Carry-on allowance: Most domestic fares on a major U.S. carrier include one personal item that fits under the seat plus one carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles). Basic Economy tickets typically permit only a personal item; full-size carry-on requires Main Cabin or higher.
Checked baggage: Standard checked-bag size limit: 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Standard weight limit: 50 lb (23 kg) per bag for regular checked pieces. Typical fees for domestic travel: first bag $30, second bag $40, third bag $150. Select international and transcontinental itineraries or premium cabins often include one or two free checked pieces; elite status frequently waives fees for one or more bags.
Overweight and oversize charges: Bags between 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) usually incur an extra $100; bags between 71–100 lb (32–45 kg) often incur $200 or face refusal. Oversize pieces beyond 62 linear inches up to roughly 80 inches typically carry a $200 surcharge. Items over 100 lb commonly cannot be checked as standard baggage.
Practical recommendations: Weigh and measure carry-ons at home; prepay checked pieces online for the lowest rates; consolidate belongings into a single bag to avoid second-bag charges; verify ticketed carrier policy, fare rules, and route-specific exceptions before arrival at the airport.
Carry and checked baggage rules for this carrier
Take one cabin bag (22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus one personal item that fits under the seat.
Checked pieces – fees & limits
Domestic economy fares: first checked piece $30, second checked piece $40, third checked piece $150 (fees may vary by route). Weight limit per checked piece for standard coach: 50 lb (23 kg); premium cabins typically permit up to 70 lb (32 kg) without overweight surcharge. Maximum linear dimensions: 62 in (158 cm). Overweight fees: 51–70 lb = $100, 71–100 lb = $200. Oversize fees commonly start at $200 for pieces exceeding 62 in; extremely large items might require cargo handling and higher charges.
Basic Economy tickets include only a personal item that fits under the seat; a full-size cabin bag requires a higher fare class or status-based exception. Status holders and premium-cabin passengers receive one or more complimentary checked pieces depending on tier and route; check your loyalty profile for exact entitlements before departure.
Practical packing recommendations
Weigh bags at home to avoid surprise surcharges; distribute heavy objects across multiple checked pieces when possible. Protect fragile items in carry-on. Prepay or add checked pieces online for lower fees compared with airport counter prices. Specialty gear (golf clubs, skis, bicycles) typically counts as one checked piece but may incur extra handling fees; consult the carrier’s sports equipment policy prior to travel. For inflating small items or pre-trip maintenance, consult how to turn on craftsman air compressor a step by step guide.
Carry-on and personal item: permitted pieces, size and weight limits
Carry one standard carry-on plus one personal item; carry-on must fit in the overhead bin, personal item must stow under the seat in front of you.
Carry-on dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), measured including wheels, handles and pockets. Personal item dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Typical allowance: one of each per passenger on most itineraries.
Weight limits: no published maximum weight for standard carry-on or personal item on the majority of routes. Exceptions can exist on certain international sectors, partner-operated flights or specific aircraft types; consult the carrier’s baggage rules shown at booking for route-specific caps.
Measuring and packing tips
Measure packed bags with wheels and handles attached. Use a luggage tape or corner-to-corner measurement; soft-sided bags often compress to fit but still must meet the stated external dimensions. Place laptops, passports, medications and valuables in the personal item. Compliant liquids: 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml containers in a single clear quart-sized bag – this bag may sit inside the personal item or carry-on.
Enforcement and gate procedures
Gate agents may require oversized or overweight carry items to be checked at the gate; checked-at-gate items may be returned at the aircraft door or retrieved at baggage claim depending on routing. If in doubt, confirm allowance shown on the itinerary and arrive at the gate early to resolve sizing issues rather than risk last-minute fees or delays.
Checked baggage allowance by fare class and route (domestic vs international)
Recommendation: For U.S. domestic trips purchase Main Cabin or a premium fare to avoid high airport baggage surcharges; Basic Economy includes zero complimentary checked pieces.
Domestic (U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands)
- Basic Economy – zero complimentary checked pieces; typical fees when purchased online: 1st bag $30, 2nd bag $40 (USD).
