What is the American Airlines Baggage Policy?
Do you have an American Airlines trip on your cards? So, it is good to know about American Airlines baggage policy and keep any hassles at bay. Learn about the charges on carry-on or checked bags as well as fees for baggage that exceeds the set weight and dimensions limits.
Additionally, get insight on domestic and international baggage when flying with AA. So, go through the account that floors and get a quick overview on the baggage policies that American Airlines has devised for ease of its travelers.
Also, get to know about the different charges as per the bag type or which ones you can tackle for free onboard. With this account, you can have a smooth experience with your AA trip.
What is the American Airlines Baggage Policy for Economy Passengers?
To keep travel affordable for passengers, AA has devised a policy for baggage. This enables them to avoid excess charges on their luggage. Get more information about American Airlines baggage policy for economy class, go through the following points.
How many bags are allowed free in AA economy class?
The airline allows 1 carry-on (must fit in the overhead bin) and 1 personal item (must fit under the seat in front of you) onboard in economy.
What are AA Carry-on Baggage Size Requirements?
Some items can only be taken as carry-on bags and some must be checked. You must know if you can carry those bags or where to pack the items. Also, you must keep the following points in mind while having a carry-on bag on an AA flight –
- Carry-on bag – 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Personal item – 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Please note
- The total dimensions include the handle and wheels of the time.
- Must fit in the sizer at the airport.
- Personal items may include a purse, laptop bag, etc.
As per the AA baggage policy for carry on items, the following don’t are not considered as your personal bags or carry-on –
- Diaper bags
- Soft-sided breast milk cooler
- Breast pump
- Child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices
Other Carry-on Requirements
- A soft-sided bag of garments that measures 51 inches/ 130 cm (length + width + height) is allowed as your carry-on item.
- You can also take a musical instrument or sport equipment as a carry-on item. Check which of these item types are allowed onboard with the AA official website or team.
- When you are taking a pet along, its container is considered your carry-on item. You have to pay the pet fee as well.
- As per American Airlines carry-on baggage policy, TSA allows some specific duty-free liquids in your carry-on bag. You must pack those in a bag that is tamper-evident. For more information about it, contact the TSA.
What are the American Airline Checked Baggage Fees?
Fees on checked bags as AA has set for flights within the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean are mentioned below –
- General member – $30 (first bag), $40 (second bag)
- AAdvantage Gold elite member – First bag free, $40 (second bag)
- AAdvantage Platinum elite member – First and second bags free
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite member – First, second, and third bags free
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum elite member – First, second, and third bags free
Please note
- These rules change as per your destination. So, carefully go through the American Airline baggage policy before booking your trip.
- Fees paid for bags apply to per person and are non-refundable. This is meant for every check-in location, each way.
How Much AA Charges for Oversized or Overweight Bags?
American Airline charges for bags beyond the set weight and dimensions limits are –
Oversize bags
For 63 to 126 inches – $200 per bag (including wheels and handles)
Overweight bags
- For 51 to 70 pounds – $100 per bag
- For 70 to 100 pounds – $200 per bag
How Much American Airlines Charges for International Bags?
As per the updated AA international baggage policy, its international flights don’t allow free checked bags anymore in the basic economy. You have to pay $75 for the first checked bag, $100 for the second bag, and $200 for the third one.
The costs are much higher as compared to the checked bag charges on domestic flights.
Basic Economy travelers on domestic flights are covered with the baggage policy that allows them to check up to 62 inches/158 cm baggage that weighs 50 lbs/23 kg maximum.
The first bag costs $30, the second $40, and the third costs $150. For more bags, AA charges $200 per bag.
Does AA Offer Military Baggage Allowance?
AA offers generous baggage allowances to certain fare types on certain routes. On eligible ticket fares or routes, the airline allows up to three checked bags for free. And when discussing the generous baggage allowance approach of American Airlines, its approach for the military personnel can’t be missed.
As per the military baggage policy AA allows complimentary 1st, 2nd, and 3rd checked bags to the military personnel who are traveling with their ID and their family/dependents. Depending on the destination chosen, they can carry when –
- Flying on orders – Up to 5 bags, 100 lbs each
- Traveling for personal reasons – Up to 3 bags, 50 lbs each
In Conclusion
With American Airlines, you have simple rules and policies for your baggage. The airline facilitates its travelers with carry-on and personal items on all ticket types. However, you have to remember that fees are applicable for these items onboard as per different travel class and flight type. In short, American Airlines Baggage Policy is customer-friendly and considers requirements of travelers in the best possible manner. All the fees and charges mentioned above are subject to change. So, please check the updated charges with the airline while booking your tickets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to avoid AA Baggage fees?
To avoid American Airlines baggage fees for checked bags, you must have an elite status in AAdvantage program. Each elite member has free checked bags for themselves and up to 50 pounds per bag for up to 8 travel companions.
However, the number of free checked bags depends on your elite status tier.
Does American Airlines Restrict any Baggage Items?
AA prohibits several items for safety reasons. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have restricted these items.
Some of these items are but not restricted to alcoholic beverages, animal products/products of animal origin (EU destinations only), batteries, cutting instruments, defense sprays, and drones.
If you need anything like any medical equipment onboard, like for asthma or diabetes, contact AA for assistance.