Are you flying on American Airlines and not sure about their checked bag allowances? Airlines luggage rules are not like solving a puzzle. However, understanding American Airlines baggage policy is vital for a better travel experience. Whether you fly regularly or it is your very first time. It is important to know what items to carry, how much it costs, and other restrictions. This can relieve stress at the airport and save you money and time. In this blog, you will learn about American Airlines baggage policy, including carry-on allowances, checked bag fees, and importantly, weight limits.
What is the AA Baggage Policy?
American Airlines(AA) Baggage Policy allows every passenger to carry one free checked bag and one free item of a personal nature.
Dimensions of carry-on items-
- 45 inches linear, not more than 22 x 14 x 9 in, or 115 cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm), taking account of handles and wheels.
- It shall fit into the overhead compartment or under the front passenger seat.
- In case the bag doesn’t fit, it needs to be checked.
- Jackets, umbrellas, diaper bags, duty-free items, and assistive devices like wheelchair devices do not count as cabin allowances.
What Personal Items are Passengers Allowed to Carry On Board with Them?
Passengers having carry-on bags with them must get their bags checked. So, ensure that you do not carry any restricted items with you when on board.
Personal Belongings
Personal belonging means a small bag or a handbag that fits under the front seat space provided. The dimensions of this item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8. The following items will not be considered your items or carry-on:
- Diaper bags for children,
- Breastfeeding pumps,
- A small soft cooler properly packed for breast milk,
- Safety seats for children, baby carriages, and medical (or disability) aids.
Carry-on Items
You may carry one carry-on item with one personal item. It must fit in the overhead compartment or on the floor in front of you. Otherwise, it is checked. Be sure you have tagged all of your carry-on items, so they are recognized if checked.
Certain airports and carriers impose strict rules governing other carry-on contents.
- Luggage taken on board
Carry-on baggage should not exceed a maximum size with wheels and handles that do not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 (56 x 36 x 23 cm). It should fit into the sizing device in the airport.
- Soft-clothing bags
A soft-sided garment bag must not measure longer than 51 inches (130 centimeters) in gross length + width + height.
Sometimes plans got postponed and at that time you may require to Cancel your AA flight. So for those circumstances you must aware of American Airlines Cancellation Policy
What are American Airlines Baggage Fees?
American Baggage fees are applicable at every check-in location. They have a base rate according to the travel dates and destinations. It might also include some applicable taxes.
Carry on Baggage Fees
Passengers traveling in all cabins are allowed one carry on and one personal item.
Checked Baggage Fees
American Airlines updated their baggage policy in 2024 and the changes were applicable even on the sold tickets.
- The fee for the 1st checked bag is $40. If flying within or between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; it is $35 if purchased online.
- The 2nd checked bag will carry a fee of $45.
- Baggage fees are non-refundable. Each way will be charged on your ticket. It does not depend on the fact you booked or were upgraded to a product that offers free checked bags.
- If you believe that you have been mistakenly charged for canceled baggage fees. You can contact an American representative to get help or file a refund request within 45 days.
Does American Airlines Offer any Baggage Benefits to Military Members?
Active personnel may check in unlimited bags free of charge with American Airlines. But they have to showcase their military ID and military orders at the check-in counter:
- The limit, when traveling under orders, is 5 free bags.
- Checked baggage for personal or recreational travel.
- For travel under orders up to 3 bags for free.
- Free baggage limits include bags no larger than 50 lbs. and a maximum dimension combination of 62 inches (width + length + height).
- Military dependents traveling under orders have all the rights given to active-duty personnel, provided they furnish:
- Their Military Dependent ID
- A copy of active orders.
Does American Airlines Charge any fees for oversized baggage?
