2023 American Airlines Baggage Allowance for Carry On and Checked Baggage

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American Airlines Carry-On Allowance

Basic Economy, Economy and higher fares: one carry-on item measuring 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm), plus a personal item measuring 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm). There is no specific weight restriction.

In addition to these allowances, items such as medical devices or a nappy bag (for infants traveling with you) can also be carried on board.

American Airlines Carry On for Infants

Passengers traveling with infants may bring on board one diaper bag per child and a soft sided cooler bag for breast milk, in addition to their standard carry-on allowance. Car seats and strollers also don't count towards your carry-on allowance. These can be checked at the gate.

American Airlines Carry On and Musical Instruments

You can bring a musical instrument on board provided it fits either in the overhead locker or under the seat in front. If it is too big for this, you can purchase an extra seat for the instrument. The seat must be a bulkhead window seat next to yours. The instrument must not weigh more than 165 lbs (75 kg).

American Airlines Carry On and Bringing Pets on Board

Pets can be carried on board on certain flights only. The pet in its carrier counts as one American Airlines carry on item. Pets must be placed in a carrier and must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in the carrier.

A fee must be paid for carrying a pet on board, which is currently $125, one way. Arrangements must be made with the airline for the carriage of a pet.

American Airlines and Prohibited Items

Certain items are too dangerous to bring on board an aircraft. These include, but are not limited to:

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof,

Explosives,

Defense sprays,

Fireworks,

Firearms,

Bleach.

American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees and Allowances:

On domestic flights, Basic Economy passengers may check baggage up to 62 inches/158 cm in total dimensions and 50 lbs/23 kg in weight. The cost is $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second, $150 for the third and $200 for any additional bags.

On transatlantic flights Premium Economy passengers are allowed to check one bag at no charge (max. 62 inches/158 cm in total dimensions and 50 lbs/23 kg in weight). Additional bags cost $100 for the first additional bag, and $200 for any further additional bags. Basic Economy passengers can check their first bag for $75.

American Airlines gives more generous baggage allowances with certain fare types and on certain routes. On qualifying fares/ routes up to three checked bags may be permitted free of charge.

Passengers may check in up to 10 bags, depending on the route traveled.

First and Business Class passengers (as well as passengers on flights to Brazil) are permitted to check bags weighing up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each.

American Airlines Checked Baggage and Excess Baggage Fees

If a bag exceeds the dimensions or weight permitted by American Airlines’ baggage allowances, excess baggage fees will apply. Again, these vary according to the route traveled. There are different charges for overweight and oversized items.

For example, if traveling within and between the US, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada, bags weighing over 50 lbs/23 kg but not more than 70 lbs/ 32 kg will be charged at $100 per piece. Baggage over 70 lbs/ 23 kg but not more than 100 lbs/ 45 kg will be charged at $200. A bag that exceeds 62 inches/ 158 cm in total dimensions will be charged at $200.

Most flights do not allow bags weighing more than 100 lbs/ 45 kg.

For travel between the US and Europe, bags weighing over 50 lbs/23 kg but not more than 70 lbs/ 32 kg will be charged at $100 per piece. Bags heavier than this will not be accepted on flights to Europe. A bag that exceeds 62 inches/ 158 cm in total dimensions will be charged at $150.

Bags with total dimensions of more than 126 inches/ 320 cm will not be accepted.

Note that a checking fee, an oversize fee, and an overweight fee could all apply to the same set of checked luggage.

American Airlines Golf Clubs, etc

You may travel with one golf bag, with up to 14 clubs, 12 golf balls and one pair of shoes. This will count towards one item of checked luggage. A fee of $42.50 is payable on flights to /through/ from Brazil.

On most flights a bicycle costs $150 to check. If its dimensions (including container) are less than 62 in and under 50 lbs, the passenger is charged the applicable first checked bag rate. Bikes must be packaged in a rigid case. The maximum weight allowed is 70 lbs, with maximum dimensions of 126 inches/ 320 cm.

Musical instruments may be treated as checked baggage if they are too large to be carried into the cabin, and as long as they do not exceed the acceptable weight and dimension restrictions for checked baggage. American Airlines does not accept responsibility for damages to musical instruments, due to their fragile nature.

Information correct as of 03/03/2023.

American Airlines Baggage News

22/04/2020: American Airlines Quietly Raises Baggage Fees

American Airlines quietly raised baggage fees for Basic Economy passengers on transatlantic flights. The move follows the recent $25bn bailout package for US airlines. 

From 21st April, passengers checking bags between Europe, Israel, Morocco and the USA, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, Central America and South America will have to pay $75 instead of $60 for their first checked bag.

American Airlines News

15/04/2020: US Government Agree on $25bn Bailout Package for Airlines

The US government agree on a $25bn bailout package for the struggling airline industry in the wake of COVID-19. Airlines are expected to lose $314bn in revenue this year according to The International Air Transport Association as a result of the global pandemic bringing the majority of air travel to a standstill.

The following airlines are expected benefit from the bailout package: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, United, SkyWest and Southwest.