American Airlines Baggage Fees & Policies

We have put together American Airlines baggage fees and limitations for you below to help you plan your vacation and know exactly what you're going to spend.

American Airlines Carry On & Personal Item

American Airlines allows each passenger 1 Carry On & 1 Personal Item

Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat & the dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

These don’t count as your personal item or carry-on:

• Diaper bags (1 per child)
• Breast pump
• Small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk
• Child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices

Carry-on requirements

• Does not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters
• Must fit in the sizer at the airport

Items don’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, they may will need to be checked. There may be additional carry-on bag restrictions at certain airports or on certain airplanes.

Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height) can also be a carry-on item.

Musical instruments are considered a carry-on item and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Special items and sports equipment 

In addition, when traveling with a pet, the kennel or container counts as your carry-on and the carry-on pet fee also applies.

Traveling with pets 

Valet bags

Regional flights on American Eagle^® planes have limited overhead bin space. If your carry-on is larger than the personal item dimensions, you must valet your bag before boarding.* We’ll tag and check your bag at the gate for you free of charge. When you arrive, you’ll receive your bag on the jetbridge after exiting the plane.

Remove any batteries, electronic cigarettes and other restricted items from checked bags.

Restricted items 

*Embraer ERJ-175 planes allow carry-on bags and don’t offer valet service.

Liquids

TSA allows certain duty-free liquids through security in your carry-on bag if they’re packaged in a security tamper-evident bag. If you’re traveling with liquids or are unsure about any item, please contact the TSA.

TSA liquids rule 

Luggage Fees

I've compiled the detailed baggage fees for American Airlines for the first and second checked bags across various regions for U.S. travelers. Here's the comprehensive chart:

American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees for 1st and 2nd Bags (2024)

Notes:

• Free Bags: On transatlantic, transpacific, and flights to/from Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa, the first bag is usually free unless booked under a Basic Economy fare, where fees may apply as noted.
• Haiti and Cuba: Special exceptions apply. For Haiti, the first bag might be free or $35 depending on fare type; for Cuba, the first and second bags might be free when departing Cuba for the U.S. or Canada. Seasonal pricing or fare rules may apply.
• Seasonal and Fare Variations: Fees can vary based on the season and fare purchased. Always check with American Airlines for the most accurate fee before traveling.
• Elite Status and Credit Cards: Passengers with elite status or specific American Airlines credit cards might receive baggage fee waivers or discounts, especially on international routes.

This table provides a general overview, but I recommend checking directly with American Airlines or their official website for specific details, especially if your travel involves unusual routes or multiple carriers, as fees can change and exceptions may apply.

Over Weight Luggage Fees

Overweight baggage fees for American Airlines vary depending on the weight of the bag and the destination. Here's a breakdown of the typical charges for bags that exceed the standard weight limits of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for economy and premium economy, and 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for business and first class on international flights.

American Airlines Overweight Baggage Fees (2024)

Important Notes:

• Prohibited on some flights: Bags over 70 pounds (32 kg) are not allowed on certain international routes (e.g., transatlantic and transpacific flights often have stricter limits).
• Maximum limits: Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kg) are not accepted on any flights.
• Dimensions Matter: These fees apply only if your bag meets the allowable dimensions (generally a maximum of 62 linear inches or 158 cm). Bags that are both oversized and overweight will incur additional fees for both characteristics.

Before packing, it’s a good idea to check the specific rules for your flight since baggage policies can vary by destination and ticket type. For the most accurate information, I recommend verifying directly with American Airlines closer to your travel date.