How Much Does American Airlines Charge For Baggage?

admin
Chief Editor of - Book USA Airlines

American Airlines is a popular airline that serves millions of passengers every year. If you’re planning to fly with American Airlines, you may be wondering about their baggage fees. Knowing how much you’ll be charged for baggage can make a big difference in your travel budget. In this article, we’ll explore American Airlines’ baggage fees, so you can plan accordingly and avoid any surprises at the airport. So, let’s get started!

How Much Does American Airlines Charge for Baggage?

How Much Does American Airlines Charge for Baggage?

Are you planning to travel with American Airlines but not sure about the baggage fees? American Airlines has a baggage policy that varies depending on the type of ticket purchased, destination, and membership status. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed breakdown of American Airlines baggage fees so you can plan accordingly.

Carry-on Baggage Fees

American Airlines allows one personal item and one carry-on bag on board for free. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, or small backpack that must fit under the seat in front of you. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches in size.

However, if you want to bring an additional carry-on bag, you will need to pay a fee. The fee varies depending on the route, but it generally ranges from $35 to $150. If you are an AAdvantage member, you may be eligible for a waived or discounted fee.

Read More:  What Is Main Cabin Extra For American Airlines?

Here’s a table summarizing American Airlines carry-on baggage fees:

Route Fee
Domestic $35 – $150
International $0 – $200

Checked Baggage Fees

American Airlines allows up to 5 checked bags per passenger, but the fees vary depending on the route, class of service, and membership status. Here’s a breakdown of American Airlines checked baggage fees:

For domestic flights, the first checked bag fee is $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second bag, and $150 for the third to fifth bags. The overweight and oversized baggage fees are $100 and $200, respectively.

For international flights, the first checked bag fee is generally waived for economy class passengers, but the second and third bags cost $100 and $200, respectively. The fourth to tenth bags cost $200 each. The overweight and oversized baggage fees are $150 and $450, respectively.

If you are an AAdvantage member or have elite status with American Airlines, you may be eligible for waived or discounted checked baggage fees. Here’s a table summarizing American Airlines checked baggage fees:

Route 1st Bag 2nd Bag 3rd Bag 4th – 10th Bag
Domestic $30 $40 $150 N/A
International Free (Economy) $100 $200 $200

Benefits of AAdvantage Membership

AAdvantage is American Airlines’ loyalty program that offers various benefits to its members, including waived or discounted baggage fees. Depending on your membership level, you may be eligible for up to three free checked bags, waived carry-on bag fees, and waived oversized and overweight baggage fees.

Moreover, AAdvantage members can earn miles for every dollar spent on baggage fees, which can be redeemed for future flights or other rewards. Additionally, AAdvantage members can enjoy priority boarding, free upgrades, and lounge access, among other perks.

American Airlines Baggage Fees vs. Competitors

When it comes to baggage fees, American Airlines’ policy is similar to its competitors, such as Delta and United Airlines. However, some airlines, such as Southwest and JetBlue, offer free checked bags and carry-on bags.

Read More:  Are American Airline Miles Transferable?

Therefore, if you are looking to save money on baggage fees, it may be worth considering these airlines for your next trip. However, keep in mind that their fares may be higher than American Airlines, and they may not offer the same level of service or network coverage.

Conclusion

In summary, American Airlines charges for carry-on bags and checked bags, with fees varying depending on the route, class of service, and membership status. However, AAdvantage members can enjoy waived or discounted baggage fees and other benefits. If you want to avoid baggage fees altogether, consider booking with airlines that offer free bags, but keep in mind that they may have other trade-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Airlines’ baggage policy?

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on item for free. Checked baggage fees vary depending on the destination and fare type. For domestic flights, the first checked bag fee ranges from $30 to $35, while the second checked bag fee ranges from $40 to $45. For international flights, the first checked bag fee ranges from $0 to $150, and the second checked bag fee ranges from $35 to $200.

What is the oversize and overweight baggage fee on American Airlines?

If your checked bag is larger than the standard size or heavier than 50 pounds, you may have to pay an oversize or overweight fee. The oversize fee for bags between 63 and 126 inches is $150, while the overweight fee for bags between 51 and 70 pounds is $100. Bags over 100 pounds or 126 inches are not accepted as checked baggage on American Airlines.

Does American Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No, American Airlines does not charge for carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on item for free. However, if the carry-on item exceeds the size limit, it will have to be checked in and the applicable checked baggage fee will apply.

What is American Airlines’ policy on sports equipment baggage?

American Airlines allows passengers to bring certain types of sports equipment as checked baggage, including golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and bicycles. The fee for sporting equipment is the same as the first checked bag fee, and the item counts as one checked bag towards the passenger’s allowance. Passengers must notify American Airlines in advance and ensure that the equipment is properly packed and labeled.

Read More:  Does American Airlines Fly To Denver?

Are there any baggage fee exemptions on American Airlines?

Yes, there are some baggage fee exemptions on American Airlines. Active U.S. military personnel and their dependents are exempt from baggage fees on personal travel, and passengers traveling in First or Business class on qualifying international flights are exempt from certain baggage fees. Additionally, certain elite members of American Airlines’ loyalty program may be eligible for baggage fee exemptions.

American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, American Airlines charges fees for checked baggage, but the total cost will depend on a few factors. These include the number of bags you need to check, the weight of each bag, and your destination. It’s always a good idea to check the airline’s website or call customer service to get the most up-to-date information on baggage fees.

If you’re looking to save money on baggage fees, consider packing light and only bringing a carry-on bag. This can help you avoid the additional costs of checked baggage and also make your travel experience more convenient. Additionally, American Airlines offers various baggage fee waivers and discounts for certain passengers, such as elite members of their loyalty program or active-duty military personnel.

Ultimately, the cost of baggage fees is just one factor to consider when booking a flight with American Airlines. While it’s important to be aware of these costs, it’s also important to consider other factors such as flight schedules, amenities, and overall customer service. By taking the time to research your options and make informed decisions, you can have a comfortable and stress-free travel experience with American Airlines.

About The Author

Leave a Comment

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

Scroll to Top