How Much Is American Airline Baggage Fees?

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Flying can be an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to packing. With so many airlines implementing baggage fees, it’s important to be aware of how much it will cost to bring your belongings with you. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at American Airlines baggage fees, so you can start planning your trip with ease and confidence.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, understanding the baggage fees for your airline can save you money and hassle. American Airlines, like many other airlines, has different baggage fees depending on the destination, type of fare, and the weight of your luggage. We will be breaking down each of these factors, so you can determine how much you’ll need to budget for your next trip with American Airlines.

How Much is American Airline Baggage Fees?

How Much is American Airline Baggage Fees?

Carry-On Baggage Fees

Carry-on baggage is a great way to save money on your travels. However, American Airlines has specific guidelines and fees for carry-on baggage. Passengers are allowed to bring one small personal item and one carry-on bag on board, with the exception of Basic Economy fares, which only allow a personal item. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters), including handles and wheels. Any bags that exceed these dimensions will need to be checked, and additional fees may apply.

If you need to check your bag, American Airlines offers several options. The fees for checked baggage vary depending on your destination, and whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. The first checked bag starts at $30 for domestic flights and $60 for international flights. The second checked bag is $40 for domestic flights and $100 for international flights. Additional bags will cost even more, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

When it comes to carry-on baggage, American Airlines offers some exceptions. Active U.S. military personnel and their dependents are allowed to bring up to five bags, free of charge. Additionally, certain elite members of the AAdvantage program are allowed to bring additional bags on board, free of charge.

Checked Baggage Fees

If you need to check your bags, American Airlines has specific guidelines and fees for checked baggage. The fees vary depending on your destination and whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. The first checked bag starts at $30 for domestic flights and $60 for international flights. The second checked bag is $40 for domestic flights and $100 for international flights. Additional bags will cost even more, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

When it comes to checked baggage, American Airlines has strict weight and size limits. The maximum weight for a checked bag is 50 pounds (23 kilograms), and the maximum size is 62 inches (158 centimeters) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height). Any bags that exceed these limits will be subject to additional fees.

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If you need to check oversized or overweight baggage, American Airlines offers additional services. Oversized bags are those that exceed 62 inches (158 centimeters) in total linear dimensions, and overweight bags are those that weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms). The fees for oversized and overweight baggage vary depending on your destination, so it’s important to check with American Airlines before you travel.

Bags for Elite Members

American Airlines offers several benefits to elite members of the AAdvantage program. These members are allowed to bring additional bags on board, free of charge. AAdvantage Gold members are allowed to bring one extra bag, AAdvantage Platinum members are allowed to bring two extra bags, and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members are allowed to bring three extra bags.

In addition to the extra bags, elite members also receive priority boarding, priority check-in, and priority baggage handling. This can be a great benefit for travelers who need to get to their destination quickly and efficiently.

Benefits of Prepaying for Baggage

If you know you’re going to need to check bags, it’s a good idea to prepay for them before you arrive at the airport. This can save you time and money, and can help ensure that your bags make it onto the plane with you.

When you prepay for baggage, you can often save money compared to paying for your bags at the airport. Additionally, you can skip the lines at the check-in counter and head straight to the baggage drop-off area. This can be a great benefit if you’re in a hurry or if you have a lot of bags to check.

Carry-On vs. Checked Bags

Deciding whether to bring a carry-on bag or a checked bag can be a difficult decision. On the one hand, carry-on bags are more convenient and can save you money. On the other hand, checked bags allow you to bring more items and can be more comfortable to travel with.

If you’re traveling for a short period of time and don’t need to bring a lot of items, a carry-on bag may be your best option. However, if you’re traveling for a longer period of time or need to bring a lot of items, a checked bag may be the way to go.

Traveling with Special Items

If you need to travel with special items, such as sports equipment or musical instruments, American Airlines has specific guidelines and fees for these items. The fees vary depending on the item and your destination, so it’s important to check with American Airlines before you travel.

