Does American Airlines Include Bags?

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Flying can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to packing. Whether you’re going on a short weekend trip or a longer vacation, one of the biggest concerns is figuring out what you can bring with you on the plane. And if you’re flying with American Airlines, you may be wondering – does American Airlines include bags?

The answer is not as simple as a yes or no. American Airlines does have baggage policies in place, but they vary depending on your destination, fare type, and frequent flyer status. So let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when it comes to bringing your bags on American Airlines flights.

Does American Airlines Include Bags?

Does American Airlines Include Bags?

If you’re planning a trip with American Airlines, one of the most common questions you may have is whether the airline includes bags in their fares. The answer to this question is not as simple as a yes or no, as it depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll explore those factors and provide you with all the information you need to know about American Airlines’ baggage policy.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage refers to the luggage that you can bring with you in the cabin of the aircraft. American Airlines allows one personal item and one carry-on bag for free for all passengers. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, while the carry-on bag must fit within specific size and weight restrictions.

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The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag on American Airlines are 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters, including handles and wheels. The maximum weight allowed for a carry-on bag is 40 pounds or 18 kilograms. If your carry-on bag exceeds these limits, you may be asked to check it in and pay a fee.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage refers to the luggage that you check in at the airport and retrieve at your destination. American Airlines’ baggage policy for checked bags varies depending on several factors, including your destination, fare class, and frequent flyer status.

For domestic flights within the United States, American Airlines charges a fee for the first, second, and third checked bags. The fees vary depending on the fare class and whether you pay for your bags in advance or at the airport. The fees range from $30 to $60 for the first bag, $40 to $100 for the second bag, and $150 to $200 for the third bag.

For international flights, American Airlines allows one to two free checked bags, depending on your destination and fare class. If you exceed the weight or size limit for your checked bags, you may be asked to pay an additional fee.

Exceptions and Special Items

American Airlines has several exceptions and rules for special items, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices. For example, American Airlines allows one golf bag per passenger for free on domestic and international flights, but you may be charged a fee for additional bags or overweight bags.

If you’re traveling with a musical instrument, American Airlines allows you to bring it as a carry-on or checked baggage, depending on its size and weight. You may also purchase an extra seat for your instrument if it’s too large to fit in the cabin or cargo hold.

For medical devices, such as wheelchairs and oxygen tanks, American Airlines allows you to bring them on board for free, but you must notify the airline in advance.

Benefits of American Airlines’ Baggage Policy

American Airlines’ baggage policy has several benefits for passengers, including the ability to bring a personal item and carry-on bag for free. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, you can also purchase additional checked bags or upgrade to a higher fare class that includes free checked bags.

American Airlines also has a program called the AAdvantage program, which rewards frequent flyers with free checked bags, priority boarding, and other perks. If you travel frequently with American Airlines, this program can save you money and make your travel experience more comfortable.

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American Airlines vs. Other Airlines

When comparing American Airlines’ baggage policy to other airlines, it’s important to consider factors such as baggage fees, size and weight restrictions, and exceptions for special items. For example, Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags for all passengers, while United Airlines charges a fee for all checked bags.

Overall, American Airlines’ baggage policy is competitive with other major airlines, and its AAdvantage program can provide significant benefits for frequent flyers. However, it’s important to check the specific baggage policy for your destination and fare class before booking your flight.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Airlines includes one personal item and one carry-on bag for free for all passengers. Checked baggage fees vary depending on several factors, and special items have their own rules and exceptions. American Airlines’ baggage policy has several benefits for passengers, including the ability to purchase additional checked bags and upgrade to a higher fare class for free checked bags. However, it’s important to check the specific baggage policy for your destination and fare class before booking your flight to avoid any surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about American Airlines baggage policies.

What is American Airlines baggage policy?

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. Checked baggage fees vary depending on the destination, fare class, and loyalty status. Passengers can check up to 10 bags per flight, and additional fees apply for overweight or oversized bags.

Passengers can check the latest baggage fees and policies on the American Airlines website or by contacting customer service.

What is the maximum size and weight for carry-on bags on American Airlines?

The maximum dimensions for carry-on bags on American Airlines are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The maximum weight is 40 pounds (18 kg). Passengers must be able to lift their carry-on bags into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of them.

Passengers can bring one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, in addition to their carry-on bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

What is the checked baggage fee for American Airlines?

The checked baggage fees for American Airlines vary depending on the destination, fare class, and loyalty status. In general, the first checked bag costs $30-$35 for domestic flights and $60-$150 for international flights, depending on the route. The second checked bag costs $40-$45 for domestic flights and $100-$200 for international flights.

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Passengers can check up to 10 bags per flight, and additional fees apply for overweight or oversized bags. Passengers can check the latest baggage fees and policies on the American Airlines website or by contacting customer service.

Does American Airlines allow free checked bags for military personnel?

Yes, American Airlines allows active U.S. military personnel and their dependents to check up to five bags for free on domestic flights and up to three bags for free on international flights. The bags must meet the size and weight restrictions of the airline’s baggage policy.

Military personnel must present their military ID at check-in to receive the free baggage allowance. Dependents must present a valid dependent ID or travel orders with the military member.

What is American Airlines baggage policy for sports equipment?

American Airlines allows passengers to check certain sports equipment as a regular checked bag or as an overweight or oversized bag, depending on the size and weight of the equipment. Sports equipment that can be checked as a regular bag includes golf bags, skis, and snowboards.

Sports equipment that requires special handling or packaging, such as surfboards or bikes, may incur additional fees and must be checked as an overweight or oversized bag. Passengers should check the American Airlines website or contact customer service for specific information and fees related to their sports equipment.

American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, American Airlines offers a variety of baggage options for travelers. Depending on the fare type and destination, bags may or may not be included in the ticket price. It’s important for travelers to carefully review their ticket details and baggage allowance before heading to the airport to avoid any surprises or additional fees.

However, American Airlines does offer options for travelers to purchase additional bags or upgrade their baggage allowance. For frequent flyers or those with specific travel needs, the airline also offers membership programs that provide additional baggage benefits.

Overall, while American Airlines may not always include bags in their ticket prices, they provide ample opportunities for travelers to customize their baggage needs and ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

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