- Main Cabin (standard economy) – first checked bag fee $30, second $40; weight limit 50 lb / 23 kg per piece; maximum linear dimension 62 in / 158 cm.
- Premium cabins (First/Business) – at least one complimentary checked piece included for most premium fares; weight allowance commonly 70 lb / 32 kg per piece for these tickets.
- Overweight / oversized items – expect surcharge tiers for 51–70 lb and much higher penalties above 70 lb; oversized pieces (linear dimension over 62 in / 158 cm) incur additional charges.
- Status benefits – elite members receive one to multiple complimentary checked pieces depending on tier; verify specific entitlements on the reservation.
International (short-haul vs long-haul)
- Short-haul (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean) – many itineraries follow domestic fee patterns: Basic Economy zero included pieces; Main Cabin often subject to first/second bag fees similar to domestic routes.
- Long-haul (transatlantic, transpacific, most intercontinental) – Economy fares commonly include one complimentary checked piece (23 kg / 50 lb); Premium Economy generally includes two pieces; Business and First typically include two pieces with weight up to 32 kg / 70 lb per piece.
- Piece vs weight concept – some regions and interline tickets use a piece-based allowance (number of bags) rather than strict per-bag weight limits; confirm concept shown on the ticket.
- Size limits – standard maximum linear dimension 62 in / 158 cm for checked pieces on most international routings.
Recommendation: Check checked-baggage entitlement on the itinerary at booking time and prepay extra pieces online when possible to lower total fees and avoid airport markups.
Pay, waive, reduce baggage fees with AAdvantage and credit cards
Primary recommendation: Hold an AAdvantage co‑branded credit card and add your AAdvantage number to each reservation to waive the first checked‑bag fee for the cardmember and up to four travel companions on the same booking.
Step-by-step actions: 1) Verify the card benefit in your online account or issuer terms before booking. 2) Add your AAdvantage number to the passenger details at purchase or via Manage Booking. 3) Present the physical or digital card at check‑in or at the bag drop if asked. 4) Confirm the fee waiver at the counter before payment is processed; retain the receipt if a charge occurs so you can request a retroactive refund from the carrier or card issuer.
Typical fee figures (domestic US reference): expect roughly $30 for first checked bag and $40 for second on standard itineraries; overweight charges usually run $100–$200; oversize fees commonly $100–$200. Use a co‑branded card benefit to eliminate the first‑bag charge and reduce out‑of‑pocket cost for most short routes.
AAdvantage elite interaction: Elite members receive one or more complimentary checked bags depending on tier level; combine elite benefits with a co‑branded card for companion coverage or extra free pieces when tier grants multiple free bags. Confirm tier entitlements in the AAdvantage profile before travel.
Companion and group travel tip: For companion waivers, every traveler must be listed on the same reservation under the cardmember’s booking and the cardmember must travel on the same flight. Add the cardholder as a passenger or present the card during check‑in to ensure automatic waiver application.
Credit card selection guidance: Choose between consumer, business, and premium co‑branded products based on how often checked bags or priority services matter. Premium cards may add priority boarding and additional checked‑bag waivers on international itineraries; business cards often extend companion coverage to multiple travelers on one PNR.
When a waiver fails: Keep documentation (boarding pass, bag‑drop receipt, claim tag). Contact carrier customer service first for a refund; if unsuccessful, file a chargeback or benefits claim with the card issuer using the saved receipts and the card benefits description.
Actionable checklist: add AAdvantage number to booking, carry card at check‑in, verify waiver on receipt, save documents for refunds, review issuer terms annually.
Oversize, overweight and extra bag fees: measurement and charge examples
Measure precisely and pack to beat extra charges
Keep checked pieces under 50 lb (23 kg) and within 62 linear inches (157 cm) for the lowest checked-bag fees on standard economy tickets. Use a luggage scale and a tape measure; include wheels, handles and external pockets when totaling length + width + height. Example: 27″ x 18″ x 12″ = 57 linear inches (acceptable). A 29″ x 20″ x 13″ suitcase = 62 linear inches (borderline fee threshold).
Carry a compact umbrella such as best mini folding umbrella inside a personal item to shift small weight off checked pieces. Weigh bags at home after packing and move heavy items into the personal item or a second checked piece if that reduces surcharge exposure.
