Does American Airlines Charge for Checked Bags?

Farehub Desk
Oct 4
5 min read

Traveling makes us excited, and sometimes in that excitement, we end up overpacking, which might require us to remove items at the airport or pay extra charges. However, if we are aware of the airline's baggage rules in advance, we can avoid this issue. Here is a proper guide to understanding American Airlines baggage allowance, size, weight, and charges. This will help you pack comfortably and enjoy your trip without stress or extra payments.

What is the American Airlines baggage policy?

The AA baggage policy is designed keeping the comfort and convenience of passengers in mind. The airlines provide different regulations for checked and carry-on baggage. The charges and allowance for bags depend on the destination. Here are some guidelines for American Airlines baggage policy:

Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge.
Your carry-on items must fit under the seat or in the overhead section.
Basic Economy Passengers are not provided with a free checked-in bag on many routes, but they can take a carry-on bag free of cost.
Passengers traveling in any class have a permit to carry personal and carry-on bags for free, whereas higher-class passengers can carry checked-in baggage.
If your bag exceeds the weight or size limits, you will be charged additional fees.

What are the American Airlines baggage rules?

American Airlines' baggage policy covers both carry-on bags and checked bags. Carry-on baggage is complimentary for all passenger classes, provided it meets the specified size and weight limits.

On the other hand, check-in baggage comes with lots of rules. Here are the details of American baggage allowance rules:

Checked Baggage

American Airlines checked baggage rules vary for different classes and routes.

Passengers in Basic Economy and Main Cabin can check in their bags for free on domestic flights.
Passengers traveling in premium classes can carry two checked bags for free.
If the checked-in bag exceeds 62 inches or 152 cm in size, it will be considered oversized.
If it exceeds 50 pounds, it will be regarded as overweight.
Additional charges may apply depending on the size and weight of the bag.
American Airlines' baggage rules also vary depending on the destination; passengers traveling to Latin America or South America can check in one bag for free.
Similarly, passengers traveling to Asia or the Middle East can check in a complimentary bag, depending on their flying class.

Carry-on Baggage

American Airlines baggage policy allows passengers to carry one personal bag and one carry-on bag onboard.

The carry on luggage size American is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels; the same applies to international carry-on bag sizes.
The personal bag should be under the dimensions 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), as specified in American Airlines' carry-on size guidelines.
Personal items can include items like backpacks, laptop bags, purses, or briefcases, but they must fit under the seat in front of you.
American Airlines' carry-on weight limit is 50 pounds (23 kg) for Economy Class and 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for First and Business Class.

Restrictions:

American Airlines prohibits these items from being carried with you:

Any sharp object, like a knife or scissors.
Hazardous materials like lithium batteries and aerosol spray.
Any kind of explosive or firearm (unless revealed and packed as per TSA guidelines).
Pepper spray or tear gas.
Marijuana is banned in many countries.

What are American Airlines' baggage fees?

American Airlines baggage fees are clearly structured, making them easy for passengers to understand. It states that if passengers carry more than the permitted number of bags, oversized and overweight bags will incur additional charges. Here is the fees policy:

Basic Economy and Main Cabin passengers are required to pay for each checked bag on domestic flights.
On domestic flights, passengers pay $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag.
On international flights, one checked bag is typically included in the fare, but additional bags incur charges, depending on the destination and class of service.
The more bags you have, the higher the price.

Special item permit:

Certain items, such as musical instruments or soft-sided garment bags, are also allowed if they fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Pet carriers can also be brought, but cannot be placed in the overhead compartment.
It provides special permission to carry certain items, such as diaper bags, strollers, medical devices, and small coolers for breast milk, which do not count towards your carry-on bag allowance.
However, follow TSA regulations regarding liquids. They should be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less and packed in a resealable bag.

Rules and regulations:

American Airlines' domestic baggage policy states that the baggage allowance depends on the type of ticket a passenger holds. Basic Economy and Main Cabin passengers do not receive free checked baggage for domestic flights.
They are required to pay for each checked bag. On the other hand, premium and first-class passengers are allowed one or two free checked bags, depending on the destination.
American Airlines' extra baggage policy states that you must pay additional charges if you exceed the allowed baggage limit, whether in the number of bags, weight, or size.
Under the AA baggage policy, you can notify the airline if you are carrying extra baggage. You can purchase additional baggage and pay on their website to avoid any problems at the airport.
Alternatively, you can make the payment at the airport. Once you reach the check-in counter, the staff will weigh your baggage and inform you of the charges. You can then pay to exceed your baggage limit.

What is American Airlines' military baggage policy?

American Airlines understands the needs of military personnel and provides special allowances. Active-duty military members are eligible for free checked baggage. This means they can carry up to two bags for free, regardless of the class they are traveling in. Additionally, the airline accommodates their military uniforms, gear, and equipment without any extra fees.

How can you avoid the baggage fees?

By keeping a few things in mind and learning about the available benefits, you can eliminate baggage fees:

If you are a regular customer of an airline, you can join its AAdvantage program. By earning points, you can check in your bags for free.
An American Airlines credit card can provide additional benefits, including free checked bags.
Flying in premium class allows you to carry your bags for free as part of the service.
You can check in advance if the airline provides free baggage allowance for specific destinations, such as South America, Europe, and the Middle East, and confirm with the airline if your route qualifies for complimentary checked baggage.
American Airlines offers a Basic Economy Plus option for flights to Australia, including one free checked bag.

Conclusion

Yes, passengers can carry a personal and a carry-on bag for free. Premium, higher, and first-class members can check two bags free of charge. Also, travelers must have a bag measuring 62 inches (158 cm) and weighing 52 pounds (23 kg). Basic economy passengers pay $30 for one bag and $40 for baggage. Other class passengers receive two bags free, after which they are charged.