Michael Turner
What applies: standard domestic fares usually do not include a complimentary first stored bag for non‑elite travelers. Premium cabin tickets, many international itineraries and holders of qualifying loyalty status receive a complimentary initial piece. Co‑branded credit cards often waive the fee for the primary cardholder (check whether the benefit extends to travel companions on the same reservation).
Size and weight limits: the usual allowance for economy checked items is 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm) per bag; heavier or larger pieces incur overweight/oversize surcharges or may be refused. Weigh and measure your case at home to avoid surprise fees at the airport.
Practical tips: buy or add baggage allowance online during booking or before check‑in to avoid last‑minute hassles; compare fare classes if baggage cost matters (sometimes a higher fare that includes the initial stored bag is cheaper than paying individual bag fees); verify the carrier’s baggage tool for route‑specific rules and any card or status benefits before departure.
Do you receive a first bag on AA flights?
Recommendation: For domestic Main Cabin tickets on AA, expect a $30 fee for the first bag; Basic Economy fares include no complimentary hold pieces.
Fees and size/weight limits
Typical domestic fees: first bag $30, second bag $40. Weight limits commonly applied are 50 lb (23 kg) per piece for standard economy; premium cabins often allow up to 70 lb (32 kg). Maximum linear dimensions are usually 62 inches (157 cm). Overweight surcharges commonly start at 51–70 lb (approx. $100) and increase above that; oversize penalties apply for items exceeding the linear limit. International route allowances vary by region and fare class–transatlantic and transpacific fares frequently include at least one complimentary piece in many economy fare families.
Who travels free of baggage fees and practical tips
AAdvantage elite members and customers booked in premium cabins receive free baggage allowances according to status or cabin: entry-level elites receive a complimentary first piece, mid- and top-tier elites receive additional pieces. Military personnel and some co-branded credit cardholders also have baggage privileges–check the specific benefit table for your card or status tier. To minimize fees, weigh and measure bags before arriving at the airport, consolidate items into a lightweight daypack (see best mens lightweight backpack) that fits under the seat, and compare fare families at booking to confirm whether the fare includes hold-piece allowances.
Which fares include a complimentary first bag?
Buy a premium-cabin ticket or hold status / a co-branded card to receive a complimentary first hold bag; Basic Economy excludes this benefit and standard economy on domestic routes typically carries a fee (commonly $30 each way for the first hold item).
Basic Economy: No complimentary hold bag on domestic and most short-haul international itineraries. Fees at the airport or during booking normally start at $30 each way for the first hold item and $40 for the second.
Main Cabin (standard economy): For domestic travel the first hold item usually requires payment (see fee amounts above). On many long-haul international routings some Main Cabin fare buckets include a complimentary first hold piece – always verify the baggage allowance on the specific fare code before purchase.
Premium Economy: On long-haul flights Premium Economy generally includes at least one complimentary hold piece; many transatlantic/transpacific Premium Economy fares allow two pieces with per-piece weight limits of 23 kg (50 lb) each. Check the fare rules for exact piece and weight allowance.
Business / First / Flagship cabins: These fare families include complimentary hold baggage. For international intercontinental travel allowance is commonly two pieces (weight limits often 32 kg/70 lb in premium cabins); for domestic premium seats at minimum the first hold item is included.
Status and co-branded cards: AAdvantage elite tiers and primary holders of eligible Citi/Barclays co-branded cards receive complimentary hold-bag allowances on many itineraries regardless of fare purchased. Verify your account benefits page or the booking summary to confirm how many pieces are included for your profile.
Practical recommendations: before completing booking, open the fare rules or baggage section on AA.com or in the booking flow and confirm “hold baggage allowance” for that exact itinerary and fare code; if you expect to travel with a hold item, compare the total cost of fare + fees versus upgrading to a premium cabin or using a co-branded card benefit. For overweight/oversize items, expect additional charges and stricter weight limits (economy: typically 23 kg/50 lb; premium: up to 32 kg/70 lb).
How to confirm your ticket’s hold-bag allowance before travel
Verify the hold-bag allowance shown on your booking confirmation or the carrier’s Manage Booking page and save a screenshot for boarding gate staff.
- Open your booking using the confirmation code (PNR/record locator) on the operator’s website or mobile app; the allowance is usually listed under “Baggage” or “Fare details”.
- Check the fare class code (letter or short code) on the itinerary, then search that code plus “fare rules” on the operator’s site to view permitted pieces, weight limits and fees tied to that fare.
- If the flight is a codeshare, confirm the allowance with the operating carrier (not just the seller) by entering your PNR on the operator’s Manage Booking page or calling their reservations line.
- Review your frequent‑traveller profile and linked payment cards: elite status or certain co‑branded cards may include an included hold bag; the profile page will list any complimentary allowances.
- For third‑party bookings (OTAs, travel agents), request the exact allowance from the seller and then verify directly with the operator using your booking reference; discrepancies are common when multiple systems are involved.
- At online check‑in, confirm the allowance shown. If you paid a bag fee at purchase, keep the payment receipt or a screenshot to avoid duplicate charges at the airport.
- If in doubt, contact the carrier’s support via phone or official social channels and ask them to read back the allowance tied to your PNR; note the agent’s name and time of call.
Size, weight and fee benchmarks to verify
- Common maximum weight per hold piece: 23 kg (50 lb) for many standard fares; 32 kg (70 lb) for some premium classes–confirm specific numbers for your route.
- Common maximum dimensions per hold piece: 158 cm (62 linear inches) total (length + width + height).
- Overweight/oversize fees and permit requirements vary by route; expect extra charges or refusal if a piece exceeds published limits.
Practical tips to avoid surprises
- Take a photo or screenshot of the baggage allowance page and the paid receipt; present it at check‑in if the agent’s system shows different rules.