Charge examples (realistic samples; final amounts depend on carrier, route and fare)
U.S. domestic sample charges: first checked piece $30; second checked piece $40; third or additional piece $150. Overweight surcharges: 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) = $100; 71–100 lb (32–45 kg) = $200. Oversize surcharges: 63–80 in (160–203 cm) = $100. Items >80 in or >100 lb usually require special handling or cargo shipment.
International sample scenarios (transatlantic/transpacific): economy often includes one free checked piece up to 23 kg (50 lb); additional piece fee commonly $100–$200 depending on route. Overweight 23–32 kg (50–70 lb) surcharge typically $100–$200; pieces >32 kg (70 lb) frequently refused for loading safety. Oversize surcharges for 158–203 cm generally $100–$200; oversized items beyond that point may need cargo booking.
Practical actions: measure and weigh before heading to the airport, redistribute to a personal item to avoid a single overweight piece, consider shipping bulky items by ground when surcharges exceed shipping cost, and check the specific carrier policy online for exact thresholds and current fees.
Special items rules: sports equipment, musical instruments and fragile items
Use a hard, lockable case for bikes, surfboards and fragile instruments; verify weight, linear-inch measurement and battery rules with the carrier at least 24 hours before travel.
Bicycles: box or hard case required; deflate tires to roughly 40% pressure or remove wheels if carrier staff requests; e-bikes: remove the lithium battery and carry it in the cabin only with carrier approval when battery ≤160 Wh; spare batteries must travel in carry-on with terminals taped and ideally in original packaging.
Skis and snowboards: pack in dedicated ski bags, pad bindings and tips, and secure loose gear inside the bag; most carriers treat one ski bag as a single checked piece but oversize or overweight limits may apply – confirm with the carrier to avoid surprises at check-in.
Golf clubs and fishing rods: use rigid or semi-rigid travel cases, separate sharp hooks in sealed containers, and register the item at check-in to flag special handling; surfboards and kayaks exceeding standard checked dimensions typically require advance notice and additional handling arrangements.
Musical instruments: carry on when the instrument fits in the cabin (overhead bin or under seat). If an instrument cannot be stowed safely, reserve an adjacent paid seat so the instrument sits in a passenger seat and secures with the seatbelt; do not rely on gate staff for guaranteed cabin carriage without a reserved seat.
Checked instruments: use a hard case with custom foam, remove or pad protruding parts (bows, chin rests, pedals), and place desiccant packs for humidity-sensitive woods. Attach an itemized inventory and take high-resolution photos before handing the case to staff; report visible damage to the carrier’s baggage office and obtain a written damage report before leaving the airport.
Fragile items in checked bags: double-case (small hard case inside a larger suitcase), cushion with foam or clothing, immobilize items to prevent shifting, and seal with tamper-evident tape. Keep high-value electronics, jewelry and irreplaceable items in carry-on only; carrier liability for checked fragile goods has limits, so consider third-party insurance for expensive items.
Claim and handling steps: declare oversized or fragile pieces at check-in, request a fragile tag in writing, photograph serial numbers and packing, keep receipts for valuable items, and file any damage or loss claim at the airport baggage office immediately. For restricted items (lithium batteries, large motors), obtain written carrier approval before travel to avoid denied boarding or confiscation.
Airport procedures: check‑in, tagging, and handling excess or missing baggage
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours before international departures; complete online check‑in 24 hours before departure and drop checked items no later than 45 minutes (domestic) or 60 minutes (international) prior to scheduled departure.
At check‑in, use the carrier app or kiosk to print or download boarding passes and, when available, baggage tags. Agents at curbside or the ticket counter issue printed tags that display destination code, flight number and barcode; retain the claim stub and photograph the tag plus exterior of the bag before handing it over.
Verify tag data immediately: match the name, three‑letter destination code and connection routing. For itineraries with connections, request through‑tagging to the final airport and confirm removal of any interim ticketing receipts you must keep for claims.
