How Much Does Baggage Cost On American Airlines?

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Are you planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering how much you’ll have to pay for your baggage? Look no further! In this article, we’ll break down the baggage fees for American Airlines so you can plan your trip accordingly and avoid any surprises at the airport.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, understanding baggage fees is an important part of planning your trip. American Airlines offers a few different baggage options, and we’ll take a closer look at each one to help you determine which is best for your travel needs and budget. So let’s dive in and discover how much your baggage will cost on American Airlines.

How Much Does Baggage Cost on American Airlines?

How Much Does Baggage Cost on American Airlines?

American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world and operates in more than 50 countries. It has a reputation for offering affordable flights and excellent customer service. However, like most airlines, American Airlines charges baggage fees depending on the weight and size of your luggage. In this article, we will explore the baggage fees charged by American Airlines and how you can save money on baggage fees.

Carry-on Baggage Fees

Carry-on baggage is the luggage that you are allowed to bring with you on the plane. American Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, per passenger. The carry-on bag should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If you exceed these limits, you will be asked to check your bag, and additional fees will apply.

If your carry-on baggage meets the size and weight requirements, you will not be charged any fees. However, if you need to check your bag at the gate, you will be charged $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second checked bag. If you want to avoid these fees, ensure that your carry-on bag meets the size and weight requirements.

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Checked Baggage Fees

American Airlines charges baggage fees for checked luggage. The fee varies depending on your destination, the weight of your luggage, and whether you are traveling in Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class.

For domestic flights, the first checked bag will cost $30, and the second checked bag will cost $40. For international flights, the first checked bag will cost $0 to $75, depending on your destination, and the second checked bag will cost $100 to $200.

If you plan to bring more than two bags, you will be charged an additional fee. The fee for the third checked bag is $150, and the fee for the fourth and any additional checked bags is $200 each.

Overweight and Oversize Baggage Fees

If your luggage exceeds the weight and size limits, American Airlines will charge you an additional fee. For bags that weigh between 51 and 70 pounds, you will be charged $100 for domestic flights and $200 for international flights. For bags that weigh between 71 and 100 pounds, you will be charged $200 for both domestic and international flights.

If your bag exceeds the size limit of 62 inches (158 cm) in combined length, width, and height, you will be charged $200 for both domestic and international flights.

How to Save Money on Baggage Fees

Nobody likes paying baggage fees, but there are ways to save money on baggage fees when flying with American Airlines. Here are some tips:

  • Check your baggage online: American Airlines offers a discount if you check your baggage online before your flight.
  • Join American Airlines loyalty program: Members of American Airlines loyalty program can enjoy free checked baggage, depending on their membership level.
  • Travel light: Pack only the essentials and avoid bringing unnecessary items.
  • Upgrade your ticket: If you upgrade your ticket to Premium Economy, Business, or First Class, you may be entitled to free checked baggage.

Benefits of Paying Baggage Fees

While baggage fees may seem like a nuisance, they do come with some benefits. By charging baggage fees, American Airlines can keep its ticket prices low, making air travel more affordable for everyone. Additionally, baggage fees help discourage passengers from bringing oversized or overweight luggage, which can cause delays and inconvenience other passengers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Airlines charges baggage fees for carry-on and checked luggage. The fee varies depending on your destination, the weight of your luggage, and whether you are traveling in Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class. To save money on baggage fees, check your baggage online, join American Airlines loyalty program, travel light, and upgrade your ticket. Remember, paying baggage fees comes with some benefits, such as lower ticket prices and smoother boarding process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about baggage fees on American Airlines:

What is American Airlines’ baggage policy?

American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Checked baggage fees vary depending on the route and fare class. For domestic flights, the first checked bag is $30 and the second checked bag is $40. For international flights, the first checked bag is typically free, but fees can range from $0 to $200 depending on the destination and fare class.

It’s important to note that overweight and oversized bags will incur additional fees, which can range from $100 to $450 depending on the weight and size of the bag. Sports equipment and musical instruments may also be subject to additional fees.

How can I avoid baggage fees on American Airlines?

There are several ways to avoid baggage fees on American Airlines. One option is to travel with only a carry-on bag and a personal item. Another option is to have elite status with American Airlines or one of its partners, which can provide complimentary checked bags. Additionally, some credit cards offer free checked bags as a perk, so it’s worth checking to see if your credit card offers this benefit.

If you do need to check a bag and want to avoid fees, consider shipping your luggage instead. While this can be more expensive than checking a bag, it may be worth it if you have a lot of luggage or if you’re traveling with oversized or overweight items.

How do I pay for baggage on American Airlines?

You can pay for baggage when you check in for your flight online or at the airport. If you’re checking bags at the airport, you can pay with cash, credit card, or debit card. If you’re checking bags online, you can pay with a credit card. Keep in mind that fees may be higher if you wait to pay for baggage at the airport, so it’s important to plan ahead and pay for your bags online if possible.

If you have elite status with American Airlines or one of its partners, you may be eligible for complimentary checked bags. In this case, you won’t need to pay for baggage fees at all.

What happens if my bags are lost or damaged on American Airlines?

If your bags are lost or damaged on American Airlines, you should report the issue to a baggage agent at the airport as soon as possible. American Airlines will typically provide compensation for lost or damaged baggage, but the amount may vary depending on the circumstances. It’s important to keep all receipts and documentation related to your baggage in case you need to file a claim with American Airlines.

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If your bags are delayed, American Airlines may provide you with a travel voucher to cover the cost of essential items like clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bags to arrive. Keep in mind that this is typically only available if your bags are delayed for an extended period of time (usually more than 24 hours).

Can I bring a pet on American Airlines?

Yes, you can bring a pet on American Airlines, but there are some restrictions and fees. Only certain types of pets are allowed in the cabin, and there is a limit to the number of pets that can be on each flight. Additionally, there is a fee for bringing a pet on board, which varies depending on the size of the pet and the length of the flight. If you’re planning to travel with a pet, it’s important to contact American Airlines ahead of time to make sure you understand the requirements and fees.

Keep in mind that emotional support animals and service animals are subject to different rules and requirements than pets, so it’s important to understand the difference and make sure you meet all the necessary requirements if you’re traveling with an emotional support animal or service animal.

American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, knowing the baggage fees for American Airlines can save travelers a lot of money. It is essential to determine the type of fare and itinerary to avoid any surprises during check-in. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, the fees for checked baggage and carry-on bags vary.

It is recommended to pack light and consider purchasing priority boarding or a higher fare that includes baggage. Additionally, American Airlines offers discounts for active-duty military personnel, and certain credit cards offer free checked bags as a perk.

Overall, being aware of the baggage fees and options available can make your American Airlines travel experience smoother and more affordable. Don’t let baggage fees weigh you down on your next trip. Plan ahead and pack smart to avoid unnecessary costs. Happy travels!

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