The American Airlines baggage policy allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free, even with Basic Economy tickets. Carry-on luggage cannot exceed 22 × 14 × 9 inches, while personal items must measure no more than 18 × 14 × 8 inches. For US domestic Main Cabin tickets issued under the current fee schedule, the first checked bag costs $45 online or $50 at the airport. Most checked bags must weigh 50 pounds or less and stay within 62 linear inches.
What you pay for checked luggage depends on your fare, destination, cabin class, and frequent flyer benefits. American Airlines changed several baggage fees in 2026, including higher Basic Economy charges effective May 18. Checking your allowance before packing can help you avoid extra costs at the airport.
American Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy
American Airlines allows one carry-on suitcase and one personal item per passenger without an additional fee. This applies to both Main Cabin and Basic Economy passengers traveling on American-operated flights.
| Baggage type | Maximum size | Allowance |
| Carry-on bag | 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | One free |
| Personal item | 18 × 14 × 8 inches (45 × 35 × 20 cm) | One free |
| Soft-sided garment bag | 51 linear inches (130 cm) | May serve as the carry-on item |
According to the airline’s official carry-on baggage requirements, suitcase measurements include handles and wheels. Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or another approved storage space, while your personal item must fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Certain belongings, such as diaper bags, breast pumps, child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices, generally do not count toward the standard carry-on allowance.
Smaller aircraft sometimes have limited overhead storage. On certain regional flights, you may need to leave your carry-on at the gate for complimentary valet checking.
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American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees
American Airlines checked baggage fees vary by fare, route, and ticket purchase date. The following charges apply to standard US domestic travel under the relevant 2026 fee schedules.
| Checked bag | Main Cabin online | Main Cabin airport | Basic Economy online | Basic Economy airport |
| First bag | $45 | $50 | $50 | $55 |
| Second bag | $55 | $60 | $60 | $65 |
| Third bag | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 |
| Fourth or additional bag | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 |
These fees apply per passenger, each way. The first and second bag prices reflect Main Cabin tickets issued on or after April 9, 2026, and Basic Economy tickets issued on or after May 18, 2026.
If you purchased your ticket earlier, different prices may apply. Eligible passengers can also receive complimentary checked luggage. The airline’s checked baggage policy provides the applicable fees and exclusions.
On qualifying domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific American-operated flights, passengers can generally check up to 10 bags. Some routes involving Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America allow up to five. Certain destinations and seasonal restrictions impose lower limits.
International Checked Baggage Fees
International baggage charges can vary considerably depending on where you’re flying.
- Europe: Eligible Main Cabin fares generally include one checked bag. Basic Economy tickets issued on or after May 18, 2026, may have an $85 first-bag fee.
- India and Qatar: Eligible fares include one checked bag, including Basic Economy tickets issued on or after April 23, 2026.
- Australia and New Zealand: Passengers generally receive at least one complimentary checked bag, including those traveling in Basic Economy.
- Central and South America: Allowances depend on the destination and fare. Some routes charge for the first checked bag.
Before an international trip, check the baggage allowance shown in your reservation. This is especially important when your itinerary includes flights operated by another airline.
American Airlines Baggage Size and Weight Limits
The standard American Airlines baggage size and weight limits are:
- Maximum checked bag size: 62 linear inches (158 cm).
- Standard checked bag weight: 50 pounds (23 kg).
- Eligible First and Business complimentary bags: Up to 70 pounds (32 kg).
- Australia and New Zealand: Complimentary checked bags generally allow up to 70 pounds (32 kg).
To calculate linear inches, add your suitcase’s length, width, and height, including any exterior parts.
For example, a suitcase measuring 28 × 20 × 12 inches has a total of 60 linear inches, which meets the standard size limit.
American Airlines Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your luggage exceeds the allowance for your ticket, you may have to pay an additional fee.
