What is American Airlines Baggage Policy?

Are you also thinking about what to pack before flying? Well, everything has this concern. While packing, we want to pack every small or big thing because you don’t want to miss out, but packing more than the allowance or ignoring the baggage allowances can cause you stress while boarding. 

Every airline has a different baggage policy, but if you have booked your flight tickets with American Airlines, here’s everything you need to know about American Airlines' checked baggage policy, charges and fees for overweight and oversized bags. 

What is American Airlines' Baggage Policy?

The American Airlines baggage policy is friendly for everyone. Whether you're packing carry-on bags or checking luggage, knowing the rules will help you avoid surprises at the airport. Take a moment to review the information below before you begin packing, so you're fully prepared for your flight.

• The baggage regulations are different for different fare options. 
• Higher classes get extra baggage included in the fare. 
• Passengers get extra baggage allowances for international trips. 
• Passengers have to pay charges if they are carrying extra baggage, overweight or oversized bags. 
• Passengers can carry a maximum of 10 checked bags with them; charges will be applicable on baggage above the allowance. 

What are the Regulations for Different Bags? 

American airlines has given different size and weight limits for different bag types. Here are in detail regulations: 

Personal item:

• Personal items can be carried without charges. 
• It must fit inside the front seat. 
• A small bag, suitcase, purse or laptop is treated as a personal item. 

Carry-On Baggage:

• According to American Airlines' carry-on baggage policy, passengers can travel with one carry-on bag and one personal item per person.
• Passengers' items, like purses and small handbags, should fit under the seat in front of you.
• American Airlines carry-on luggage size: Your dimensions should be 22 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches high, including wheels and handle.
• Personal item dimensions: American Airlines carry-on size should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Checked Baggage:

• American Airlines baggage check-in policy: You can check up to 10 bags for domestic, transatlantic, or transpacific trips.
• Passengers traveling to and from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Brazil are allowed to carry up to five bags.
• First checked bag: The airline charges $40 for the first bag ($35 if you pay online), but this fee may vary depending on your destination.
• Second checked bag: Passengers must pay $45 for the second bag.
• American Airlines' extra baggage policy says that if you're checking more than three bags per individual, extra bags must be added at the airport.
• Weight Limit: According to American Airlines' baggage rules, checked bags may not weigh over 23 kg.
• Size Restriction: The dimensions of a regular checked bag should be 62 in / 158 cm (the sum of length, width, and height).
• Business and Domestic First: According to American Airlines' domestic baggage policy, passengers can check bags up to 70 lbs/32 kg without additional charge.

What is the American Airlines Baggage Fee?

Baggage fees at American Airlines vary depending on your route, ticket class, destination, and the number of bags you carry. However, if you check in your bags online, the airline charges $35.To find out the baggage fee for your destination, please click here. Extra charges apply if your luggage exceeds the weight or size limits. All baggage fees are non-refundable and apply to all types of travelers.

What is the Oversized & Overweight Bags Policy?

American Airlines has strict policies for handling overweight and oversized bags to prevent travelers from incurring surprise charges. If your bag is larger or heavier than usual, you'll be charged an additional fee. Familiarise yourself with these policies beforehand to avoid airport hassles and costs.

Oversized Bags:

• Regular overweight charges apply beyond 50 lbs (23 kg).
• The carry-on dimensions for American Airlines are non-acceptable up to 115 in/292 cm (length + width + height).
• Some cities in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America have seasonal or year-round limits on checked bags and boxes.
• This size rule applies even if the box is placed inside a bag.
• From Madrid, Spain (MAD), no side of a checked item can exceed 43 inches (110 cm).
• The total size of checked items from Madrid must not exceed 115 inches (292 cm).

Overweight Bags

• No checked bags over 100 lbs are allowed on American Airlines flights.
• Business and Domestic First customers can check two bags, up to 70 kg, at no extra cost.
• Flagship First, Business Plus confirmed customers, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, and oneworld Emerald members can check three bags at no extra cost.

How to Exceed Baggage Requirements? 

