How Does American Airlines Baggage Policy Work?

While packing for a long trip, passengers pack a little extra, but one extra top, extra shoes, and your packing can exceed the limit. American Airlines' baggage policy is simple; it contains all the regulations related to baggage in one place, whether for cabin baggage or checked bags. 

Read the blog and know all the details of this policy, the baggage allowances, weight and size limit, process to add extra baggage, regulations based on fare, and charges. Also, read the baggage allowance for military personnel and make the trip smoother.

What are American Airlines Baggage Policy Regulations?

While packing, having the knowledge of the allowance and limitations of the American Airlines baggage policy is essential. The regulations are simple and provide every detail regarding baggage. These are some regulations you must know: 

• American includes the charges of a small personal item and one carry-on bag in the fare, so you can carry it without extra charges.
• In case the size of the bags is larger than the mentioned dimensions, an extra fee will be charged.
• In the event of late, damaged, or lost baggage, the passengers may submit a claim.
• Babies traveling in a separate seat can carry the same baggage as others.
• Special baggage allowances are provided under the required conditions.
• One passenger can take a maximum of 10 checked bags; fees are collected for baggage above the allowance. 

What are the American Airlines Baggage Allowances?

Well, the baggage allowances are provided based on the fare option you have opted for. Or if you are travelling to an international destination. Understand the baggage allowances and weight and size permitted for each bag. 

Fare Options: 

• Basic economy and fully flexible passengers can bring: a personal bag and carry-on. 
• Business and first class passengers can bring: a personal item, one carry-on and 2-3 checked bags. 

Each Passenger can Bring: 

• 1 personal items:
• The size must be under: 18x14x8 inches. 
• Carry-on: 
• Size maximum: 22x14x9 inches. 

Items for personal use not included in the count:

• Diaper bag (one for each kid)
• A breast pump or a small cooler containing breast milk
• Child safety seat plus stroller
• Medical or mobility aids or devices

Checked Baggage:

• Checked bags dimensions must be under: 
• Measurement: 62 inches/158 centimetres
• Weight: 50 lbs/23 kg
• Maximum free bags for First/Business Class may have a weight of 70 lbs/32 kg

Bag Size Limitation: 

On routes with limitations, you cannot check:

• More than two bags 
• Overweight bags: more than 70 lbs / 32 kg
• Oversized bags: bigger than 62 in / 158 cm
• Excess bags over the allowed limit

Box Exceptions:

• Mexico: no boxes over 80 in
• Cuba: 1 new, unused power generator allowed per reservation

How to Exceed the American Baggage Allowance? 

Passengers are given two options: via the internet or via other modes. The baggage can be exceeded at any stage from reservation to check-in. The charges get higher by the last minute; adding the baggage online is better because the charges are low. 

Online Process:

With the online process, passengers can add baggage before check-in time with the manage booking option, after check-in time with the check-in option. Here is the process: 

• Open the Spirit Airlines official website. 
• Open the check-in or 'Manage Booking' tab.
• Just enter the information and complete the login. 
• And add extra baggage.

This can be done through an app. The process is the same. 

Offline Process: 

Passengers can add baggage by

• calling the customer service, 
• by using a kiosk 
• or through the ticket counter.
• Or with any 3rd party site. 

These processes are not lengthy. Keep your ticket ready while asking for a modification. 

How Much are the Baggage Fees? 

• AA credit card user/AAdvantage Gold/ oneworld ruby user gets one checked bag free. 
• Premium economy/ business class/ domestic first/Aadvantage Platinum passengers get two free checked bags.
• Flagship first, biz plus/ exec platinum/ platinum pro/ one world emerald get three checked baggage allowance for no fee.

What is the American Military Baggage Policy?

According to the military baggage policy of American Airlines, baggage privileges are provided to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents. These are free checked bags for those traveling on official orders or personal business.

• Active members of the U.S. military can check five bags for free that weigh a total of 100 lbs and have a total measurement of 115 inches.
• Travelers on personal business or pleasure can have one bag checked for free if it weighs no more than 50 lbs and has a size of 62 inches or less.

What items are Allowed in Special Conditions?

Well, airlines want to make the passengers travel comfortably, under special conditions, they permit items like:

• Human remains are packed in a fully blocked box, then checked with a TSA agent, verifying that it can be carried in a checked bag or in a carry-on.
• Shooting equipment, like cameras and other things, is allowed; separate charges are applied for the items.
• Airlines allow sports or musical items to be carried; check the allowances and charges prior to travel.
• Medical equipment is allowed inside the flight or checked in based on the requirement.
• Read the detailed special allowance list.

What Items are Strictly Restricted?

Well, airlines have clearly prohibited these items on the flight:

• Airlines follow the TSA rules, so every item prohibited on their list is denied carriage by airlines.
• Any cutting instrument is not allowed in carry-on; they can be packed in checked bags.
• Any defence spray is not allowed.
• Electronic cigarettes are denied in the checked bags, but can be packed in the carry-on.
• Any type of explosive or item that can cause flame is strictly prohibited on the flight, in both solid and liquid form.
• Household sprays are totally prohibited from carrying.
• Read the TSA and airlines list for more clarification.

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.

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