes. The free checked bag allowance is standard for Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, while Main Cabin and Basic Economy tickets typically incur fees for the first bag on domestic routes. A passenger's AAdvantage® status, eligible military status, or holding a branded credit card can waive checked bag fees and increase the number of free pieces allowed.

Checked bag vs carry-on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

• Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for American Airlines, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
• Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 56 x 36 x 23 cm.
• The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

American Airlines carry-on allowance

To prevent any unexpected charges at the gate, be sure to adhere to the maximum size limits: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) for the carry-on, and 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm) for the personal item.

American Airlines checked baggage allowance

American Airlines primarily operates on the Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Keep in mind that each bag should not exceed size limits of 62 in (158 cm). Elite status (AAdvantage Gold and higher) and co-branded credit cardholders receive waivers on checked bag fees and an increased weight allowance of 70 lbs (32 kgs) for their complimentary bags.

American Airlines extra baggage fees

American Airlines charges for overweight/oversized bags on a per-piece basis, and when an item exceeds standard dimensions for both weight and size, the higher fee between the overweight and oversize fee applies, in addition to any initial checked bag fee. Keep in mind that American Airlines does not accept checked bags over 100 lbs (45 kgs) or over 115 in (292 cm) total linear dimensions on most flights.

Overweight Fees (Over 50 lbs / 23 kgs):

• 51 lbs – 70 lbs (24 kgs – 32 kgs): The fee is generally $100 USD per bag, per direction. Exception being routes to/from Cuba, the fee is $200 USD.
• 71 lbs – 100 lbs (32 kgs – 45 kgs): The fee is generally $200 USD per bag, per direction. Do note that bags over 70 lbs (32 kgs) are not accepted for travel to/from Europe, Israel, Qatar, Cuba, or Australia/New Zealand.

Oversize Fees (Over 62 in / 158 cm L+W+H):

• 62 in – 65 in (158 cm – 165 cm): The fee is a uniform $30 USD per bag across almost all regions.
• 65 in – 115 in (165 cm – 292 cm): The fee is generally $200 USD (Domestic U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, Transpacific) or $150 USD (Panama, South America, Europe, Israel, Qatar) per bag, per direction.

American Airlines special baggage policy

• Active U.S. Military Personnel: Active-duty military traveling on orders (and dependents) receive up to 5 checked bags free of charge. Active-duty military on personal travel receive up to 3 checked bags free. The standard weight limit of 50 lbs is increased to 100 lbs (45 kgs) and the size limit to 115 in / 292 cm for all free bags for those traveling on orders. On personal travel, the standard weight limit is increased to 70 lbs (32 kgs) per piece for all free bags.
• Sporting Equipment: Most sports equipment (e.g., fishing rods, golf clubs, skis/snowboards) are charged the standard checked bag fee if under 50 lbs/62 in and usually count as one checked piece. Oversized sporting equipment is accepted up to 115 in (292 cm) and 70 lbs (32 kgs), and fees apply.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may be checked, with a maximum checked size of 150 in / 381 cm and weight of 165 lbs / 75 kgs. A passenger can also purchase an extra seat for a bulky, fragile instrument (max 165 lbs / 75 kgs).
• Children and Infants: Diaper bags (1 per child), breast pumps/coolers, child safety seats, and strollers do not count toward the personal item or carry-on allowance and are carried free of charge.

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