Before heading to the security checkpoints at the airport, it is important to understand the baggage policy & fee of the airline you are going to travel with. Because every airline has its own rules when it comes to baggage cost. But, when it comes to American Airlines baggage fees, things are pretty straightforward.
To get live assistance from American Airlines representatives, you just need to dial a toll-free number at +1-844-402-8105. If you need to check a bag, so you must keep it within 50 pounds to avoid paying penalty charges. However, you have to gain elite status in order to in order to skip these fees while check-in your baggage.
American Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy
Under the American Airlines baggage policy, all the passengers on every cabin class can bring only one carry-on bag, measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and one personal item including a small backpack or a purse, measuring 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Similarly, a musical instrument is considered as carry-on item as long as it fits under seat in front of you.
Further, the soft garment bags measuring up to 51 inches can also be counted as carry-on item. The pet carriers are considered as carry-ons, and the additional fees apply to put them under your seat but not in the overhead space. Likewise, the diaper bags, child safety seats, strollers, medical, and the mobility devices and the small soft-sided coolers holding breast milk are all permitted and will not count towards your carry-on limit.
American Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
In accordance with the American Airlines baggage policy, passengers can carry up to ten checked bags only on domestic, transpacific, and transatlantic flights, though three or more bags mean you will need to pay checked bag cost American Airlines for excess baggage. Similarly, you cannot exceed more than two bags on the flights bound for Cuba.
Besides, passengers can take up to five checked baggage on the flights which is operated by American Airlines to and from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean but year round and seasonal restrictions. Therefore, bringing alone a large number of bags may least the hike the cost of your trip since the prices increase exponentially for all additional checked baggage.
If you purchase or get an upgrade, then you will not be refunded for any baggage purchases made previously. Thus, the passengers who wish to contest a baggage claim or the incorrect penalty have only 45 days to apply a claim with support.
Fees For Overweight Or Oversized Luggage With American Airlines?
Do you want to bring a third or fourth bag? If so, the American Airlines baggage charges for excess baggage are $150 for the third bag and $200 for the fourth bag on all domestic flights. Similarly, you will have to pay $200 for each when it comes to travelling for international routes. The additional bags will cost you $200 per piece of bag regardless of domestic or international flights.
In 2025, American Airlines has designed a set of rule for the overweight and oversize baggage that may relieve basic economy and economy passengers who are off by a few inches. Suppose, if your bag is overweight by up to three pounds or oversize by three inches, then the overweight luggage fee American Airlines will be $30 than the previous minimum of $100.
On the other hand, if your bag weight is in between 54 and 70 pounds, you must pay American Airlines baggage fees of $100 to $200. If it is over 70 pounds, the minimum fee will be $200, costing you $450 on flights to Asia, New Zealand, and India. It won’t be accepted on some flights such as flights to Israel, Cuba, Europe, Australia, or Qatar.
Note: Passengers who are both oversized and overweight will have to pay the checked bag cost American Airlines in addition to whichever penalty cost is higher.
American Airlines Baggage Fee For Economy Fares?
With American Airlines, passengers in Economy class can carry up to one free carry-on baggage and one personal item. Besides, flyers will have to pay up to $40 for their first checked baggage and $45 for a second baggage for flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Keep in mind that the fees and restrictions increase beyond your first and second checked baggage.
Suppose you are checking in for your flight online and also pay for your baggage fees online instead of at the airport, then you will get a discount of $5 on your first checked baggage on all domestic flights including the flights to non-contiguous destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Island. Similarly, the travellers headed to specific internation destinations get one checked baggage for free.
Is There An American Airlines Baggage Fee For Basic Economy Fares?
If you are flying within the U.S, then the baggage allowance and the fees are the same as those for the Economy Class. However, if you are flying in Basic Economy seat, then the AA baggage fee is different for certain destinations. Most of the domestic destinations will cost $35 to $40 for your first checked baggage with the cost increasing for each addition baggage.
Additionally, the passengers who are flying to Cuba will have to pay a fee of $30 for one-way flight. Also, prepare to pay American Airlines baggage costs of $75 for your first checked baggage on most transatlantic flights and $60 when you are travelling from the U.S. to anywhere in South America.
Usually, we have advise that if you are planning to check more than one bag, you need to consider springing for a premium ticket class that may offset the cost for baggage. In certain cases, the reduces fare of the basic economy tickets may be greater than the baggage fees.
American Airlines Baggage Fees Breakdown by Destination
Here, you can learn the baggage fee for Economy and Basic Economy classes on American Airlines.
Carry-on (plus a personal item) | Checked bag #1 (for both classes, unless indicated otherwise) | Checked bag #2 (for both classes) | |
Flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S.V.I., and Canada. | Free | $40 ($35 if fee is paid online) | $45 |
Most flights to Mexico, the Caribbean, parts of Central and South America (except Panama, Cuba, and Haiti) | Free | $35 | $45 |
Most flights between Panama and the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, U.S.V.I., Central America, South America, and the Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti) | Free | Free ($45 for basic economy) | $100 |
Flights to Cuba | Free | Free ($30 for basic economy) | $150–200 |
Flights from Cuba | Free | Free | Free |
Most flights to Haiti | Free | Free ($35 for basic economy) | $65 |
Most flights to Israel and Qatar | Free | Free ($75 for basic economy) | $100 |
Flights across the Atlantic | Free | Free ($75 for basic economy) | $100 |
Flights across the Pacific | Free | Free ($75 for basic economy) | $100 |
Are Baggage Fees Waived For AAdvantage Members on American Airlines?
Yes, If you have an AAdvantage status or one world status, then you may be eligible for up to three checked baggage for free on the itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines only. Keep in mind that the free checked baggage benefits is provided only to the Elite members and the guest who are travelling on the same reservation on American Airlines or American Eagle.
Ways To Avoid Baggage Fees On American Airlines
The AA baggage fee mentioned above is enough to scare anyone from flying with the airline, especially when you can fly with American Airlines and get up to two free checked baggage. Fortunately, here are some ways to help you avoid baggage costs:
Only Pack A Carry-On: You must pack light if you are travelling for a short trip.
Join A Loyalty Program: You can join the frequent flyer program of American Airlines which is free to join. This program help you to get Elite status that will make you eligible for various perks such as free bags.
Purchase A Premium Ticket: If you are planning to upgrade your flying journey and carry two checked baggage, then you must consider purchasing a premium flight ticket.
Bring Military Documents: If you are an active U.S military, you and your dependents will get up to five bags for free while flying on government orders.
Get An American Airlines Credit Card: By using this card, you can earn miles for travel and everyday purchases.
Although, we have learned everything about American Airlines baggage fees, along with the ways to avoid the fees. But, if you need more assistance from our assistance at Tours N Travel Pro, you need to dial a number at +1-844-402-8105.
Frequently Asked Questions
American Airlines allow passengers to bring a carry-on baggage for free. Similarly, a complimentary checked baggage will be offered when you are flying to/from the specific destinations.
American Airlines permits free carrying of up to one bag and one personal item based on each passenger. Ensure that the size and weight of the baggage must be 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimetres (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
Yes, you can bring only one carry-on item along with your personal item. Keep in mind that your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in-front of you.
If your baggage is over 50 lbs, than you have to pay a fee for overweight and oversized bag, announced by American Airlines. Similarly, the fee will be charges $30 for the overweight bags between 50 and 53 pounds.
With the exception of balls, various pieces of sports equipment, including lacrosse sticks, golf clubs, martial arts weapons, baseball bats, ski poles, hiking poles, tent spikes/poles, and hockey sticks, are restricted from carry-on and must be moved in the checked baggage.