In general, American Airlines allows passengers to bring sports equipment and musical instruments on board as either carry-on or checked baggage. However, there may be additional fees or restrictions for certain items, such as oversized items or items that require special handling.

Baggage Restrictions and Prohibited Items

When traveling with American Airlines, there are certain baggage restrictions and prohibited items that you need to be aware of. These restrictions and prohibitions are in place for the safety of all passengers and crew members.

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Some items are prohibited from being brought on board, including explosives, flammable materials, and certain chemicals. Additionally, there are restrictions on the amount of liquids, gels, and aerosols that you can bring on board.

It’s important to check with American Airlines before you travel to ensure that you’re complying with all baggage restrictions and prohibitions.

Baggage Policies for International Travel

If you’re traveling internationally with American Airlines, there are specific baggage policies that you need to be aware of. The fees for checked baggage are higher for international flights than for domestic flights, and there may be additional fees for oversized or overweight baggage.

Additionally, there may be specific restrictions on certain items, such as food and agricultural products. It’s important to check with American Airlines and the destination country’s customs agency to ensure that you’re complying with all regulations.

Baggage Policies for Domestic Travel

If you’re traveling domestically with American Airlines, the baggage policies are similar to those for international travel. The fees for checked baggage are lower than for international travel, and there may be additional fees for oversized or overweight baggage.

It’s important to remember that different airports and airlines may have different baggage policies, so it’s always a good idea to check before you travel.

Baggage Policies for Connecting Flights

If you’re traveling with American Airlines and have connecting flights with other airlines, it’s important to be aware of the baggage policies for each airline. Different airlines may have different baggage fees, weight limits, and size restrictions.

It’s also important to remember that you’ll need to collect your baggage and recheck it for each connecting flight. This can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to plan accordingly and allow for extra time between flights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Airlines has specific guidelines and fees for carry-on and checked baggage. It’s important to be aware of these policies before you travel to ensure that you’re complying with all regulations and avoiding any additional fees.

If you need to check bags, it’s a good idea to prepay for them before you arrive at the airport. This can save you time and money, and can help ensure that your bags make it onto the plane with you.

Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about American Airlines’ baggage policies, don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer service team for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Airlines baggage policy for carry-on bags?

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. The carry-on bag can measure up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while the personal item can measure up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Any bags that exceed these dimensions must be checked in and will be subject to additional fees.

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What is the cost to check a bag on American Airlines?

The cost to check a bag on American Airlines depends on the route and travel class. For domestic flights, the first checked bag is $30, while the second bag is $40. For international flights, the fees range from $0 to $200 depending on the destination and travel class. It is important to check the airline’s website for the latest baggage fee information.

What is the weight limit for checked bags on American Airlines?

The weight limit for checked bags on American Airlines varies depending on the route and travel class. For most flights, the weight limit for each checked bag is 50 pounds. However, for certain destinations, the weight limit may be lower or higher. Any bags that exceed the weight limit will be subject to additional fees.

Can I bring a pet on board with me on American Airlines?

Yes, American Airlines allows passengers to bring their pets on board for a fee. The fee is $125 per kennel for flights within the United States and Canada, while the fee for international flights varies depending on the destination. It is important to note that there are certain restrictions and requirements for traveling with pets, so it is best to check with the airline before booking your ticket.

Does American Airlines offer any discounts on baggage fees?

Yes, American Airlines offers discounts on baggage fees for certain passengers, such as AAdvantage members, active US military personnel, and eligible government employees. These discounts can vary depending on the route and travel class, so it is best to check the airline’s website for the latest information.

American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, American Airlines baggage fees can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as your destination, the weight and size of your bags, and your ticket class. It’s essential to plan ahead and check your baggage allowance before you head to the airport to avoid any unexpected fees.

If you’re traveling with American Airlines, consider using their online baggage calculator tool to estimate your fees before your flight. This way, you can budget accordingly and avoid any surprises.

Overall, while American Airlines baggage fees may seem daunting at first, a little bit of preparation and research can go a long way in saving you money and making your travel experience more enjoyable. So, pack smart, plan ahead, and enjoy your flight!

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