What Is Included in the American Airlines Bag Policy 2025?

American bag policy and rules are one of those things that most people overlook. American Airlines has refreshed its baggage policy for 2025, and while the basics remain familiar, there are important updates on fees, size restrictions, and allowances worth noting. Here’s your travel-friendly guide with the American Airlines baggage policy.

Cabin Bags: What Stays by Your Side

Each passenger, either in Main Cabin or Flagship First, can carry two free items:

• Carry-on bag: Must fit in the overhead compartment and cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) in size.

• Personal item: It can be a purse, a laptop bag, or a small backpack. Don’t exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Checked Luggage: What It Costs in 2025

While your cabin bags are free, most checked suitcases come with a fee. This is the most recent breakdown of American Airlines baggage policy:

Flights inside the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico

1. The first checked bag costs $40 (or $35 if purchased online).

2. 2nd checked bag: $45

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

3. 1st checked bag: $35

4. 2nd checked bag: $45

How Many Bags Are Allowed?

Americans’ limits differ by region:

• Up to 10 bags for U.S. domestic, Trans-Atlantic, and Trans-Pacific flights.

• Up to 5 bags when traveling to or through Mexico, the Caribbean, Central or South America, and Brazil.

Cabin classes also influence the allowance:

• Premium cabins (First, Business, Premium Economy): Two bags are included per passenger.

• Main Cabin: Two bags may be checked, but fees apply.

Baggage Restrictions You Should Know

Not every bag is welcome. The American Airlines baggage policy 2025 outlines a few restrictions:

• Weight limit: Bags crossing the 70 lbs (32 kg) mark won't be allowed.

• Size limit: Any suitcases exceeding 62 inches (158 cm) in size will not be accepted.

• Box policy: On many routes, cardboard or plastic boxes are restricted. Flights to Mexico reject oversized boxes that exceed 80 inches (203 cm) in length.

• Notable exception: On Cuba routes, one unused power generator in its original packaging is allowed as a checked item.

Sports equipment and mobility aids are usually permitted; however, overweight and oversize charges may apply.

Ways to Save on American Airlines Baggage Fees

Nobody enjoys paying more than they should. There are several methods to manage American Airlines baggage fees and perhaps save some money: 

• Prepay online within 24 hours of departure and receive a $5 savings on the first checked bag for select U.S. routes. 

• Overweight penalties can be avoided by weighing and measuring your luggage at home. 

• See if the American Airlines card allows you to check a bag free of charge.

Conclusion

For 2025, American Airlines will have a baggage policy designed to provide some flexibility and fairness. Knowing your check-in charges beforehand, packing smartly, and pre-paying online for bag-checking fees if checked luggage is required can save you from extra charges and stress at the airport.