American Airlines Baggage Guide: Know Before You Go!

Are you also thinking about what to pack before flying? Just wait—help is on the way! As we all know, every airline has a baggage policy, but if you have booked your flight tickets with American Airlines, here’s everything you need to know about their baggage allowance and fees. However, American Airlines checked baggage policy differs depending upon factors like flight route, type of cabin class, number of bags per person, and fare type. Review the information below to travel smart, stay organized, and avoid airport surprises!

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.

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 Special Item & Sports Item Policy?

Are you flying with sports or specialty 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 specialty 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.

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.

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. Familiarize 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 American Airlines is 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.

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.

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.