Navigating airline baggage rules can feel like trying to solve a puzzle. With recent changes and varying allowances, it’s easy to get confused and risk paying unexpected fees.
American Baggage Policy at a Glance
This table provides a quick summary of the most important baggage rules for travel on American Airlines.
Fees and allowances can vary based on your destination, ticket type, and AAdvantage® status.
| Category | Allowance & Limits |
| Carry-on Bag | 1 bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) |
| Personal Item | 1 item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) |
| Checked Bag Size | Max 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) |
| Checked Bag Weight | Max 50 lbs (23 kgs) for Economy. Max 70 lbs (32 kgs) for First/Business. |
| Domestic Fee (1st Bag) | $40 at the airport / $35 online |
| Domestic Fee (2nd Bag) | $45 |
| Overweight Fee | $100–$200 for bags between 51-100 lbs (23-45 kgs) |
| Oversize Fee | $150–$200 for bags between 62-125 inches (158-320 cm) |
Note: These are standard fees for domestic U.S. travel and may differ for international routes. Always verify with the airline for your specific flight.
Carry-On and Personal Items: What’s Free?
Every passenger traveling on American Airlines can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge.
Your personal item, such as a purse or small backpack, must fit under the seat in front of you.
Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin. If space is limited, you may be required to check your carry-on bag at the gate.
Checked Baggage: Fees and Allowances
Most passengers will need to pay to check a bag, especially when flying domestically in the Main Cabin.
As of early 2024, the fee for your first checked bag on a domestic flight is $35 if you pay online or $40 at the airport.
The second checked bag costs $45. Fees for third and fourth bags increase significantly.
These fees apply per person, each way. International baggage fees vary widely depending on the destination and fare class.
For example, many transatlantic and transpacific flights in Main Cabin include the first checked bag for free (excluding Basic Economy).
How to Get Free Checked Bags
You can avoid checked baggage fees through several methods:
AAdvantage® Status
Gold members get one free checked bag, Platinum members get two, and Executive Platinum members get three.
Premium Cabins
Passengers in First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy receive free checked bags.
Eligible Credit Cards
Certain AAdvantage co-branded credit cards offer a free first checked bag on domestic itineraries for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation.
Active U.S. Military
Military personnel and their dependents traveling on orders receive up to five free checked bags. On personal travel, active military members get up to three free bags.
Special Baggage: Sports Gear and Musical Instruments
Traveling with special items? American Airlines has specific rules for things like golf clubs, skis, and musical instruments.
Most sporting equipment counts as a standard checked bag as long as it meets the size and weight limits (50 lbs and 62 inches).
If it exceeds these limits, oversize or overweight fees may apply. Musical instruments can be brought as a carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Larger instruments may require purchasing a separate seat.
Tips to Save on American Airlines Baggage Fees
No one likes paying extra to travel with their belongings. Here are a few strategies to avoid or minimize baggage fees:
Pay Online Before You Fly
American offers a $5 discount on the first checked bag for domestic flights if you pay online at aa.com or through the app.
Pack Light
Stick to a carry-on and personal item if possible. Using packing cubes can help you fit more into a smaller bag.
Weigh Your Bags at Home
Avoid expensive overweight fees by weighing your luggage before leaving for the airport. A simple luggage scale can save you $100 or more.
Leverage Status and Credit Cards
If you fly American often, earning elite status or signing up for an eligible AAdvantage® credit card can provide significant long-term savings on baggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did American Airlines really get rid of carry-on bag sizers?
Yes. In late 2023, American Airlines began removing the metal bag sizers from its boarding gates.
While the official size limits have not changed, gate agents will now visually assess bags, which is intended to speed up the boarding process.
What is the baggage allowance for infants on American Airlines?
If you’re traveling with an infant on your lap, you can check one stroller and one car seat for free.
You are also allowed a diaper bag as a personal item. If the infant has a purchased seat, standard baggage allowances apply.
What happens if my bag is slightly over the 50 lb weight limit?
If your bag weighs between 51 and 70 lbs, you will be charged an overweight fee, which starts at $100 for domestic flights.
If it’s over 70 lbs, the fee increases to $200. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.
Can I combine baggage allowances with another person?
No, American Airlines does not permit pooling or combining baggage allowances, even for passengers on the same reservation.
Each passenger’s allowance is treated individually.
Are baggage fees refundable if I cancel my flight?
Generally, checked bag fees are non-refundable. However, if you paid for bags but end up not traveling, you can contact American Airlines to request a refund.
Plan Ahead for a Smoother Journey
By knowing the limits, packing smart, and taking advantage of loyalty perks, you can avoid surprises at the airport.
Because policies can change, it’s always a good practice to double-check the latest baggage rules on the official American Airlines website before your flight.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