If weight or size exceeds limits at the counter, staff will weigh the piece, present options (repack, redistribute, accept with an assessed fee, or route via cargo), and issue a new tag when acceptance occurs. Prepaying checked items during web check‑in or via the app usually reduces queue time at the airport; request a payment receipt if a fee is collected at the counter.
For fragile or high‑value contents, place a copy of the item list inside the bag and take photos of contents and exterior before check‑in. Use TSA‑approved locks; label inside and outside with contact information. If an agent declines acceptance due to prohibited contents or unsafe packing, request written refusal or supervisor contact and consider alternative transport methods.
Report missing or delayed checked items at the airline’s baggage service desk inside the terminal before leaving the airport. Provide boarding passes and the baggage claim receipt so staff can file a Property Irregularity Report and issue a PIR/reference number. Ask for estimated delivery time and local delivery options; record staff name and direct contact number for follow‑up.
Keep all purchase receipts for essential items bought due to delay (toiletries, clothing, medication); submit claims through the carrier portal using the PIR number. Use the carrier app to track status updates and confirm delivery attempts. If a bag remains unlocated, escalate with written claims via the official online claims form rather than social channels.
Action | Location | Deadline / Typical timing | Documents to present |
---|---|---|---|
Online check‑in and mobile tag generation | App or carrier website | Begins 24 hours before departure | Booking confirmation, ID |
Baggage drop (checked pieces) | Curbside kiosk or ticket counter | No later than 45 min (domestic) / 60 min (international) prior to departure | Boarding pass, bag tag receipt |
Tag verification | At agent station during check‑in | Immediately after tagging | Claim stub, photo of tag |
Excess or oversize handling | Check‑in counter or kiosk | Resolved at time of check‑in; payment accepted on spot | Card for payment, bag for reweighing |
Report delayed or missing bag | Baggage service desk inside terminal | Before leaving airport; initial tracing update within hours | Boarding pass, bag tag receipt, contact info |
Submit receipts for essentials | Carrier claims portal | After PIR issuance; follow portal deadlines | PIR number, original receipts |
Photograph checked items and tag stubs, place contact details inside the bag, use the carrier app for real‑time tracing, and insist on written reference numbers for every interaction at the airport; those steps speed resolution and strengthen any subsequent claim.
FAQ:
How many carry-on bags and personal items does American Airlines allow?
Most ticket types permit one carry-on bag plus one personal item. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin and is typically limited to about 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you; a common guideline is roughly 18 x 14 x 8 inches, though AA does not publish strict dimensions for that. Some fare types and situations are exceptions (see next answer).
Does a Basic Economy ticket allow a carry-on bag?
Basic Economy passengers generally may bring only a personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on that needs the overhead bin is usually not included on many Basic Economy fares and may be gate-checked or subject to a fee if brought to the gate. Exceptions apply for certain routes and for customers with AAdvantage elite status, active duty U.S. military, or eligible credit card benefits, who retain standard carry-on privileges despite a Basic Economy fare. Check your booking details or the airline’s policy for your specific flight before packing.
How many checked bags can I bring and what are the size and weight limits?
Checked bag allowance depends on fare class, route and passenger status. Many Main Cabin fares do not include free checked bags on all routes, while premium cabins and AAdvantage elites often include one or more free checked pieces. Standard checked-bag size limit is 62 linear inches (length + width + height) or 158 cm. Weight limits are typically 50 lb (23 kg) per bag for most economy tickets and up to 70 lb (32 kg) for some premium cabin tickets; overweight or oversized pieces usually incur additional charges. Fees and exact allowances vary by itinerary, so review your fare rules or the carrier’s checked baggage page before travel.
Can I bring extra items like a stroller, musical instrument or sports gear without it counting as a bag?
Some special items are allowed in addition to your standard allowance but rules differ by item. Examples: one stroller and one car seat for a child are usually accepted free of charge; a collapsible wheelchair is not counted as a bag. Small musical instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat are treated as carry-on; larger instruments may require purchase of an extra seat or checking and could incur fees. Sports equipment (bikes, skis, golf clubs) is handled under separate checked-baggage rules and may have size/weight limits and handling fees. For specific items, consult American Airlines’ special items and sports equipment pages or contact customer service to avoid surprises at the airport.