What is American Airlines’ Luggage Policy? A Detailed Guide

If you’re planning to fly with American Airlines, you might be wondering what their luggage policy is and how much it will cost you to check your bags or carry them on board. In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about American Airlines’ luggage policy, including the size and weight limits, the fees, and the exceptions.

Carry-on Luggage Policy

Passengers can get on-board with one carry-on bag and one personal item on American airlines. A carry-on bag is any luggage that can fit in the overhead bin, such as a suitcase, a backpack, or a duffel bag. Whereas a purse, a laptop bag, or a briefcase is counted as a personal item.

The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. For the personal items the maximum dimensions are 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). There is no weight limit for carry-on bags or personal items, except for some international flights where the carry-on bag must not exceed 22 lbs (10 kg).

You can also bring some additional items on board for free, such as an umbrella, a jacket, a diaper bag, a stroller, a car seat, or a wheelchair. Because these items do not count towards your carry-on allowance.

Checked Luggage Policy

American Airlines charges fees for checked bags depending on your destination, your travel class, and your frequent flyer status. The standard checked bag allowance is two bags per passenger, but you can check up to 10 bags on domestic flights and up to five bags on international flights.

The maximum dimensions for a checked bag are 62 inches (158 cm) in total length, width, and height. The maximum weight for a checked bag is 50 lbs (23 kg) for most destinations and travel classes, except for first and business class passengers who can check bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg).

The fees for checked bags vary by destination and travel class, but the base rates are as follows:

• First checked bag: $30
• Second checked bag: $40
• Third checked bag: $150
• Fourth and subsequent checked bags: $200

These fees are per person, per way, and do not include taxes. You can pay for your checked bags online when you check in or at the airport. If you pay online, you may save some time and money.

Overweight and Oversize Luggage Policy

If your checked bag exceeds the size or weight limits, you will have to pay an additional fee on top of the regular checked bag fee. The fees for overweight and oversize bags are as follows:

• Bags weighing 51 to 70 lbs (23 to 32 kg): $100
• Bags weighing 71 to 100 lbs (32 to 45 kg): $200
• Bags exceeding 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions: $200

These fees are per bag, per way, and do not include taxes. You can pay for your overweight and oversize bags at the airport.

Exceptions and Waivers

Some passengers may be eligible for free or discounted checked bags depending on their destination, their travel class, their frequent flyer status, or their credit card. Some of the exceptions and waivers are as follows:

• Passengers traveling to or from Brazil can check two bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each for free.
• Passengers traveling to or from Panama or South America (except Brazil) can check one bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg) for free.
• Passengers traveling on transatlantic or transpacific flights can check one bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg) for free.
• Passengers traveling in first or business class can check two bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each for free.
• Passengers with AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Executive Platinum status can check one or more bags for free depending on their destination and travel class.
• Passengers with oneworld Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald status can check one or more bags for free depending on their destination and travel class.
• Passengers with an eligible Citi / AAdvantage credit card or an AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard can check one bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg) for free on domestic flights.
• Passengers traveling with infants or children can check one stroller and one car seat for free.
• Passengers traveling with mobility or medical devices can check them for free.

Conclusion

American Airlines’ luggage policy is based on the number, size, and weight of your bags, as well as your destination, travel class, and frequent flyer status. You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free, but you will have to pay for checked bags unless you qualify for an exception or a waiver.

You can save some time and money by paying for your checked bags online when you check in. You can also avoid extra fees by making sure your bags do not exceed the size or weight limits. We hope this blog post has helped you understand American Airlines’ luggage policy and plan your trip accordingly.

FAQs

How can I check the status of my checked bags?

You can track your bags online using the baggage locator tool or the American Airlines app. You will need your bag tag number or your file reference number to access the information.

What if my bag is lost, delayed, or damaged?

If your bag is lost, delayed, or damaged, you should report it to an American Airlines representative at the airport or online within 24 hours of your arrival. You will receive a file reference number and a customer service number to follow up on your claim. You may be entitled to compensation or reimbursement depending on the circumstances and the applicable laws.

What items are prohibited or restricted in my luggage?

There are some items that are prohibited or restricted in your luggage for safety and security reasons. These include firearms, explosives, flammable liquids, lithium batteries, and more. You should check the TSA website and the American Airlines website for the complete list of prohibited and restricted items before you pack.

Can I bring liquids, gels, or aerosols in my carry-on bag?

You can bring liquids, gels, or aerosols in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. You should place the bag in a separate bin for screening at the checkpoint. You can also bring larger quantities of liquids, gels, or aerosols in your checked bag, except for some items that are restricted or prohibited.

Can I bring food or drinks in my luggage?

You can bring food or drinks in your luggage as long as they comply with the TSA rules and the American Airlines rules. For example, you can bring solid food items such as sandwiches, cookies, or fruits in your carry-on bag, but you cannot bring liquid food items such as yogurt, soup, or sauce unless they are in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.

You can also bring alcoholic beverages in your luggage as long as they are unopened and have an alcohol content of less than 70%. You should check the TSA website and the American Airlines website for more details on food and drink regulations.