American Eagle, the regional brand of American Airlines, follows American Airlines’ baggage policy with some nuances due to smaller aircraft with limited overhead bin space. Below is a concise overview based on the latest 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, to fit under the seat. No weight limit is specified.
- 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. However, on most American Eagle flights (except those operated by Embraer 175 aircraft), overhead bin space is limited, and carry-ons exceeding personal item dimensions may need to be valet-checked at the gate at no charge. Valet-checked bags are tagged at the gate, placed in the cargo hold, and returned on the jetbridge upon arrival. Remove restricted items (e.g., lithium batteries, e-cigarettes) before valet-checking.
- Exceptions: Diaper bags (one per child), soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, strollers, car seats, and mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs) don’t count toward carry-on limits and are carried free. Pets in carriers count as a carry-on and incur a $150 one-way fee, subject to restrictions.
Checked Baggage (Paid):
- Standard Allowance: Up to 10 bags on domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific flights; up to 5 bags for Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and South America; and up to 2 bags for Cuba (max 70 pounds/32 kg each). Standard size limit is 62 linear inches (158 cm, length + width + height). Weight limit is 50 pounds (23 kg) for Economy/Basic Economy, 70 pounds (32 kg) for First/Business Class or flights to Brazil.
- Fees (Domestic U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands):
- First bag: $35 online, $40 at airport.
- Second bag: $45.
- Third bag: $150.
- Fourth and additional bags: $200 each.
- Fees (International): Vary by route. For example:
- First bag free on long-haul international (e.g., U.S. to Europe/Asia) for Main Cabin, but $75 for Basic Economy transatlantic.
- First bag $35–$75 for short-haul (e.g., Mexico, Caribbean). Second bag $45–$100.
- Cuba: $35 first bag (Basic Economy), $200 second bag seasonally (Nov 16–Jan 15).
- Overweight/Oversized Fees:
- 51–70 pounds (23–32 kg): $100 per bag ($200 for Cuba, $450 for transpacific).
- 71–100 pounds (32–45 kg): $200 per bag (not accepted to/from Cuba, Australia, or transatlantic).
- 53–65 linear inches (135–165 cm): $30 (new 2024 rule for slight oversize). Over 65 inches: $150–$200.
- Bags over 100 pounds or 126 linear inches are not accepted.
- Exceptions:
- AAdvantage elite members (Gold: 1 free bag, Platinum/Platinum Pro/Executive Platinum: 2–3 free bags) and oneworld status holders (Ruby: 1 free, Sapphire/Emerald: 2–3 free) get free checked bags on American-operated flights.
- Active U.S. military with ID: 5 free bags (100 pounds each) on orders, 3 on personal travel.
- Citi®/AAdvantage® or AAdvantage® Aviator® cardholders get one free checked bag on domestic itineraries (up to 4 companions on same reservation).
- First/Business Class: 2–3 free bags, depending on route.
Special Items:
- Sports Equipment: Counts as one checked bag, subject to standard fees. Oversized items (e.g., surfboards over 62 inches) incur a $150 fee.
- Musical Instruments: Can be carried on if within carry-on size limits or checked if under 62 inches/50 pounds (Economy) or 70 pounds (First/Business). Larger instruments may require an extra seat purchase. American Airlines is not liable for damage to fragile instruments.
- Firearms: Allowed in checked baggage, unloaded, in a locked hard-sided case, declared at check-in. Ammunition (up to 11 pounds) must be separate. Not allowed to certain destinations (e.g., U.K.).
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, scooters, and medical devices (e.g., portable oxygen concentrators) are carried free and don’t count toward limits. Advance notice is recommended.
Prohibited Items:
- TSA 3-1-1 rule applies to carry-on liquids (3.4 oz/100 ml in a quart-sized bag).
- Lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, and power banks must be in carry-ons, not checked bags.
- Explosives, flammable liquids, and toxic substances are prohibited. Check FAA Pack Safe guidelines.