The following charges apply to eligible checked bags on routes within or between the United States, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Canada.
| Excess baggage condition | Additional fee (USD) |
| Over 50–53 lb | $30 |
| Over 53–70 lb | $100 |
| Over 70–100 lb | $200 |
| Over 62–65 linear inches | $30 |
| Over 65–115 linear inches | $200 |
These charges are separate from your regular checked baggage fee. International routes may have different prices or stricter restrictions, as explained in the airline’s overweight and oversized baggage rules.
American Airlines generally does not accept checked luggage weighing more than 100 pounds or measuring over 115 linear inches. Some international destinations prohibit bags weighing more than 70 pounds.
If your suitcase is both overweight and oversized, the airline generally applies the higher of the two excess-baggage fees rather than charging both.
Who Gets Free Checked Bags on American Airlines?
Not every passenger has to pay for checked luggage. American Airlines offers complimentary baggage allowances to travelers who meet certain eligibility requirements.
- AAdvantage Gold: Generally one complimentary checked bag.
- AAdvantage Platinum: Generally two complimentary checked bags.
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum: Generally three complimentary checked bags.
- Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders: One free checked bag on qualifying domestic American Airlines-operated flights.
- Premium Economy, Business, and First: Complimentary baggage allowances depend on the cabin and itinerary.
- Active US military: Up to five complimentary bags when traveling on qualifying military orders, or three during eligible personal travel.
Keep in mind that the number of free bags and the weight allowed for each bag are separate benefits. Some premium-cabin and elite-status allowances permit 70-pound suitcases, while others retain the standard 50-pound limit.
Your specific itinerary matters, too. Complimentary baggage benefits may not carry over to flights operated by partner airlines.
Special Items and Baggage Restrictions
Some belongings have different packing and acceptance requirements.
Sports equipment, including golf clubs, skis, and bicycles, may travel as checked baggage. However, additional charges or size restrictions can apply depending on the item.
Musical instruments can be brought onboard when they meet cabin storage requirements. Larger instruments may need to be checked or transported using a separately purchased seat.
Spare lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must stay out of checked luggage. Review the TSA’s baggage and prohibited-items guidance before packing restricted items.
Medical equipment and mobility aids have separate accommodation rules. Some destinations also limit oversized luggage, additional suitcases, and boxes during certain travel periods.
How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
A little preparation can help you keep baggage costs down.
- Check your reservation: Review the baggage allowance for your exact fare and destination rather than assuming every ticket includes checked luggage.
- Pay online when eligible: You can save $5 on the first and second checked bags on qualifying routes by paying online instead of at the airport.
- Weigh your suitcase: Keep standard checked bags at or below 50 pounds unless your ticket includes a higher weight allowance.
- Measure your luggage: Include wheels, handles, and exterior pockets when checking your suitcase’s total dimensions.
- Review your benefits: Check whether your cabin, AAdvantage status, or eligible credit card gives you complimentary baggage.
- Check connecting flights: Another airline may have different baggage rules, even when all flights appear on the same reservation.
Eligible passengers can pay for up to three checked bags online or through the American Airlines app up to two hours before departure. Additional bags must be arranged at the airport.
What to Do If Your Baggage Is Delayed or Damaged
If your checked suitcase doesn’t arrive, report the problem before leaving the airport whenever possible. For eligible US arrivals, you may also be able to file a report electronically.
On domestic flights, delayed baggage generally must be reported within four hours of arrival. If your luggage arrives damaged, report it before leaving the airport or within six hours of receiving it.
International deadlines differ. The airline’s delayed or damaged baggage instructions explain the reporting process and applicable deadlines.
Keep your baggage claim tag, boarding pass, report reference number, and receipts for essential replacement purchases in case you need to submit a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a backpack as a personal item on American Airlines?
Yes. A backpack can count as your personal item if it measures no more than 18 × 14 × 8 inches and fits beneath the seat in front of you. Larger backpacks may count as your carry-on bag instead.
Are American Airlines checked baggage fees refundable?
Checked baggage fees are generally nonrefundable, including when you later receive an upgrade that includes free luggage. However, you may qualify for a refund if you were charged incorrectly or meet another applicable refund exception. Keep your payment receipt if you need to request a review.