American Airlines’ baggage policy outlines rules for carry-on and checked baggage, with fees and restrictions based on travel class, route, and loyalty status. Below is a concise summary based on the latest available information:
Carry-On Baggage (Free):
- Personal Item: One personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag, small backpack) is allowed free, with maximum dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. It must fit under the seat.
- Carry-On Bag: One carry-on bag is allowed free, with maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels, to fit in the overhead bin. No weight limit is specified, but you must lift it unassisted.
- Exceptions: Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 linear inches (130 cm) are allowed as carry-ons. Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers) and outer garments don’t count toward limits. Duty-free items are permitted but must fit within carry-on or personal item allowances.
Checked Baggage (Paid):
Domestic Flights (within U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands):
- First bag: $40 if paid at the airport, $35 if prepaid online.
- Second bag: $45.
- Third and additional bags: $150–$200 each.
- Maximum weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag. Overweight fees: $100 for 51–70 pounds (23–32 kg), $200 for 71–100 pounds (32–45 kg).
- Maximum size: 62 linear inches (158 cm, length + width + height). Oversized fees: $200 for 63–126 linear inches.
International Flights (e.g., to/from Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Europe, Asia):
- First bag: Often free for economy on long-haul international routes (e.g., U.S. to Europe/Asia), but $40–$75 for short-haul (e.g., Mexico, Caribbean).
- Second bag: $45–$100, depending on route.
- Third and additional bags: $150–$200.
- Weight and size limits are the same as domestic, with similar overweight/oversized fees.
Exceptions:
- Elite status (AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum) and premium cabin passengers (Business, First) may get 1–3 free checked bags, depending on route and status.
- Active U.S. military with ID get up to 5 free bags (100 pounds each) on personal travel, 3 on orders.
- Certain credit card holders (e.g., Citi® / AAdvantage® card) may get one free checked bag on domestic itineraries.
Special Items:
- Sports Equipment: Items like golf bags, skis, or surfboards count as one checked bag, subject to standard fees. Oversized items (e.g., surfboards over 62 inches) incur a $150 fee, and weight limits apply (50 pounds domestic, 70 pounds international).
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carried on if within carry-on size limits. Larger ones can be checked, subject to standard or oversized fees. An extra seat can be purchased for fragile instruments.
- Firearms: Allowed in checked baggage, unloaded, in a locked hard-sided case, with declaration at check-in. Ammunition (up to 11 pounds) must be separate. Not allowed on flights to certain countries (e.g., U.K.).
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, scooters, and assistive devices are carried free, not counting toward baggage limits. Advance notice is recommended.
- Pets: Small pets in carriers (max 19 x 13 x 9 inches) can travel in-cabin for $125 each way, subject to space. Larger pets in cargo hold cost $200 (domestic) or $150–$200 (international). Restrictions apply by aircraft and destination.
Prohibited Items:
- Carry-ons follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids (3.4 oz/100 ml containers in a quart-sized bag).
- Lithium battery devices (e.g., e-cigarettes, power banks) are allowed in carry-ons only, not checked bags.
- Prohibited items include explosives, flammable liquids, and certain chemicals. Check FAA Pack Safe guidelines.
Excess Baggage Fees:
- Overweight (51–100 pounds): $100–$200 per bag.
- Oversized (63–126 linear inches): $200 per bag.
- Extra bags (beyond allowance): $150–$200 each.
- Bags over 100 pounds or 126 linear inches are not accepted.
Lost or Damaged Baggage:
Report damage or loss within 24 hours for domestic flights, 7 days for international, at the airport or online. American Airlines’ liability is limited to $3,800 per passenger for domestic flights, per international regulations for global travel. Keep receipts for high-value items. Posts on X indicate frustration with damaged bags and inconsistent fee waivers, suggesting passengers document issues immediately.
