A Quick Guide To The American Airlines Baggage Policy

American Airlines Baggage Policy

If you are planning to fly with American Airlines, you might want to know about the baggage allowance it gives. That’s why it is good to know about the American Airlines Baggage Policy before packing your stuff. This helps you avoid any last-minute hassle of paying extra for more baggage.

When you are through with the baggage guidelines of the airline, you know well about how much you can pack for your trip. Additionally, you get to know about the prices that you must pay for the type of baggage.

So, go through the account that follows and learn about the baggage allowance that American Airlines provides, as well as the items that you can take along in different cabin classes.

What is The American Airlines Baggage Policy?

To know about the American Airline Baggage Policy, read the particular details mentioned below. These points will take you through carry-on luggage and checked baggage allowance.

American Airlines Carry-on Baggage Allowance

  • You can carry one piece of hand baggage and one personal item. It could be an item like a laptop bag, a purse, or a briefcase. 
  • The item must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • According to the American Airlines Baggage Policy for carry-on bags, Basic economy customers are now allowed a free carry-on along with a personal item to all destinations.

Please note

The following are not included in your carry-ons or personal items –

  • Child safety seats
  • Diaper bags (1 per child)
  • Strollers and medical or mobility devices
  • Breast milk cooler bags
Size and weight limit
  • Your hand baggage must be within the dimensions – 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. 
  • Your checked bag should be below 50 pounds (for the economy class) and below 70 pounds (for the premium cabin). If the weight limit exceeds, there will be a penalty on the baggage fees.

Please note:

To skip the fees, gain elite loyalty status or pack light.

American Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

If you have a larger bag, know about the American Airlines baggage allowance as mentioned below –

Number of bags allowed

When you are traveling on domestic American Airlines itineraries, its baggage policy allows you a free first checked bag. You can travel with up to 4 companions on the same booking.

You can check up to 10 bags on flights operated by American Airlines that are –

  • Domestic
  • Transatlantic
  • Transpacific

However, you can check up to 5 bags –

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

Similarly, American Airlines offers up to 2 free bags to Premium economy and business class travelers and baggage allowance for first class passengers is 3.

Size and weight limit
  • The total measurement of each checked bag must be within 62 inches (length + width + height.)
  • Your bags must weigh up to 50 lbs / 23 kg.
  • Complimentary bags on First and Business classes – 70 lbs/32 kg
  • Excess charged bags – 50 lbs/ 23 kg weight
  • As per AA international baggage policy, you can take  on flights to/from Australia or New Zealand –
    • 70 lbs / 32 kg bags
    • Total dimensions – 62 inches.

Please note

American facilitates its passengers with a free first-checked bag or even two in many cases. However, it depends on various factors, such as the destination you are flying to or whether you have any AA credit cards.

American Airlines Military Baggage Allowance

AA offers a special bag allowance to the military personnel. So, as per the destination they select, American Airlines doesn’t charge for their bags.

  • Active U.S. military and/ or dependents – Up to 5 bags of 100 lbs each (if traveling on orders)
  • Active U.S. military – Up to 3 bags of 50 lbs each (if flying for personal reasons)

Please note

As per American Airlines military baggage policy, military officials can avail of these baggage allowance benefits when traveling with an active U.S. military ID

What are the American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees?

The checked bag fees vary as per the number of bags, your ticket class, and the destination you are flying to. If your bags exceed the weight and size limits, pay an extra amount for those.

To get more information on the fee types, go through the table below. It also includes American Airlines international baggage fees for your convenience.

S.No.

Regions

1 Bag 

2 Bags

3 Bags 

1

Domestic

$30

$40

$150

2

Mexico

$30

$40

$200

3

Haiti

$0/$30

$65

$200

4

Cuba

$0/$30

$0/$65

$200

5

Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti)

$30

$40

$200

6

Central America

$30

$40/$65

$200

7

Guyana and Suriname

$30

$40

$200

8

South America (except Guyana and Suriname)

$0/$45

$65

$200

9

Trans-Atlantic

$0/$75

$100

$200

10

Trans-Pacific

$0

$100

$200 

Source: https://www.valuepenguin.com/travel/guide-american-airlines-bag-fees

Please note

  • For more than 4 bags, you have to pay $200.
  • The American Airlines carry-on baggage fees vary for a few of the above regarding bag numbers. Sometimes, the basic economy travelers don’t get a free checked bag.
  • AA charges a seasonal fee for tickets issued on specific dates.

How Much is AAdvantage Baggage Fee?

The baggage fee also varies as per AA membership types as mentioned below –

S.No.

Membership Types 

First Bag

Second Bag

1

General member

$30

$40

2

AAdvantage Gold elite member

Free

$40

3

AAdvantage Platinum elite member

Free

Free

4

AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite member

Free

Free

5

AAdvantage Executive Platinum elite member

Free

Free (and third bag free)

6

AAdvantage Executive Platinum elite member

Free

Free (and third bag free)

Source: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/american-airlines-baggage-fees/

For more information, get in touch with the customer service representative of American Airlines.

Which Items are Restricted on American Airlines?

American Airlines also restricts what you pack in your checked bags. So, on an American Airlines trip, you must know what is allowed and what is prohibited in the baggage you are taking along. Here are some of the items that are strictly prohibited on AA flights –

  • Alcoholic beverages, marijuana
  • Animal products
  • Batteries
  • Cutting instruments
  • Defense sprays,  explosives,  firearms or ammunition, flammable liquids or solids
  • Electronic cigarettes
  • Household items
  • Hoverboards
  • Pressurized containers / compressed gasses
  • Self-inflating life jackets

However, you can not pack items like pepper spray in your checked or carry-on baggage.

Important Things to Know About AA Baggage

In addition to the details about what is the baggage allowance on American Airlines, here are some important things that you should know when booking an  American Airlines flight.

Delayed or damaged bags

  • AA provides you coverage worth $3,800 with your ticket price if your baggage is lost or damaged on domestic flights.
  • Coverage of up to $5,000 is provided when you declare excess value.
  • Consider additional insurance if your items cost more than the amount offered.

Music and sports equipment

You can carry your instrument to the flight on a first-come, first-served basis if an overhead bin or under the seating area accommodates it. If not, go for an extra seat.

Some common sports items you can check at standard bag fees are mentioned below.

  • Archery equipment
  • Baseball bats
  • Bicycles
  • Bowling balls
  • Fencing equipment
  • Golf clubs
  • Parachutes
  • Skateboards
  • Skis
  • Tennis rackets and balls

Connect with an airline representative at 800-433-7300 to know more about the weight and size limits on these items.

In Conclusion

Now you know pretty much about the American Airlines Baggage Policy, whether for economy or first class or even to different destinations. 

So, pack accordingly and enjoy your journey with AA.

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