American Airlines Carry-On and Checked Bag Policy

American Airlines' baggage policy varies depending on route, fare class, elite status, etc., so always check your ticket. Understanding the American Airlines’ checked baggage policy fees that may apply to your trip is an important part of your travel. For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the fee for the first checked bag is $40, or $35 if paid online in advance. The second checked bag costs $45. For travel to or from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag fee is $35, and the second is $45.

Remember that all bag fees are non-refundable. These fees are charged per person, each way, and at every check-in, even if your ticket includes free bags from an upgrade or special deal. If you think you were charged in error, you can reach out to an American Airlines representative or submit a refund request within 45 days.

How many bags can you take?

• On American Airlines-operated flights, you can check up to 10 bags if your trip is within the U.S. (domestic), across the Atlantic (Trans-Atlantic), or across the Pacific (Trans-Pacific).
• If you are traveling to, from, or through Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Brazil, then you can check up to 5 bags on American-operated flights.
• Bag limits may vary by route or season, so be sure to check specific restrictions for your destination.

Checked Baggage Size and Weight Limits

Make sure your checked bag meets the size rules of American Airlines' baggage policy weight limits, which are calculated by adding the bag’s length, width, and height. The total must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm).

Standard Checked Bag Allowance (All Regions Except Australia and New Zealand):

• Maximum size: 62 in / 158 cm.
• The weight limit for standard economy or Main Cabin is 50 lbs / 23 kg for most travelers.
• If you are traveling in First, Business, or Premium cabins, you may be allowed 70 lbs / 32 kg for free checked bags.
• The limit is 50 lbs / 23 kg if the bag is extra and incurs a fee.

Flights To/From Australia or New Zealand:

• Maximum size: 62 in / 158 cm.
• Maximum weight: 70 lbs / 32 kg for free bags (all customers) and 50 lbs / 23 kg for extra-charged bags.
• Always check your bag’s dimensions and weight before flying to avoid extra fees.

Carry‑On & Personal Item

For most fares, including Main Cabin, not Basic Economy in many cases, you get one carry‑on bag plus one personal item (e.g., laptop bag, purse) for free.

The carry‑on bag must fit in the overhead bin, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. (Dimensions vary by type, but approximately 22×14×9 in for carry‑on is standard in many cases.)

Fees for Checked Bags

Skip the airport lines and get the best price by paying for your checked bags online. For American Airlines’ domestic baggage policy, you can check up to three bags online and pay within 24 hours of your flight to get the lowest price on domestic trips (including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Also, save $5 on your first checked bag when flying within or between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska.

Bag Fees by Region

Prices shown are per person, each way. Taxes are not included.

Region 1st Bag 2nd Bag 3rd Bag 4th+ Bag

U.S. (incl. HI / AK), Puerto Rico, $35 online / $40 airport $45 $150 $200

U.S. Virgin Islands

Canada & Mexico $35 $45 $200 $200

Haiti Free / $35 $65 $200 $200

Caribbean (not incl. Cuba/Haiti) $35 $45 $200 $200

Central America (not incl. Panama) $35 $45 $200 $200

Guyana & Suriname $35 $45 $200 $200

Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru Free / $45* $100 $200 $200

South America (other areas) Free / $60* $100 $200 $200

Trans-Atlantic Free / $75* $100 $200 $200

Trans-Pacific (not incl. Australia/NZ) Free / $75* $100 $200 $200

Australia / New Zealand Free** $100 $200 $200

Note:

The prices listed above may vary and can be changed by the time.

Oversize / Overweight / Excess Baggage Policy

If a checked bag exceeds the weight or size limits, you have to pay the overweight/oversize fees.

For example, a weight over 50 lbs in economy, or a size larger than standard dimensions, will incur additional charges.

If a bag is extremely large beyond accepted limits or exceeds the maximum size/weight, it may be refused.

Free Checked Bags Policy

You may get 1–3 free checked bags based on your status, fare class, or destination. If your status changes between booking and check-in, your highest level at check-in applies.

One Free Bag if You:

• Hold an eligible AAdvantage® credit card (domestic AA flights).
• Have AAdvantage Gold®, oneworld® Ruby, or GOL Diamond Smiles status.
• Are flying to/from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Trans-Atlantic, etc. (Excludes Basic Economy).

Two Free Bags if You:

• Have AAdvantage Platinum®, oneworld® Sapphire.
• Fly First/Business/Premium Economy.

Three Free Bags if You:

• Have AAdvantage Platinum Pro® or Executive Platinum®.
• Are oneworld® Emerald.
• Fly Flagship® First / Business Plus.
• Are active U.S. military (1st–5th bags free on orders; some free on personal travel).

Conclusion

American Airlines’ baggage policy is an essential part of your trip to ensure a smooth travel experience. So, what is American Airlines’ baggage policy? It varies depending on your route, fare class, and elite status. The American Airlines carry-on baggage policy generally allows one carry-on bag plus one personal item free of charge, while the American Airlines domestic baggage policy outlines fees for checked bags, typically $40 for the first bag and $45 for the second within the U.S. and nearby territories. It’s also important to be aware of the American Airlines checked baggage policy fees, which vary by region and can be reduced by paying online in advance.

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