Checked luggage weighing more than 115 inches/292 cm maximum dimension (length + width + height) will not be accepted as per the American Airlines Baggage Policy. Though fees and seasonal restrictions vary according to the travel destination. Reservations can also assist in confirming that your oversized luggage will be able to fit on the flight.
| Region | Over 65 in / 165 cm –
115 in / 292 cm |
Over 62 in / 158 cm –
65 in / 165 cm |
| Europe^, Israel, Qatar | $150 | $30 |
| Panama / South America (except Suriname/Guyana ) | $150 | $30 |
| Between U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada | $200 | $30 |
| China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Australia and New Zealand | $200 | $30 |
| Mexico / Guyana / Central America (except Panama) / Caribbean / Suriname | $200 | $30 |
What Special Items can a Passenger Carry While Flying with American Airlines?
Special items have rules, exceptions, and packing instructions. The maximum size for most items is around 115 inches or 292 cm. This is calculated as the total of the bag’s length, width, and height. Similarly, the allowed weight is 100lbs or 45kgs for some.
Common Examples of Carried Special Items are-
Sports Equipment
- In the case where traveling or flying with sports gear, the length, width, and height added must add up to 115 in. if the aircraft fits.
- To travel from Madrid (MAD), the sides of the checked bag must not exceed a maximum of 43 in / 110 cm. The total length, height, and width of the total diameter shall not exceed 115 inches.
- If sporting gear is not nominated on account of the majority of them being ruled out, standard checked baggage fees will apply at a weight limit not exceeding 50 lbs / 23 kgs, and oversize fees don’t apply.
- If the equipment bag contains items that are not acceptable, it will be treated as a normal checked bag, subject to oversized and overweight charges.
Musical instruments
You may carry small musical instruments as carry-on luggage at the discretion of the carrier provided that it:
- Can be stored in the overhead compartment; or fit under the seat in front of you.
- If your instrument cannot be fitted in the carry-on baggage area, you have the option to buy an extra seat which:
- Includes the appropriate adult fare and taxes and fees imposed by the carrier.
- Is immediately beside yours and not in an exit row.
Note: You can Book Your Preferred Seat by using American Airlines Seat Selection Policy
What is Carry-On Pet Travel By American Airlines?
Depending on the size and breed of the animal, pets are allowed to travel as carry-on or may be shipped via American Airlines cargo. Carry-on pets are only limited to cats and dogs, meeting size, age, and destination requirements.
Only active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders may check their pets at the ticket counter, with applicable fees and restrictions. Complete, trained service dogs may travel in the cabin without a fee, subject to all requirements.
To ensure the health and safety of your pet, your health certificate must be issued by a vet within periods of-
- 10 days of your travel; or
- 60 days for your return for travel on the same ticket; or
- 10 days of your return for travel on a separate ticket.
How to Track Your Baggage with American Airlines?
The American Airlines baggage tracker was created to identify the whereabouts of your bag from check-in to landing. This can be done:
- Copy and go to the American Airlines baggage tracking page.
- Enter your last name and your Confirmation Code.
- Hit search, and your bag status will display.
Or you can dial the American Airlines baggage tracker phone number and get details of your baggage. For Spanish language you can try calling at American Airlines Español Teléfono.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to know American Airlines baggage policy for improved air travel without any hurdles. The baggage policy ranges from the carry-on size to checked bag fees and special items, like sporting equipment and musical instruments. These guidelines will help you avoid any unexpected charges or complications while at the airport. Although basic rules apply to most flights, some deviations exist due to certain routes or types of aircraft used.
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FAQ’s
What can’t go in carry-on baggage?
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks; knives and safety razors of all kinds, such as pocket knives and Swiss Army knives
What is the new AA baggage policy 2024-2025?
American Airlines has a new baggage policies that could restrict the number and size of bags allowed on a flight, limit weight, or even ban what’s brought aboard.
What if some passengers carry luggage that is 1 kg overweight?
If any passenger’s luggage weighs 1kg more than the allowed weight, you should pay when you are at the airport. The cost by kilo of excess luggage varies between airlines.
Is WiFi available on American Airlines?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on about every American Airlines flight. Mobile phones, tablets, or laptops can be used to connect.