To exceed the baggage allowance, passengers can follow the online method or the offline method. The charges get higher by the last minute; adding the baggage online is better because the charges are low. 

Online process:

Passengers can add baggage using the 'Manage Booking' option. The process is simple: 

• Just enter the information and complete the login. 
• And add extra baggage.
• This can be done through an app. 

Offline process: 

Passengers can add baggage by calling the customer service, by using a kiosk or through the ticket counter. The process is not lengthy in any situation. Just follow the normal check-in process at the kiosk or counter. 

What is the American Special Item & Sports Item Policy?

Are you flying with sports or speciality items on American Airlines? American Airlines has specific rules that make packing and traveling hassle-free. Here is what you should know to travel easily with equipment such as instruments, sports gear, or other speciality items.

Special Item:

Passengers flying with special items, such as audio or video equipment, human remains, firearms, mobility devices, musical instruments, spears, and Zamzam water, should follow the instructions regarding weight and dimensions.

Basic dimensions and weight guidelines:

• Items should not exceed 100 pounds (45 kg).
• Maximum dimension is 115 in./292 cm.
• For travel to and from Mexico, boxes should not exceed 80 inches / 203 cm.
• Travel from Madrid, Spain: Checked item lengths can't exceed 43 inches, and acceptable items should not exceed outside dimensions up to 115 inches.
• Remember! Vaulting poles, hang gliders, and javelins are non-acceptable items.
• Passengers can also carry medical or mobility equipment in case of necessity.

Sports Equipment:

Travelers who are willing to carry their sports items like antlers, archery, baseball, bicycle, bowling, campaign, curling, fencing, fishing, golf clubs, hockey, cricket bat, scuba gear, shooting equipment, skis, tennis, badminton, etc, must take care of the dimensions and weight limit:

Basic dimensions and weight guidelines:

• The carry-on size of sports equipment should be 115 in. (cm) and weigh no more than 70 lbs (32 kg).
• The side length of the checked item cannot exceed 43 inches (110 cm) for travel from Madrid, Spain.
• The total outside dimensions up to 115 in/292 cm are perfect per international carry-on bag size.
• Standard checked bag fees, up to 50 lbs (23 kg), apply for non-prohibited sports items.

Visit the American Airlines website to get more details. 

What is the American Military Baggage Policy?

American Airlines offers special baggage privileges to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents. These are free checked bags for those traveling on official orders or personal business.

• American Airlines' military baggage policy says that active U.S. military personnel can check up to 5 complimentary bags for up to 100 lbs and 115 inches.
• Personal business or pleasure travelers can check up to 3 complimentary bags, provided they weigh up to 50 lbs and are 62 inches or less.
• According to American Airlines' carry-on weight policy, military dependents can check up to 3 complimentary bags for bags up to 50 lbs and 62 inches.
• Free checked bags apply when traveling on American-marketed and operated itineraries, not codeshare flights operated by partners.

Which Items are Restricted By American Airlines? 

American airlines tries to keep the baggage policy very free, but they cannot compromise with safety, which is why they have restricted some things or put limitations on others: 

• Passengers must prohibit any kind of thing that is hazardous to the passengers. Like: 
• Sharp knife, any blade or item that can cut is not included in the item. 
• Gun, flammable object or any kind of object that can cause fire. 
• Any liquid substance that can cause fire. 
• Passengers are not allowed to bring food items on the flight. 
• Alcohol is also not permitted above 8 ounces. 
• Meats are not allowed on the flight. 
• Defence sprays and household items are not required. 
• Firearms and ammunition are also not allowed. 

You can know the detailed list of items given by American Airlines of items allowed in a limited amount or that are totally restricted.

Conclusion 

So if you ever decide to fly with American Airlines, having the knowledge of the baggage policy is gonna help you save money and also time by skipping long lines. The baggage policy covers rules related to checked baggage, carry-on and personal items. Overweight and oversized bags also have a different set of regulations. This policy also contains regulations related to adding baggage, restricted items and special items for passengers. By knowing the policy, passengers can make the trip more hassle-free. 

Learn more about Delta airlines baggage policy