Navigating airline baggage policies can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding the fees and restrictions associated with checked bags. This guide provides a detailed overview of American Airlines' checked bag policies, including weight limits, fees, and strategies to avoid additional charges.
American Airlines luggage fees are based on factors like fare class, destination and number of bags. You can expect to pay $35 for the first checked bag if you pay online or $40 at the airport. That fee could be higher if you check more bags or are traveling abroad. Baggage fees can really add up for families traveling together - or for anyone who's bringing a lot with them.
This page is intended to give an overview of American Airlines baggage fees for most flights within the United States as compared to the cost to ship baggage with LugLess. The actual American Airlines baggage fees that you will pay may vary based on frequent flier status, fare class, and specific route flown. Shipping luggage with LugLess allows you to avoid the hassle of carrying and checking bags for approximately the same cost you would pay to check your luggage on your American Airlines flight.
American Airlines Checked Bag Fees Policy
American Airlines baggage fee structure depends on the destination. For domestic flights (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), it's $40, or $35 if prepaid online. For flights to Canada, Mexico, Central America, Guyana and the Caribbean, it's $35. A second checked bag costs $45 for any of the above locations, and up to $200 for subsequent bags. Haiti, Cuba, and Panama are all excluded - one checked bag is free for these destinations.
Other international flights usually include one checked bag for free unless you book a basic economy fare - this includes Haiti, Cuba, and Panama. If you booked basic economy, the first bag starts at $35 for flights to Haiti, and goes up to $60 for South America and $75 for longer flights across the Pacific or Atlantic oceans.
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Here's a sampling of other checked bag fees you may encounter:
- Extra bag fees vary depending on the region you’re traveling to. Your first bag can be checked for $35 to $75.
- A second bag can be checked for $45 to $100, whereas a third bag will cost between $150 and $200.
- Fourth bags are allowed on certain flights for a fee of $200 each way.
Checked bag fees can vary by airline, destination and length of flight.
Overweight Bag Fee
American Airlines overweight baggage is considered any bag weighing more than 50lbs. The fees for checking overweight baggage are $100 for bags weighing 51-70lbs and $200 for bags weighing 71-100lbs.
- Bags that weigh more than 50 pounds or up to 53 pounds add a $30 fee.
- Bags that are more than 53 pounds but less than 70 pounds cost $100 (or $200 if you’re flying to Cuba).
- For bags that are over 70 pounds and up to 100 pounds, the fees range from $200 to $450.
- Cuba, Europe, Israel, Qatar and Australia do not accept overweight bags.
Overweight bag fees are nonrefundable and are charged per person, each way.
Oversize Bag Fee
Most bags with a sum of length, width, and height of greater than 62 inches will fall into the oversized category. Bags measuring greater than 126" will not be accepted.
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Bags that are 62 inches to 115 inches if you add length, width, and height cost between $30 and $200 each way depending on where you’re traveling. The fees are nonrefundable and are charged per person. Bags over 115 inches are not accepted.
Sports Equipment
American Airlines also outlines fees for special items and sports equipment. For example, if you want to bring a golf bag with you, that piece will be treated as a standard checked bag. If your golf bag is overweight, the standard overweight bag fee will need to be paid.
Similarly, a pair of skis (or a single snowboard) and one equipment bag counts as one checked item. Standard bag fees apply for up to 50 pounds and 115 inches (length + width + height); otherwise, oversize fees will apply. If the total weight of all the items (skis, snowboard, equipment bag) is greater than 50 pounds, you’ll need to pay for two separate bags.
How to Calculate American Airlines Checked Bag Fees
Checked bag fees on American Airlines can be difficult to decipher, especially if you’re trying to decide whether it’s worth it to book a basic economy fare.
You can use online calculators to help you figure out what the checked bag fees are on your domestic flights. International baggage fees are more complex, so you’ll need to confirm costs with American directly.
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How to Avoid Carry On Luggage Fees (Even If You’re Overweight)
6 Ways to Avoid American Airlines Baggage Fees
Premium cabin passengers, elite members and even co-branded credit card holders get free checked bags on American Airlines. Checked bag fees are also waived for passengers traveling to certain destinations. Below is a break-down of your options for avoiding American bag fees.
- Waived fees by destination: With the exception of basic economy fares, all long-haul international main cabin tickets on American include one free checked bag. If you’re flying on a basic economy ticket, the baggage allowance may differ. Confirm with American the price of the checked bag. In addition, American sells a basic economy plus bag fare on flights to Australia, which comes with one free checked bag.
- Free checked bags for premium cabin travel: Though traveling in premium economy, business or first class costs more, it also includes additional free checked bags. Premium economy, business and domestic first class passengers get up to two free bags, while Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus passengers can check up to three, depending on destination.
- Free checked bags for elite members: American Airlines has four elite tiers that offer myriad useful benefits, including free checked bags. The free checked bag benefit applies to elite members and guests traveling on the same reservation on American Airlines or American Eagle. Oneworld elite members also qualify for free checked bags on American Airlines-operated flights:
- Oneworld Ruby: One free checked bag.
- Oneworld Sapphire: Two free checked bags.
- Oneworld Emerald: Three free checked bags.
- American Airlines credit cards with free checked bags: If you don’t anticipate earning elite status or traveling in premium cabins, you can avoid bag fees by getting a co-branded American Airlines credit card. The great thing about the free checked bag benefit from these co-branded credit cards is that it’s tied to your AAdvantage account number, so you don’t have to pay for your flights with these cards to get the free checked bag. All you have to do is add your AAdvantage number to your reservation.
- Military members and their dependents: Military members and their dependents receive up to five free checked bags when traveling on orders. For personal travel, up to three bags can be checked free of charge.
- Cards that cover airline incidentals: Many premium cards offer annual credits toward airline incidental fees. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 annual travel credit that applies to all travel purchases, including checked bag fees. Though these premium cards can carry higher annual fees than the American Airlines cards, they also offer more flexibility in terms of redeeming your points and using travel credits.
American Airlines Carry-On Rules
The short answer is no. American Airlines carry-on rules permit passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge to every destination. The rule also applies to customers flying on basic economy tickets.
When flying American, your carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches and must fit in the sizer in the airport. The personal item (i.e. purse) must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, with dimensions not exceeding 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. You can bring only one carry-on item along with your personal item. Your carry-on must fit in in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t fit, it will need to be checked.
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.
TSA allows certain duty-free liquids through security in your carry-on bag if they’re packaged in a security tamper-evident bag.
There are some items that can only travel in your carry-on bag (and some items that must be checked).
Additional Considerations
Instead of paying American's checked baggage fees, you can ship your luggage ahead with LugLess.
The actual American Airlines baggage fees charged for checked luggage will vary depending on your specific fare class, loyalty status, and other factors.
Bags over 115 inches are not accepted.
Bags that are 62 inches to 115 inches if you add length, width, and height cost between $30 and $200 each way depending on where you’re traveling.
Bags measuring 62 to 65 linear inches incur a fee of $30 for all destinations.
All bag fees are non-refundable when paid at the airport and apply per person, each way, even if you buy or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags.
Remember to check the most current information on the American Airlines website or with their customer service, as policies and fees can change.