Can You Take A Carry On American Airlines?

admin
Chief Editor of - Book USA Airlines

For many travelers, packing is one of the most stressful parts of the trip. And when it comes to air travel, figuring out what you can bring on board can be particularly confusing. If you’re planning to fly with American Airlines, one question you might be asking is whether you can bring a carry-on bag.

The good news is that American Airlines does allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag on board, but there are some rules and restrictions you’ll need to be aware of. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at American Airlines’ carry-on policy, including what you can and can’t bring on board, and how to make sure your bag meets the airline’s size requirements.

Can You Take a Carry on American Airlines?

Can You Take a Carry on American Airlines?

Are you planning on traveling with American Airlines and wondering whether you can take a carry-on bag? The short answer is yes, you can bring a carry-on bag on American Airlines flights. However, there are specific rules and regulations to follow to ensure that you are compliant with the airline’s policies. Here’s what you need to know about bringing a carry-on bag on American Airlines.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard the plane. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, while the personal item must fit under the seat. The maximum dimensions for the carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The personal item must be smaller than the carry-on bag and should include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack.

Read More:  How To Extend American Airlines Travel Credit?

To ensure that your carry-on bag meets the size requirements, American Airlines provides a sample bag sizer at the airport check-in counter and gate area. If your bag does not fit in the sizer, you may need to check it in and pay the applicable checked baggage fee.

Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

While you are allowed to bring a carry-on bag on American Airlines flights, there are restrictions on what you can bring in the bag. You cannot bring any hazardous materials, such as explosives, flammable liquids, or compressed gases. Additionally, sharp objects, such as knives, scissors, and box cutters, are not allowed in the carry-on bag. You can check the Transportation Security Administration’s website for a complete list of prohibited items.

Benefits of Bringing a Carry-On Bag

Bringing a carry-on bag on American Airlines flights can provide several benefits. First, it can save you time and money by avoiding the checked baggage fee, which can range from $30 to $150 depending on the flight and destination. Second, you can avoid the hassle and stress of waiting for your luggage at the baggage claim area. Third, you can have your essential items with you, such as medication, electronics, and important documents.

Checked Baggage vs. Carry-On Baggage

While bringing a carry-on bag on American Airlines flights can provide several benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are traveling with bulky or fragile items, such as musical instruments, sports equipment, or artwork, you may need to check them in as checked baggage. Additionally, if you are traveling for an extended period or with a large group, you may need more space than what a carry-on bag can provide.

Conclusion

In summary, you can bring a carry-on bag on American Airlines flights, as long as it meets the size requirements and does not contain any prohibited items. Bringing a carry-on bag can provide several benefits, such as saving time and money and having essential items with you. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and you may need to check in your baggage for certain items or situations. By following American Airlines’ policies and guidelines, you can have a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Read More:  How Do You Print Your Ticket For American Airlines?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Airlines’ carry-on policy?

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Passengers can also bring a few additional items such as a jacket, umbrella, and duty-free items.

Passengers traveling on Basic Economy fares are allowed only a personal item and are not permitted to bring a carry-on bag on board. However, elite status members and eligible credit card holders can bring a carry-on bag even on Basic Economy fares.

What items are not allowed in carry-on bags on American Airlines?

There are certain items that are not allowed in carry-on bags on American Airlines. These include explosives, firearms, flammable items, sharp objects, and certain sports equipment. Passengers should also be aware of the TSA’s prohibited items list and ensure they are not carrying any of these items in their carry-on bags.

If passengers are unsure if an item is allowed in their carry-on bag, they should check with American Airlines or the TSA before traveling.

Can I bring a pet carrier as my carry-on bag on American Airlines?

Yes, passengers can bring a pet carrier as their carry-on bag on American Airlines. The carrier will count as one carry-on item and must fit under the seat in front of you. Passengers traveling with pets should make sure to follow American Airlines’ pet policy and make appropriate arrangements before traveling.

It’s important to note that some aircraft have limited space for pet carriers, so passengers should check with American Airlines before traveling to ensure their carrier will fit on the specific aircraft.

What is American Airlines’ policy on liquids in carry-on bags?

Passengers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bags on American Airlines. Each item must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. The quart-sized bag must be placed in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening.

Read More:  What Are The Dimensions For Carry On Luggage American Airlines?

Passengers should also be aware that certain liquids, such as medication and baby formula, are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit and do not need to be placed in a quart-sized bag.

What should I do if my carry-on bag doesn’t fit in the overhead bin on American Airlines?

If a passenger’s carry-on bag does not fit in the overhead bin on American Airlines, they will need to check the bag at the gate. The bag will be tagged and placed in the cargo hold of the aircraft, and the passenger can retrieve it at baggage claim after the flight.

Passengers can also consider purchasing a smaller carry-on bag or checking their bag at the ticket counter before going through security to avoid any issues at the gate.

5 Tips For Flying American Airlines (DO NOT MISS THIS)


In conclusion, American Airlines allows passengers to bring a carry-on bag on their flights. However, it is important to adhere to the airline’s specific size and weight restrictions to avoid any additional fees or delays during the boarding process.

By packing efficiently and minimizing the number of items you bring on board, you can optimize your travel experience and make the most of your carry-on allowance. Remember to double-check your bag’s dimensions and weight before arriving at the airport to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Overall, traveling with a carry-on bag on American Airlines is a convenient and cost-effective option for many passengers. By following the airline’s guidelines and being mindful of the items you bring on board, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey to your destination.

About The Author

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top