American Airlines Baggage Policy

Wednesday, May 03, 2023

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Baggage fees can be quite complex as every airline tends to have its own set of regulations. However, American Airlines baggage policy offers a relatively simple approach. To avoid additional charges on top of the standard baggage fees, ensure your checked bag weighs less than 50 pounds.

If you want to completely avoid fees, there are two options: either achieve elite loyalty status or travel with minimal luggage. You can bring a carry-on bag and a small personal item without extra cost in basic economy or economy class. Now, let's examine the different baggage fees imposed by American Airlines in more detail.

Benefits of American Airlines Baggage Policy

Free Checked Bags: Depending on the specific circumstances of your flight, American Airlines often offers the convenience of one or even two free checked bags.

Flexibility for Elite Members: American Airlines extends additional benefits to its elite members, including higher baggage allowances or even waived fees for checked bags.

Coordinated Baggage Policies: American Airlines baggage policy is aligned with other major domestic airlines like United and Delta. It makes it easier for travelers to understand and comply with baggage regulations.

Enhanced Baggage Tracking: American Airlines baggage policy employs advanced tracking technology to monitor and locate checked bags throughout travel.

Credit Card Benefits: American Airlines offers co-branded credit cards that provide various perks, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Transparent Guidelines: American Airlines provides clear and detailed information about its baggage policy, including size restrictions, weight limits, and prohibited items.

What is American Airlines Baggage Policy?

Carry-on Baggage:

• Passengers can bring one personal item (such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack) and one carry-on bag.
• The carry-on bag should fit within the dimensions specified by American Airlines, typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).
• Additional restrictions may apply to liquids, sharp objects, or sporting equipment. It's advisable to check the specific guidelines for American Airlines baggage policy with FlyOfinder travel experts.

Checked Baggage:

• American Airlines offers different baggage allowances depending on the travel class, destination, and frequent flyer status.
• For most domestic flights within the United States, the standard allowance is one checked bag; additional bags come with a fee.
• The maximum weight allowed for checked bags is usually 50 pounds (23 kilograms), and the maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) should generally not exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
• Passengers with elite status or flying in premium cabins may have higher baggage allowances or waived fees.

Excess and Oversized Baggage:

• Additional fees apply for bags exceeding American Airlines sets' weight and size limits.
• Oversized or overweight bags may incur additional charges and be subject to space availability on the flight.
• Again, please refer to American Airlines customer service at FlyOfinder. Call +1-571-378-7016 for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their baggage policy, as it can vary based on the destination, ticket class, and individual circumstances.

Does AA Economy charge for baggage?

American Airlines flights charges $30 for the first checked bag for passengers seated in economy on domestic flights and most flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

However, if you're traveling internationally to destinations like Hong Kong or Paris, the first checked bag is free of charge.

The fee for a second checked bag on domestic flights is $40, but it increases to $65 if you're flying to Haiti, certain countries in Central America, or South America.

If your travel includes Europe or Asia, the fee for the second checked bag rises to $100.

What is the baggage fee for AA basic economy?

The fees mentioned above apply to passengers in economy class. However, the situation changes if you are traveling in a basic economy seat. On transatlantic flights, you will need to pay $75 for your first checked bag; for most flights to South America, the fee is $45.

Fees for Excess and Overweight Baggage

If you plan to bring a third or fourth bag when flying with AA Airlines, be prepared to pay $200 for each additional bag unless you're traveling domestically. In that case, the cost is $150 for your third bag but remains $200 for your fourth bag. Any additional bags beyond that will incur a fee of $200 each, regardless of your destination. It's important to note that American Airlines has a limit of 100 pounds (45 kilograms) for checked bags on all their flights.

However, there are exceptions for passengers with elite airline status. They are allowed to check up to three bags, each weighing a maximum of 70 pounds (32 kilograms), free of charge. Additionally, passengers traveling in business class or first class on domestic flights can bring two bags with the same weight and size allowances.

Ways to Avoid Baggage Fees with American Airlines

• Attain elite loyalty status with American Airlines or their frequent flyer program.
• Pack minimally and only bring a carry-on bag and a small personal item.
• If you travel to certain international destinations such as Hong Kong or Paris, your first checked bag may be free of charge, regardless of your ticket class.
• Passengers traveling in premium cabins like business class or first class may often have higher baggage allowances or complimentary checked bags in their tickets.
• Some credit cards offer perks and benefits, including waived baggage fees or increased baggage allowances when traveling with American Airlines.

It's essential to remember that specific rules and exceptions may apply, so it's recommended to review American Airlines baggage policies or contact their customer service at FlyOfinder for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Also, read our blog Guide to Book American Airlines Flights.