How Many Bags Can Military Check On American Airlines?

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As a military member traveling on American Airlines, it’s essential to know how many bags you can check-in without incurring additional fees. The good news is that American Airlines offers special baggage allowances and discounts for active-duty military personnel and their dependents. Let’s explore how many bags military members can check on American Airlines and what the fees may be.

Whether you’re deploying or returning home, traveling with multiple bags can be stressful. But knowing your baggage allowances ahead of time can help ease some of that stress. So, let’s dive into the details of how many bags military members can check on American Airlines and ensure you’re prepared for your next trip.

How Many Bags Can Military Check on American Airlines?

How Many Bags Can Military Check on American Airlines?

If you are a military member or a military dependent traveling on American Airlines, you may be wondering how many bags you can check in. American Airlines has specific baggage policies for military personnel, and it is important to know these policies before you travel. In this article, we will discuss how many bags military members can check on American Airlines and other relevant details.

Baggage Allowance for Military Personnel

As per American Airlines’ baggage policy, military members and their dependents are allowed to check up to five bags for free. The bags must meet the standard size and weight requirements, which are as follows:

– For checked bags, the maximum weight is 50 pounds (23 kg) and the maximum size is 62 inches (157 cm) (length + width + height).
– For carry-on bags, the maximum weight is 40 pounds (18 kg) and the maximum size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

It is important to note that the five-bag allowance is only valid for active-duty military personnel and their dependents who are traveling on orders. If you are a retiree, reserve member, or a civilian working for the military, you may be subject to regular baggage policies.

Excess Baggage Fees

If you are traveling with more than five bags, you will need to pay excess baggage fees. The fees for additional bags vary based on your destination and the weight of the bags. To avoid these fees, it is recommended that you pack as efficiently as possible and only bring necessary items.

If you are traveling with oversized or overweight bags, you will also need to pay additional fees. The fees for oversized and overweight bags are as follows:

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– For bags weighing between 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg), you will need to pay an additional $100 per bag.
– For bags exceeding 70 pounds (32 kg), you will need to pay $200 per bag.
– For bags exceeding the size limit of 62 inches (157 cm), you will need to pay $200 per bag.

Bags with Special Items

If you are traveling with special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or fragile items, you may need to pay additional fees or pack them separately. American Airlines has specific policies for these items, and it is recommended that you check their website for more information.

For example, if you are traveling with a musical instrument, you may be able to bring it onboard as a carry-on item if it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it is too large to fit in the cabin, you may need to purchase an extra seat or check it in as a fragile item.

Bags for Dependents

Dependents of military members are also allowed to check up to five bags for free, but they must be traveling with the military member on the same itinerary. If the dependent is traveling separately, they will be subject to regular baggage policies.

If the military member is not traveling with the dependent, the dependent may still be eligible for the five-bag allowance if they are traveling on orders. However, they must provide proof of their relationship with the military member and the purpose of their travel.

Benefits of the Military Baggage Allowance

The military baggage allowance on American Airlines is a significant benefit for military members and their dependents. It allows them to pack everything they need for their travels without worrying about excess baggage fees.

Additionally, the allowance applies to both domestic and international flights, so military members can travel freely without worrying about baggage restrictions.

Regular Baggage Policies vs. Military Baggage Allowance

Compared to regular baggage policies, the military baggage allowance on American Airlines is much more generous. Regular passengers are only allowed to check one or two bags for free, depending on their destination and fare type.

It is important to note that military members and their dependents must follow the same baggage policies as regular passengers when traveling for personal reasons. The military baggage allowance only applies when traveling on orders.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, military members and their dependents traveling on American Airlines are allowed to check up to five bags for free. The bags must meet the standard size and weight requirements, and the allowance only applies when traveling on orders.

If traveling with more than five bags, excess baggage fees will apply. Additionally, special items such as sports equipment or musical instruments may require additional fees or special packing.

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Overall, the military baggage allowance on American Airlines is a significant benefit for military members and their families. It allows them to travel freely without worrying about baggage restrictions or fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the baggage policy for military personnel on American Airlines?

American Airlines allows military personnel to check up to 5 bags for free when traveling on official orders. These bags can weigh up to 100 pounds each and can be up to 126 inches in total dimensions. Additionally, military personnel traveling for personal reasons are allowed to check up to 3 bags for free, with the same weight and size restrictions.

It is important to note that military personnel must show their official orders or military ID at check-in to qualify for the free baggage allowance. If traveling on personal time, military personnel must also present their military ID to receive the free baggage allowance.

Are there any restrictions on the type of bags that military personnel can check for free?

There are no specific restrictions on the type of bags that military personnel can check for free on American Airlines. However, all bags must comply with the weight and size restrictions, and must not contain any prohibited items such as explosives or flammable materials. Military personnel are also advised to pack their bags securely to prevent damage to the contents during transit.

It is also recommended that military personnel label their bags with their name, contact information, and destination, in case the bags are lost or misplaced during travel.

What happens if military personnel exceed the free baggage allowance on American Airlines?

If military personnel exceed the free baggage allowance on American Airlines, they will be charged the standard checked baggage fee for each additional bag. The fee for each additional bag varies depending on the destination and fare class. Military personnel can also choose to ship their excess baggage separately using a military shipping service, which may be more cost-effective than paying the excess baggage fees.

It is recommended that military personnel plan their luggage carefully in advance to avoid exceeding the free baggage allowance, and to contact American Airlines customer service for assistance with any questions or concerns.

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Can military personnel check pets as baggage on American Airlines?

Yes, military personnel can check pets as baggage on American Airlines, subject to the airline’s pet policy and fees. Pets must be in an approved carrier and must not exceed the weight and size restrictions. American Airlines allows military personnel to transport pets free of charge when traveling on official orders, but standard fees apply when traveling for personal reasons.

It is important for military personnel to make arrangements for pet travel in advance, as there are limited spaces available for pets on each flight and additional documentation may be required.

What should military personnel do if their baggage is lost or damaged on American Airlines?

If military personnel’s baggage is lost or damaged on American Airlines, they should report the incident to a customer service agent as soon as possible. American Airlines has a baggage service center that handles lost and damaged baggage claims, and military personnel will need to file a claim with this center to receive compensation for any lost or damaged items.

Military personnel should also keep all receipts and documentation related to their travel and baggage, as this may be required to process the claim. American Airlines has a 24-hour baggage resolution service that can assist with lost or damaged baggage claims, and military personnel can contact this service for additional support.

How many bags can you carry on American Airlines for free?


In conclusion, American Airlines offers a generous baggage allowance for military personnel traveling on official orders. Active duty military personnel and their dependents can check up to five bags for free, while reserve and National Guard members can check up to three bags for free. It’s important to note that these allowances only apply to official military travel, and not to personal travel.

For those traveling on personal trips, American Airlines offers a special military discount on checked baggage fees. With this discount, military personnel can save up to 50% on their baggage fees. To take advantage of this offer, military personnel must present their military ID at check-in.

Overall, American Airlines is a great option for military personnel traveling on official orders or personal trips. With their generous baggage allowance and military discount, American Airlines shows their support for the men and women who serve our country.

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