It's a very stress-free trip for the whole world, understanding the different airline baggage policies. If you know it then you can proactively resolve it. Being the world's largest airline, American Airlines has well-defined policies for carrying the baggage, it caters for every need for any traveler. From carry-on allowances to checked baggage rules and special provisions for unique items, these rules will help you better plan your trip and avoid some hidden fees. Now let's dive into the details of American Airlines' baggage policies and know everything you should know.

Carry-On Baggage Policy

American Airlines allows free carry-on facilities on board the aircraft with no additional charge for carry-on essentials. Here is how their policy reads-

1. Free carry-on facility

Most of the American Airlines flights do not charge anything to the travellers. Basically one carry-on is free with a personal item.

2. Allowance

There is a pre-decided size and dimensions of the bag, the bag should not be more than 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including the handles and wheels. Basically it should get adjusted on the overhead bin.

3. Personal Item Dimensions

Any personal item of any size: purse, briefcase, or small backpack, to name a few. No weight limit is provided, but it just needs to fit in the overhead bin in front of you.

4. Weight Restrictions

None for carry-ons. Carry-on bags need to be light enough so that passengers can handle and store in the overhead bin without the need for other passengers to assist.

5. Some exemptions

Though there are some exceptions related to the items like diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags in which breast milk and formula are inside. Wheel chairs and mobility aids and other medical devices can not be brought. Infants can be brought along with parents if they themselves can carry an infant. Furthermore, they shall be permitted bringing a soft sided cooler that would contain breast milk or formula plus juice in the same.

Check out American Airlines Name Change policy

Checked Baggage Policy

The check-in baggage policy of American Airlines is a little bit complicated because it is based on route, class of travel, and passenger category. Here are the basics of this policy-

Standard Checked Baggage Policy Allowance

Domestic Flights within/ between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands:

• First checked bag: On counter is $40; online check-in is $35.
• Second checked bag: $45.

Flights to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana:

• First checked bag: $35.
• Second checked bag: $45.

International Flights: Generally free checked baggage is permitted for crossing the Atlantic or Pacific.

Size and Weight Restrictions

1. Size restrictions

62 inches (L*B*H) is the limit for the Checked bags. It should not be more than 62 inches linear.

2. Weight Restrictions

• For Economy Class: 50 lbs, or 23 kilograms.
• For First/Business Class: 70 lbs, or 32 kilograms.

Over Size and Over Weight Fees

Over size and overweight bags will be charged. Bags that have total dimensions over 126 inches or weighing over 100 lbs or 45 kg can't be accepted.

Excess Bags Fee

The more excess baggage goes up at every step. For example, the third checked baggage will cost about $150 for the same country and almost $200 for another country. Please check specific routes from the airline website.

Special Items and Sports Equipment

Special services offered in American Airlines provide services carrying special items and sports equipment. Most of the items have particular needs-

• Sports Equipment: Golf clubs, skis, and fishing rods are acceptable. These articles are weighed and measured for size. One golf bag containing clubs, balls, and shoes is counted as one checked item. Excess weight in a golf bag may attract fees.
• Musical Instruments: The minor instruments can be taken inside the cabin of the aircraft. Large musical instruments have to be checked. The passengers have to pay for the service too.
• Perishable and Fragile Items: These items should be accompanied with the passenger on board, when possible. American Airlines has covered limited liability for checked bags. On top of this, special insurance protection is also accessible for valuable commodities.

Explore Does American Airlines Offer Senior Citizen Discounts?

Prohibited Items and Restricted Goods

Even American Airlines strictly adheres to the forbidden list of the TSA. No passenger would be allowed to carry hazardous materials containing things like flammable and explosive material, and also some chemicals. Sharp objects, along with liquids larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), must be carried as checked baggage only except under some exceptions.

Regional and Seasonal Restrictions

Seasonal Embargoes

Most check bag embargoes are adhered to with airports. To put it simply, a traveller is allowed certain check bags under this policy. It just happens to be horrible during the prime season. Prime season includes things like holidays or Caribbean and Latin America where a passenger just gets two check bags.

Regional policies

Other destinations have no fees for checked bags and free allowance for some regions around the world, and class of ticket purchased like Europe or Asia.

American Airlines Updated Checked Bag Fees

The new baggage policy was commenced on November 13, 2024, it brought some changes-

• Domestic Flights: The first checked bag is now $40 when paid at the ticket counter and $35 when paid online. The second checked bag is now $45.
• International/Regional Flights: Fees for flights entering and leaving Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana are no longer the same. First checked bag now $35; second one $45. These fees are in line with the trends of the aviation industry, and also taking into consideration the fact that flying is becoming drastically costlier.

How To Save Cost on Baggage?

Save yourself from this unwanted hassle and extra fee by taking these cost-cutting measures:

• Make Pre-booking of Bags: Before reaching the airport check in online to make advanced payment for your check-in baggage to save your extra queuing time in the airport.
• Check baggage allowance: Read the details of your ticket and look up the website of the airlines for route-wise baggage policies.
• Mark Your Bags: You can mark your bag with a label having your contact details so that it can be returned to you easily when lost.
• Weigh Your Bags: Check the weight of the bag at home or you can use the airport machine to weigh, just to avoid last minute rush.
• Recommended Padlocks: Ensure your bags are safe on board by having TSA-approved locks to secure.

Explore How To Upgrade To Business class On American Airlines?

Benefits for the American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Status Member

If the passenger is an American Airlines AAdvantage Elite Status or flying aboard a premium, they get the following benefits-

• Complimentary checked bags for certain tiers at their status level.
• You can carry extra weight allowances with your carry-on but will be checked in and get boarded ahead of others.

You know how to make your traveling through American Airlines less complicated. Let yourself get informed of your carry-on baggage; find out all about the regulations regarding your check-in baggage; find out some special items' arrangements. It will streamline your travel arrangement, saving you from unwanted expenditures. Hence, get updates of the airline at the official website in order to follow the latest guidelines when traveling strictly. You'll have the easiest time with your travel with American Airlines if prepared appropriately.