American Airlines Baggage Policy

American Airlines Baggage Policy keeps things fairly straightforward, but it does vary depending on where you're flying, what ticket you bought, and if you have any status or a co-branded credit card. I've flown American a lot—domestic hops, trips to Europe, even down to the Caribbean—and dealing with bags is one of those things that can add stress if you're not prepared. The good news is, carry-on is almost always free, and there are plenty of ways to avoid checked bag fees altogether.

As of early , the policy hasn't changed dramatically . but they did bump up some short-haul international first-bag fees to match domestic ones. Basically, you get one carry-on and one personal item no charge, checked bags cost money on most economy tickets unless you're premium, elite, military, or have the right card. Let's break it down so you know exactly what to expect.

Carry-On Baggage: What You Can Bring On Board for Free

Everyone gets a carry-on bag and a personal item, no matter if you're in Basic Economy, Main Cabin, or higher. That's one of the better parts of American Airlines Baggage Policy—they don't charge for overhead space like some low-cost carriers.

Your carry-on has to be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. That's the standard roller bag size most people use. The personal item—like a backpack, purse, or laptop bag—needs to fit under the seat and max out at 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

There's no official weight limit for carry-ons on American, which is nice. As long as you can lift it into the bin yourself, you're good. I've seen people with pretty heavy bags get on without issue, though gate agents might eye it if it's bulging.

On smaller regional jets flown by American Eagle, overhead space is tight. If your bag is too big for the bin, they'll valet-check it at the gate for free and hand it back on the jetbridge when you land.

I once flew a regional route with a full-size carry-on and ended up valeting it—no big deal, and it saved me from wrestling it into a tiny bin.

Checked Baggage Size and Weight Limits

Standard checked bags can't exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) or 50 pounds. Go over that and you'll pay extra—overweight starts at 51 pounds, oversize at 63 inches.

They won't accept anything over 100 pounds or 115 linear inches on American-operated flights. For premium cabins, the weight limit for free bags jumps to 70 pounds.

I always weigh my bag at home with a cheap luggage scale. It's saved me from repacking at the counter more than once.

Domestic Checked Bag Fees and Allowances

For flights within the U.S., including to Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska, here's the deal in Main Cabin or Basic Economy:

First checked bag: $35 if paid online/app, $40 at the airport
Second: $45
Third: $150
Fourth and more: $200 each

Pay online when you check in and save that $5—it's worth it.

Premium Economy, Business, and First get free bags: usually two or three, up to 70 pounds each. Flagship First on long-haul domestic (like New York to LA) gets three free.

Basic Economy doesn't include any free checked bags domestically, so that cheap fare might not save money if you check luggage.

International and Short-Haul Checked Bag Fees

It gets a bit more varied here. For Canada, Mexico, Caribbean (except Cuba/Haiti sometimes), Central America (except Panama), and Guyana—as of December 2025 tickets—the first bag is $35 online/$40 airport, second $45, same as domestic.

Transatlantic to Europe: Main Cabin usually gets one free checked bag, premium more.

To South America: Often one or two free, depending on country.

Cuba has special rules: max two bags, sometimes seasonal fees for the second ($150–$200).

Always check your specific route on aa.com because regions matter.

A buddy flying to Mexico last year thought his first bag was free—turns out it wasn't, and he paid $40 at the counter. Lesson learned: confirm when booking.

Ways to Get Free Checked Bags

This is where you can save big under American Airlines Baggage Policy.

AAdvantage elite status: Gold and above get 1–3 free bags
oneworld status (like Sapphire or Emerald from partners)
Active U.S. military: Up to 5 free on orders, 3 on personal travel
Eligible AAdvantage credit cards: Like Citi/AAdvantage Platinum—first bag free for you and up to 4–8 companions on domestic itineraries
Premium cabins: As mentioned

If you're a frequent flyer, that card pays for itself quick with bag savings.

Overweight and Oversize Fees

Go over limits and it adds up:

51–70 pounds: $100
71–100 pounds: $200 (and limited routes)
63–115 inches: $200

If both overweight and oversize, you pay the higher one, plus the regular checked fee.

Heavy sports gear like skis or golf bags often count as standard if within limits.

Special Items: Pets, Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments

Pets in cabin: $150 per kennel, must fit under seat.

Checked pets or cargo: More, varies by size.

Sports stuff like bikes, surfboards: $150 or so, sometimes free if it counts as your bag.

Musical instruments: Small ones as carry-on if they fit, larger can be checked or buy a seat.

They have decent rules for this—I've seen bands traveling with guitars no problem.

Paying for Bags and Tips to Save

Prepay online or in the app—cheaper and faster. You can do it up to hours before flight.

If bags get delayed or damaged, file right away—they have good reimbursement if you report quick.

Pack light if possible. I try to go carry-on only on short trips; avoids fees and lost bag worries.

For families or groups, put the cardholder or elite on the reservation to cover everyone's first bag.

Restrictions and Seasonal Limits

Busy seasons or certain routes (like to Haiti, Cuba, some South America) have embargoes on extra bags or boxes.

No boxes over certain sizes in some places.

Restricted items: Follow TSA for carry-on, no lithium batteries loose in checked, etc.

What Happens If Things Go Wrong

Delayed bags: They aim to deliver quick, compensate for essentials.

Damaged: Report at airport, they repair or reimburse.

Overcharged: You can claim refund within 45 days if mistaken.

Overall, American Airlines Baggage Policy is competitive—carry-on is generous, and there are real ways to fly with checked bags free if you plan ahead. Check your itinerary on their site, weigh your stuff, and you'll breeze through. I've had smooth experiences mostly, and when issues came up, agents were helpful. Happy packing!