How Many Bags Can You Carry On American Airlines?

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Flying can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to packing and luggage. With so many airlines having different rules and regulations, it can be hard to keep track of how many bags you are allowed to bring on board. If you are planning to fly with American Airlines, you might be wondering, “How many bags can I carry on American Airlines?”

The answer to this question might not be as straightforward as you think. American Airlines has different baggage allowances and fees depending on your destination, ticket type, and frequent flyer status. In this article, we will break down all the information you need to know to make sure you have a stress-free and hassle-free travel experience with American Airlines.

How Many Bags Can You Carry on American Airlines?

How Many Bags Can You Carry on American Airlines?

American Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the United States, serving millions of passengers every year. If you are planning to travel with American Airlines, one of the most important things to consider is the baggage policy. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about how many bags you can carry on American Airlines.

Carry-On Baggage Policy

Carry-on baggage is the luggage that you can bring with you on the plane and store in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. American Airlines allows one personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or similar item that can fit under the seat in front of you. The carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin and must not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:

– Maximum dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters)
– Maximum weight: 40 pounds (18 kilograms)

If your bag exceeds these limits, you may have to check it in and pay the applicable baggage fees.

Checked Baggage Policy

Checked baggage is the luggage that you hand over to the airline at the check-in counter or baggage drop-off location, and the airline takes care of it until you arrive at your destination. American Airlines offers different baggage allowances depending on your destination, cabin class, and frequent flyer status. Here are the general guidelines for checked baggage:

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– Domestic flights: You can check up to 10 bags, but fees apply for the second bag and beyond. The maximum weight per bag is 50 pounds (23 kilograms), and the maximum size is 62 inches (158 centimeters) in total dimensions (length + width + height).
– International flights: The baggage allowance varies depending on your destination and cabin class. In general, you can check at least one bag for free, and fees apply for additional bags. The maximum weight and size restrictions are the same as for domestic flights.

It’s important to note that some items are not allowed in checked baggage, such as firearms, explosives, and flammable materials. Make sure to check the TSA and American Airlines websites for the latest rules and restrictions.

Excess Baggage Fees

If you exceed the baggage allowance for your flight, you may have to pay excess baggage fees. These fees vary depending on your destination and the number of bags you are carrying. Here are the general excess baggage fees for American Airlines:

– Domestic flights: $150 for the second bag, $200 for the third bag, and $400 for each additional bag.
– International flights: The excess baggage fees vary depending on your destination and cabin class. You can check the American Airlines website for more details.

It’s always a good idea to pack light and check the baggage policy before your flight to avoid excess baggage fees.

Benefits of American Airlines Baggage Policy

American Airlines offers several benefits for its baggage policy, including:

– Frequent flyer benefits: If you are a member of the American Airlines AAdvantage program, you may be eligible for free checked bags, priority boarding, and other perks.
– Easy baggage tracking: American Airlines offers a baggage tracking system that allows you to monitor the status of your checked bags from your smartphone or computer.
– Convenient baggage drop-off options: American Airlines offers self-service baggage drop-off kiosks at select airports to make the check-in process faster and more convenient.

American Airlines Baggage Policy Vs. Other Airlines

How does American Airlines baggage policy compare to other airlines? Here are some comparisons:

– Delta Airlines: Delta allows one personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger, with the same size and weight restrictions as American Airlines. The checked baggage policy is similar, but the fees vary.
– United Airlines: United allows one personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger, with the same size and weight restrictions as American Airlines. The checked baggage policy is similar, but the fees vary.
– Southwest Airlines: Southwest allows one personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger, with slightly larger size and weight restrictions than American Airlines. Southwest also offers two free checked bags per passenger.

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In conclusion, American Airlines baggage policy allows one personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger, with size and weight restrictions for both. The checked baggage policy varies depending on your destination, cabin class, and frequent flyer status. Make sure to check the latest rules and restrictions before your flight to avoid excess baggage fees. American Airlines offers several benefits for its baggage policy, and it compares favorably to other airlines in terms of size and weight restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about American Airlines baggage policy:

What is American Airlines’ baggage allowance?

The baggage allowance on American Airlines varies depending on the type of ticket that you have purchased. If you have purchased a Basic Economy ticket, you are allowed to bring one personal item on board the plane, such as a purse or a laptop bag. If you have purchased a Main Cabin ticket, you are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. If you have purchased a Premium Economy, Business, or First Class ticket, you are allowed to bring two carry-on bags and one personal item.

Checked baggage allowances also vary depending on the type of ticket that you have purchased. Basic Economy tickets do not come with a checked baggage allowance, while Main Cabin tickets allow for one checked bag. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class tickets usually allow for two checked bags, but this may vary depending on the route and specific ticket.

How much does American Airlines charge for baggage?

The cost of checked baggage on American Airlines varies depending on the size and weight of the bag, as well as the route and type of ticket. If you are traveling within the United States, the cost to check a bag typically ranges from $30 to $60 for the first bag, and $40 to $100 for the second bag. However, fees may be higher for international flights or for larger or heavier bags. It is always best to check the American Airlines website for the most up-to-date baggage fees.

If you are traveling with oversized or overweight bags, you may incur additional fees. American Airlines also offers a baggage calculator on their website to help you determine the cost of checking your bags ahead of time.

What is the size limit for carry-on bags on American Airlines?

The size limit for carry-on bags on American Airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. This size limit applies to all types of tickets, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. If your carry-on bag exceeds these dimensions, you will be required to check it at the gate and may incur additional fees.

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American Airlines also allows passengers to bring one personal item on board in addition to their carry-on bag, such as a purse or a laptop bag. The size limit for personal items is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

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

Yes, American Airlines allows passengers to bring a pet carrier as a carry-on bag in addition to their personal item and carry-on bag. The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and must comply with American Airlines’ pet policy. Passengers traveling with pets may be required to pay additional fees and must follow specific guidelines for the safety of their pets and other passengers.

If you are traveling internationally with a pet, you will need to comply with the specific requirements of your destination country, as well as any layover countries. American Airlines recommends that you contact your destination’s embassy or consulate for more information about traveling with pets.

Can I bring a musical instrument as a carry-on bag on American Airlines?

Yes, American Airlines allows passengers to bring a musical instrument as a carry-on bag in addition to their personal item and carry-on bag. However, the musical instrument must fit within the size limits for carry-on bags and must be stowed in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If the musical instrument exceeds the size limits, it must be checked and may incur additional fees.

American Airlines also recommends that passengers traveling with musical instruments purchase a separate seat for their instrument to ensure that it is transported safely. Passengers traveling with musical instruments should contact American Airlines’ Special Assistance team ahead of time to make arrangements for their instrument.

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


In conclusion, understanding the baggage policy of American Airlines is crucial for a smooth travel experience. It is important to note that the number of bags allowed and the fees associated with them vary based on several factors, such as the destination and fare class. Therefore, it is advisable to check the airline’s website or consult with a customer service representative for specific information.

To avoid any inconvenience, travelers are encouraged to pack light and adhere to the baggage limits set by the airline. This not only saves money but also makes the check-in and boarding process faster and more efficient.

Lastly, American Airlines provides various options to upgrade or purchase additional baggage allowance, including buying more bags or joining the airline’s loyalty program. By taking advantage of these options, travelers can enjoy a stress-free travel experience with their belongings safely transported.

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