- Weigh and measure bags at home; adjust or transfer items to avoid overweight penalties at the airport.
- Consider a durable carry option for outdoor gear–see a recommended best ski patrol backpack if you plan to stash valuables or extra layers in a daypack instead of the hold compartment.
Size and weight limits for a single hold bag on AA
Aim to keep each hold bag at or below 50 lb (23 kg) and within 62 linear inches (158 cm) to meet standard Economy piece rules.
Official size and weight thresholds
– Standard piece: maximum weight 50 lb (23 kg); maximum linear dimensions 62 in / 158 cm (length + width + height), wheels and handles included.
– Premium cabins and some elite benefits: maximum weight 70 lb (32 kg) per piece; same 62 in / 158 cm dimension limit unless the fare or route specifies otherwise.
– Absolute baggage weight limit: 100 lb (45 kg). Items heavier than 100 lb are not accepted as regular hold baggage and must be transported via cargo/shipping arrangements.
Measurement and packing recommendations
Weigh bags on a home scale and measure length+width+height before arriving at the airport. Use a soft-sided bag for tighter fits, distribute heavy items across multiple pieces to stay under 50 lb (or 70 lb for premium), and secure straps and external pockets so the total size stays within the 62 in / 158 cm limit. For special items (sports equipment, musical instruments), check the carrier’s specific rules in advance because exceptions to weight or dimension limits often apply.
Fees for additional, overweight or oversize hold bags
Prepay extra hold-bag allowance via Manage Reservations or during online check-in to reduce cost and avoid surprises at the airport.
| Fee type | Threshold | Typical fee (USD, domestic/regional, mid‑2024) | Action / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional bag beyond included allowance | Per piece (second, third, etc.) | $30 (first charge), $40 (second charge), $150 (third and subsequent) | Purchase during booking or Manage Reservations; fees rise at the airport. |
| Overweight – medium | 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) | $100 | Redistribute weight or ship via courier to avoid surcharge. |
| Overweight – heavy | 71–100 lb (32–45 kg) | $200 | Most carriers refuse >100 lb; consider freight services for very heavy items. |
| Oversize | Over 62 linear inches (length + width + height) up to ~115 in | $150 | Measure rigid cases carefully; soft duffels may compress and avoid oversize fee. |
| Oversize + overweight | When both limits exceeded | Both applicable fees charged (e.g., $150 + $100) | Fees stack; pay attention to cumulative cost versus shipping. |
| Unacceptable dimensions/weight | >115 linear in or >100 lb | Refused in passenger hold; requires cargo/freight | Arrange freight or ground shipping in advance; airport ticket counters cannot accommodate. |
Sporting equipment and musical instruments may follow different rules: reduced fees apply for some items, but many require advance notification or booking as special items. Verify item-specific policy on the carrier’s baggage page before travel.
Practical steps: weigh bags with a home scale and measure linear inches; move dense items into carry-on where allowed; prepay extras online; compare courier vs. excess-bag charges for bulky or heavy items.
Add and pay for a bag online, at the kiosk, or at the counter
Purchase a hold bag via the carrier website or mobile app before you arrive at the airport to secure the lowest published fee.
Online (website or app)
Sign in to Manage Booking with your confirmation code and last name, open the trip, choose Add Baggage, select the quantity of bags and complete payment with a credit/debit card or digital wallet. Web check-in opens 24 hours before departure; adding allowance during that window or earlier typically costs less than buying at the airport (common domestic savings: $20–$50). After payment you will receive an email receipt and a baggage confirmation number; physical tags are printed at the kiosk or counter when you drop the bag.
Kiosk and ticket counter
At a self-service kiosk: enter confirmation and surname, follow prompts to buy a hold bag, pay by card, print the bag tag and then proceed to the bag-drop desk for final handling. At the staffed ticket counter: present ID and booking reference, purchase the allowance by card or cash where accepted, the agent will weigh and tag the bag and issue a receipt. Allow at least 60–90 minutes before domestic departures and 2–3 hours before international departures if you plan to purchase or check bags at the airport.
Additional notes: overweight or oversize items are assessed and paid for at the counter; bring proof of any fee waivers linked to elite status or co-branded credit cards. Retain the baggage receipt and tag stub until final collection. If the exterior of your suitcase needs cleaning before travel, try best pressure washer soap for windows.
Who receives a complimentary hold allowance: AAdvantage status, military travelers, and credit cards
If you qualify through AAdvantage elite status, active-duty military orders, or an AAdvantage co‑brand credit card, add your membership number or card details to the reservation and present the required ID at check‑in so the complimentary piece in the hold is applied.
AAdvantage elite tiers
Elite levels (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) carry baggage privileges that commonly include a complimentary first piece on most domestic and many international itineraries; higher tiers may offer additional complimentary pieces or elevated weight limits. Practical steps: add your AAdvantage number to the PNR, open the trip details and confirm the baggage allowance shown, and have your digital or physical AAdvantage card available at the counter. Many elite benefits extend to passengers booked on the same reservation – verify companion eligibility in your AAdvantage account before travel.
Active‑duty military and co‑brand credit cards
Active‑duty U.S. military traveling on orders (and eligible dependents) are entitled to special hold allowances – present military ID and travel orders at ticketing or the gate; some equipment and uniforms may qualify under separate provisions, so notify the agent if you’re carrying service gear. Hold privileges from AAdvantage co‑brand cards (examples: Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select®, AAdvantage Aviator products) generally cover a complimentary first piece for the primary cardmember on carrier‑operated flights; certain cards extend that benefit to companions on the same reservation (commonly up to four). Add the card number to the booking and present the physical card at check‑in; if a fee posts incorrectly, request a waiver at the counter and retain receipts to pursue a refund through the carrier or card issuer.
