If you’re traveling with American Airlines on an upcoming flight, here’s everything you need to know about your baggage allowance and fees. Your baggage allowance may vary depending on fare type, cabin class and route.
American Airlines carry-on luggage
American Airline passengers are allowed to bring one piece of carry-on luggage on board their flight and one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them. This would include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or similar items such as a tote bag. Hand luggage must not measure more than 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, including handles and wheels.
Please note: Diaper bags (1 per child), soft cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices do not count as personal items or carry-on luggage.
Know what can continue
There are some items that can only travel in your carry-on luggage (and some items that must be checked). Make sure you know where to pack these restricted items and if you can take them with you.
Restricted items
TSA Restricted Items Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines
1 personal item and 1 carry-on luggage
personal object
Your personal item, such as a purse or small purse, must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
These do not count as a personal item or as carry-on luggage:
- Diaper bags (1 per child)
- breast pump
- Small, Soft-Sided Breast Milk Cooler=
- Child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices
The carry-on baggage allowance is 22 inches high by 14 inches long by 9 inches wide.
Carry-on baggage requirements
- Should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters (including handles and wheels)
- It should fit the meter at the airport.
- If your items don’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, they may need to be checked. There may be additional restrictions on carry-on baggage at certain airports or on certain airplanes.
We recommend labeling your carry-on luggage the same way you label checked luggage in case this happens.
Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches/130 cm (length + width + height) can also be carried as carry-on luggage.
Musical instruments are also considered carry-on luggage and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Special items and sports equipment.
Additionally, when traveling with a pet, the kennel or container counts as carry-on luggage and the carry-on pet fee also applies.
American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees
American Airlines baggage fees are based on factors such as fare class, destination, and number of bags. Unless you have elite status or an American Airlines credit card that offers free checked bags, those traveling only within the US can expect to pay $35 for the first checked bag if paying online or $40 in the airport.
That fee could be higher if you check more bags or travel more abroad. Baggage charges can be very high for families traveling together, or for anyone bringing a lot with them.
Additional baggage fee
Fees for additional baggage vary depending on the region you are traveling to. Your first bag can be checked for $35 — $75. A second bag can be checked for $45 — $100, while a third bag will cost between $150 — $200. Fourth bags are allowed on certain flights for a fee of $200 each way.
Oversized baggage fee
For flights starting April 17, 2024, bags from 62 inches to 115 inches if you add length, width and height cost between $30 and $200 each way, depending on where you’re traveling. Rates are non-refundable and charged per person. Bags larger than 115 inches are not accepted.
Overweight baggage fee
For flights on or after April 17, 2024, bags weighing between 51 and 53 pounds are $30. Bags weighing more than 53 pounds but less than 71 pounds are $100 (or $200 if you fly to Cuba). For bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds, fees range from $200 to $450. Cuba, Europe, Israel, Qatar and Australia do not accept overweight suitcases.
Overweight baggage charges are non-refundable and are charged per person, per way.
Sports team
American Airlines also outlines fees for specialty items and sports equipment. For example, if you want to carry a golf bag, that piece will be treated as a standard checked bag. If your golf bag is overweight, you will be required to pay the standard overweight bag fee.
Likewise, a pair of skis (or a single snowboard) and a gear bag count as a checked item. Standard baggage fees apply up to 50 pounds and 115 inches (length + width + height); Otherwise, oversize charges will apply. If the total weight of all items (skis, snowboard, gear bag) is more than 50 pounds, you will be charged for two separate bags.
Traveling with pets
Voucher bags
Regional flights with American Eagle® plans have limited overhead bin space. If your carry-on bag is larger than the dimensions of the personal item, you must store it in the voucher before boarding.* We will tag and check your bag at the boarding gate free of charge. When you arrive, you will receive your luggage at the boarding bridge after exiting the plane.
Remove batteries, e-cigarettes, and other restricted items from checked baggage.
Restricted items
*Embraer ERJ-175 plans allow carry-on luggage and do not offer valet service.
Liquids
The TSA allows certain duty-free liquids to pass through security in your carry-on bag if they are packaged in a tamper-proof security bag. If you are traveling with liquids or are unsure about any items, please contact TSA.
Entry and customs requirements
When traveling internationally, it is a requirement to clear customs. However, for domestic travel or travel within the EU, customs is usually not required. In all cases, you will go through security checks, where your identification and documents will likely be checked, so it is a good idea to have these documents ready and available throughout your trip.
Entry requirements vary from country to country. It is very important that you research the exact requirements specific to you before traveling, as certain countries may require a visa, proof of insurance and possibly bank statements. Your passport must also be valid throughout your stay; some countries require at least 6 months validity. However, all requirements will be different and will be subject to your specific circumstances, such as the length of stay, the purpose of the trip, and any regulations the country has established.
We recommend obtaining information about entry requirements on the country’s official websites.
Connecting flights
Connecting flights mean that you take several flights to reach your destination. This makes the trip last longer; however, it is quite common when direct services are not available.
If you have a connecting flight booked on the same ticket, your luggage will normally be checked to your final destination. However, with potential flight delays, busy airports, and tight connections, you may make the connection, but often your luggage won’t. This is why more and more travelers are traveling light and shipping their luggage in advance.
Many low-cost airlines do not offer connecting flights. This means that it is your responsibility to manage your onward connections and collect your luggage after each flight.
