Decoding American Airlines Baggage Policy was never a crucial task for savvy travelers. In recent years, AA has updated its baggage policy to the convenience of its passengers. They bring to the table what’s required by the passengers. The baggage policy has various rules and regulations with varying rules across different routes and ticket classes. Knowing what you should carry and how much it will cost makes your travel budget-friendly and problem-free. AA has curated this policy very carefully, as it affects millions of passengers yearly. Let’s unpack the important details of American Airline Baggage Policy including allowances, fees, and restrictive items.
American Airlines Baggage Policy is a set of procedures that have been devised by them for passenger luggage to streamline their boarding. Knowing the policy well should provide peaceful assurance for being able to control one's luggage efficiently. Baggage allowances depend on fare type. Based on these fare types, the airline allows you to carry checked bags, personal items, and carry-on bags without any charge.
Checked Baggage Policy
When traveling with AA, to/from all regions except Australia or New Zealand-
American Airlines Carry-on Baggage Policy
Carry-on bags are also restricted in some dimensions. The dimensions of your carry-on bags include your bag handles and wheels.
American Airlines abides by TSA's rules and FAA guidelines. So, for safety purposes, passengers are restricted from carrying a few items with them as per the guidelines. These items are-
American Airlines all published baggage charges apply at every check-in location. The base rates are based on your flight dates and destinations and it does not show the applicable taxes.
Carry On Allowance Fees
American Airlines maintains a straightforward carry-on policy, allowing passengers to carry one small bag and one personal item charge-free regardless of the class type. This policy helps in simplifying the boarding process, making sure passengers have their essential items within their reach.
Checked Baggage Fees and Allowances
Latest updates indicate changes in the American Airlines Baggage Fees, affecting all tickets made from November last year onwards. Here are the current fees for checked baggage applied by these airlines.
Note- These fees are non-refundable and apply per person each way. Even when you get an upgrade that includes free checked bags, the original fee will not be refunded.
American Airlines rewards loyal customers through its AAdvantage® program and its association with the oneworld® alliance by granting them generous allowances in checked baggage:
Familiarizing yourself with the baggage allowance before getting into any packing based on your elite status level and class of ticket is a good idea.
American Airlines oversize and overweight baggage does not allow any checked bag above 100 lbs or 45 kg in weight on any operated flight. For passengers traveling through Business and Domestic First confirmed ones can carry 2 free checked bags up to 70lbs/32 kgs in weight.
Region |
Over 70 lbs / 32 kgs – 100 lbs / 45 kgs |
Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs – 70 lbs / 32 kgs |
Over 50 lbs / 23 kgs – 53 lbs / 24 kgs |
Europe, Israel, Qatar |
Not accepted |
$100 |
$30 |
Cuba |
Not accepted |
$200 |
$30 |
Between the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada |
$200 |
$100 |
$30 |
Mexico / Caribbean (excluding Cuba) / Central and South America* |
$200 |
$100 |
$30 |
China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand^ and Australia^ |
$450 (Not accepted to/from Australia) |
$100 |
$30 |
American Airlines finds pride in serving the military members. These people fight hard to maintain this freedom to fly. To show appreciation for their work, AA offers them special benefits and discounts. Any military member with proper ID gets to board the plane in Group 1 with AA's passengers first.
Military Baggage Policy
Active personnel are entitled to check in an unlimited number of bags free of charge provided the military ID and military orders are presented at the check-in counter:
Carry-on pets
With American Airlines, one pet carrier can be brought as a carry-on provided:
Checked pets
Whenever you check a pet, you must:
Call Reservations at least 48 hours before travel.
Check-in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
Show up for check-in extra early: at least 2 hours (but not more than 4 hours) before your flight.
Complete a checklist with an agent.
Provide a health certificate.
Pet Travel Fees
Service |
Fee |
Checked pets for Active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel only* |
$200 per kennel $150 to/from Brazil |
Carry-on pet |
$150 per kennel |
Cargo pet |
Varies and fees will be confirmed at the time of booking. |
Service animals |
No charge |
We are dedicated to providing the best possible services for every traveler so that you and your children can travel comfortably and securely. Please give a generous time frame for check-in and ensure that all travel documentation is ready. Proof of age may be demanded for children under 18, and this may require the production of a birth certificate.
Carry-on luggage and Checked Baggage
If you are a shared-seated infant or child on an international flight, you will receive a full-fare ticket. Infants can be checked in one piece of luggage at the adult rate for their first piece of checked luggage.
Strollers Expand
Additional accessories expand
The purpose of the American Airlines baggage tracker tool is to allow tracking of your baggage from check-in through landing. To do this:
The baggage policy regarding passenger convenience, efficient operations, and safety concerns requires compromise. It is important that one has knowledge about his rights regarding checked-in luggage before setting off on a journey. There can be changes on the subject of fees and other policies; hence, it is advisable to check for current relevant rules and stipulations before making a booking.
Also Read: American Airlines Student Discount
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