American Airlines Baggage Allowance Policy

Traveling on American Airlines provides you with various benefits and one such benefit is carrying luggage as much as you want. The American Airlines baggage allowance policy will better help you understand the allowances and requirements for carrying baggage.

American Airlines Baggage Allowance Policy

American Airlines has various policies in place for smooth processing of the system and one of them is the American Airlines baggage policy. Here we have discussed all the aspects of the policy that will help you understand what you can carry and how much. 

American Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

Embarking on a journey with American Airlines means you can bring along all you need to make your trip memorable. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, understanding the checked baggage policy is key to a hassle-free airport experience.

• Checked Baggage Allowance: American Airlines offers a generous checked baggage policy. For domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific flights, you can carry American Airlines checked baggage of up to 10 bags. If your journey includes the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, or South America, you can check up to 5 bags. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re traveling light or carrying your world with you, American Airlines has got you covered.
• American Airlines baggage size dimensions and Weight Limits: The standard size limit for checked baggage is a total of 62 inches (length + width + height), accommodating most standard-sized suitcases and bags. Economy passengers can check bags weighing up to 50 pounds, while First and Business class passengers may check bags up to 70 pounds. This means you can pack without worry, knowing that American Airlines allows you to bring what you need.
• Special Considerations: Traveling to Cuba? American Airlines allows each passenger to check up to 2 bags, with a maximum weight of 70 lbs per bag. Seasonal exceptions apply, so it’s always best to check the latest information before your trip.

American Airlines Carry-on Baggage Policy

Embarking on a journey with American Airlines means you’re setting yourself up for a travel experience that’s both convenient and accommodating. When it comes to carry-on baggage, the airline has crafted American Airlines baggage rules that are designed to make your boarding process as smooth as silk and your flight as comfortable as possible.

• Each passenger is allowed one personal item, free of charge. This could be a purse, a laptop bag, or a small backpack. The only requirement is that it must fit snugly under the seat in front of you, with dimensions not exceeding 18 x 14 x 8 inches. It’s the perfect spot for those items you need to keep close, like your travel documents, gadgets, or a good book to while away the flight hours.
• In addition to your personal items, you can bring one carry-on bag. This bag should be just the right size to fit in the overhead bin, with total dimensions not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9 inches. It’s the ideal space for your travel wardrobe, gifts, or anything else you might need for your adventure ahead.
• Do you have a delicate dress or a sharp suit? American Airlines hasn’t forgotten about your special attire. Soft-sided garment bags are also accepted as carry-on items, provided they don’t exceed 51 linear inches. And if music is your life, rest assured that your instrument can travel with you as long as it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
• Flying on an American Eagle® plane? The overhead bin space might be limited, but that doesn’t mean your carry-on won’t make the trip. If it’s larger than the personal item dimensions, American Airlines offers a complimentary valet service at the gate. Your bag will be safely stowed away and returned to you as soon as you deplane.
• Your furry friends don’t have to miss out on the fun. American Airlines allows carry-on pets, with certain guidelines and restrictions to ensure a safe journey for all.
• Navigating TSA rules can be tricky, but American Airlines makes it simple. Duty-free liquids are welcome in your carry-on as long as they’re in a security tamper-evident bag. For other liquids and restricted items, it’s always best to check with the TSA to avoid any hiccups at security.

Oversize & Overweight Baggage

Sometimes, your travel essentials just can’t be confined to standard dimensions. American Airlines gets that. For those larger-than-life items, the airline accepts American Airlines check-in baggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) of up to 62 inches. And for those times when you have something even bigger, like that majestic painting you couldn’t resist on your last trip, bags measuring over 62 inches up to 126 inches are considered oversized. A fee will apply, but your treasured items won’t be left behind.

Packing light isn’t always an option, especially when you’re heading to a special event or moving across the country. American Airlines’ overweight baggage policy is here to lift that weight off your shoulders. Bags weighing more than the standard 50 pounds but less than 100 pounds are classified as overweight. While there is an additional fee for these heavier bags, it’s a small price to pay for the convenience of having everything you need upon arrival.

American Airlines Baggage Fees 

The fees for checked bags are straightforward and transparent. You can easily avoid the long queue by paying the fees online. If you have questions like- How much does American Airlines charge for international baggage? Here, we have mentioned all the American Airlines baggage fees structures for all routes:

• Travel between the U.S. (including HI / AK), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands:
  • First Checked Baggage- $40
  • Second Checked Baggage- $45
  • Third Checked Baggage- $150
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel between Canada and Mexico:
  • First Checked Baggage- $35
  • Second Checked Baggage- $45
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel between Haiti:
  • First Checked Baggage- $0 / $35
  • Second Checked Baggage- $65
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel between the Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti):
  • First Checked Baggage- $35
  • Second Checked Baggage- $45
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel between Central America (except Panama):
  • First Checked Baggage- $35
  • Second Checked Baggage- $45
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel between Guyana and Suriname:
  • First Checked Baggage- $35
  • Second Checked Baggage- $45
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel between Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru:
  • First Checked Baggage- $0 / $45
  • Second Checked Baggage- $100
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel between South America (except Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname):
  • First Checked Baggage- $0 / $60
  • Second Checked Baggage- $100
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel on Transatlantic flights:
  • First Checked Baggage- $0 / $75
  • Second Checked Baggage- $100
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200
• Travel on Transpacific flights:
  • First Checked Baggage- $0 / $75
  • Second Checked Baggage- $100
  • Third Checked Baggage- $200
  • Fourth Checked Baggage- $200

Fees for oversized baggage vary according to the routes, and if you are flying after 17th April 2024, here are the fees applicable to you:

If you are carrying an overweight bag, this will vary according to the route, and the rates mentioned below are for travel after 17th April 2024:

Lost And Damaged Baggage Claim

American Airlines makes sure that you are not left stranded without your belongings. If your bags are delayed or cannot be found upon arrival, American Airlines has a system in place for you to file a report at the Baggage Service Office before leaving the airport. For domestic flights, you should report delayed bags within 4 hours, and for international flights, immediately upon arrival. If, unfortunately, your bags are damaged, you can file a report before leaving the airport or within 24 hours for domestic flights and 7 days for international flights.

Summary:

American Airlines baggage allowance policy is designed with the traveler’s convenience in mind. Passengers are allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag with generous size allowances. For checked baggage, fees are transparent and vary depending on the destination. Oversized and overweight bags can be accommodated for an additional fee. If you have any trouble make sure to contact us via the toll-free number mentioned below.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What is the American Airlines military baggage policy?
If you are a military personnel, depending on your destination, you can carry bags free of charge with an active U.S. military ID:

• For active U.S. military and/or dependents traveling on orders, you can carry up to 5 bags of 100 lbs each.
• For active U.S. military on personal/leisure travel, you can carry up to 3 bags 50 lbs each.

2) What is the compensation for a lost or damaged bag?
If your bag is lost or damaged, the airline’s liability to compensate you is limited to $3,800.

3) How many bags can I carry on Premium Economy?
If you are traveling on the premium economy, you can carry up to 2 checked baggage.

4) Can I bring boxes onboard?
No, American Airlines restricts passengers from bringing boxes onboard.