HOUSTON, TX, 2025-Mar-26 — /Travel PR News/ — American Airlines offers a structured baggage policy that varies based on your ticket type, destination, AAdvantage status, and other factors. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about checking bags, carrying items onboard, and special considerations for your American Airlines flight.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
American Airlines permits most passengers to bring:
- One carry-on bag that must fit in the overhead bin (maximum dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- One personal item such as a purse, laptop bag or small backpack (must fit under the seat in front of you)
Basic Economy passengers on transatlantic flights are allowed one carry-on and one personal item. However, on domestic, Caribbean, and Latin American routes, Basic Economy passengers are only permitted one personal item unless they have elite status or eligible credit cards.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Checked baggage allowances vary significantly based on your ticket type, destination and status:
Domestic Flights (Within and Between U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands)
- First Class/Business Class: 2 free checked bags
- Premium Economy: 2 free checked bags
- Main Cabin: First bag $30, Second bag $40
- Basic Economy: First bag $30, Second bag $40
International Flights
Transatlantic/Transpacific/Deep South America
- First Class/Business Class: 2-3 free checked bags (varies by route)
- Premium Economy: 2 free checked bags
- Main Cabin: 1 free checked bag (2 on select routes)
- Basic Economy: Varies by route (typically first bag free on long-haul international)
Read: Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor
Caribbean/Mexico/Central America
- First/Business Class: 2 free checked bags
- Premium Economy: 2 free checked bags
- Main Cabin: First bag $30, Second bag $40 (free to select destinations)
- Basic Economy: First bag $30, Second bag $40 (free to select destinations)
AAdvantage Elite Member Benefits
Elite status members receive enhanced baggage allowances:
- ConciergeKey/Executive Platinum: 3 free checked bags on all flights
- Platinum Pro/Platinum: 2 free checked bags on all flights
- Gold: 1 free checked bag on all flights
These benefits extend to companions traveling on the same reservation.
Credit Card Benefits
Several American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer free checked bags:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select®: First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 4 companions on the same reservation
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™: First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 8 companions
- AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard®: First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 4 companions
Baggage Size and Weight Restrictions
Standard Checked Bags
- Maximum dimensions: 62 inches (157 cm) total (length + width + height)
- Maximum weight:
- Domestic flights: 50 lbs (23 kg)
- International flights: 50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy, 70 lbs (32 kg) for Premium Economy/Business/First
Oversized and Overweight Bags
Bags exceeding standard limitations incur additional fees:
- Overweight bags (51-70 lbs): $100-$200 depending on route
- Oversized bags (63-126 inches): $100-$200 depending on route
- Overweight and oversized: Both fees apply
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Many sports items count as standard checked bags, including:
- Golf bags (one set)
- Ski/snowboard equipment
- Fishing equipment
- Camping equipment
These items must meet size and weight requirements or incur additional fees.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments can be brought as carry-ons if they fit in overhead bins. Larger instruments may be:
- Checked (must be in hard-shell cases)
- Carried on if a seat is purchased for the instrument
Medical Equipment
Medical devices don’t count toward carry-on limits and are free to check. This includes:
- CPAP machines
- Portable oxygen concentrators
- Wheelchair/mobility devices
Restricted and Prohibited Items
American Airlines follows TSA guidelines regarding prohibited items. Additionally:
- Carry-on liquids: Must follow 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz containers in 1 quart bag, 1 per passenger)
- Smart bags: Lithium batteries must be removable
- Firearms: Must be unloaded, locked in hard-sided containers, and checked
- Hazardous materials: Including fireworks, flammable items, and certain batteries are prohibited
American Airlines Baggage Fees and Payment
American Airlines Baggage fees can be paid during online check-in or at the airport. Prepaying online sometimes offers a slight discount.
Baggage Claim and Lost Luggage
- Report missing or damaged bags immediately at the baggage service office
- File claims within 24 hours for domestic flights and within 7 days for international
- American Airlines’ customer service can be reached at +1 855-838-5939 for baggage issues
Money-Saving Tips
- Join the AAdvantage program and work toward elite status
- Consider an American Airlines credit card with baggage benefits
- Pack lighter and more efficiently
- Pre-pay baggage fees online
- Consider shipping items ahead for extended trips
Policy Changes and Exceptions
American Airlines occasionally updates its baggage policies. Always check the official website before your trip for the most current information specific to your itinerary.
Read: American Airlines Boarding Groups
