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Are you planning to travel with American Airlines and wondering how much they charge for bags? If so, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll break down the fees for checked and carry-on bags so that you can prepare accordingly and avoid any surprises at the airport.
American Airlines’ baggage fees can vary depending on several factors, such as your destination, fare type, and frequent flyer status. But don’t worry, we’ll explain everything in detail and provide you with some tips on how to save money on baggage fees. So, let’s get started!
How Much Does American Airlines Charge for Bags?
If you are planning to fly with American Airlines, it’s important to know about their baggage policy and how much they charge for bags. In this article, we will discuss the baggage fees charged by American Airlines for both domestic and international flights.
Domestic Baggage Fees
American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. However, if you need to check in your bags, you will be charged a fee. The fees for domestic flights depend on the type of fare you have purchased and the destination you are traveling to.
For Basic Economy fares, you will have to pay $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for your second checked bag. For Main Cabin fares, the first checked bag is also $30, but the second one costs $40. If you have purchased a Premium Economy or Business Class ticket, you can check in two bags for free.
It’s important to note that overweight and oversized bags will incur additional fees. If your bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you will have to pay $100 for the first bag and $200 for the second bag. For oversized bags, which are between 62-126 inches (linear dimensions), you will be charged $200 per bag.
International Baggage Fees
If you are traveling internationally with American Airlines, the baggage fees are generally higher than domestic flights. For most destinations, the first checked bag costs $0 – $75, depending on your destination and fare type. The second checked bag will cost you $100 – $150, and any additional bags will cost $200 each.
For some destinations, such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, the first checked bag is free for Main Cabin fares. However, if you are traveling in Basic Economy, you will have to pay $30 for the first checked bag.
It’s important to note that the fees for overweight and oversized bags are also higher for international flights. If your bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you will have to pay $100 – $450 for the first bag and $200 – $450 for the second bag. For oversized bags, which are between 62-126 inches (linear dimensions), you will be charged $200 – $450 per bag.
Bags for Active Military Members
American Airlines offers special baggage allowances for active military members traveling on orders. They can check in up to five bags for free, and their bags can weigh up to 100 pounds each. This allowance applies to both domestic and international flights.
Bags for Elite Members and Credit Card Holders
If you are an elite member of American Airlines’ loyalty program or hold one of their credit cards, you may be eligible for free checked bags. For example, AAdvantage Gold members can check in one bag for free, AAdvantage Platinum members can check in two bags for free, and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members can check in three bags for free.
Similarly, if you hold the American Airlines AAdvantage credit card, you can check in one bag for free on domestic flights and some international flights.
Benefits of Paying for Bags in Advance
If you know that you will be checking in bags for your flight, it’s a good idea to pay for them in advance. This will not only save you money, but it will also save you time at the airport. You can pay for your bags online or through the American Airlines app, and you will receive a confirmation email that you can show at the airport.
Additionally, if you have purchased a Basic Economy fare, paying for your bags in advance will give you the option to select your seat before check-in. Otherwise, you will be assigned a seat at check-in, and there is no guarantee that you will be seated with your travel companions.
Baggage Fees vs. Other Airlines
It’s always a good idea to compare baggage fees across different airlines before booking your flight. Here is a comparison of American Airlines’ baggage fees with some other major airlines:
– Delta Airlines: First checked bag is $30, second checked bag is $40 for domestic flights. For international flights, the fees vary depending on the destination.
– United Airlines: First checked bag is $35, second checked bag is $45 for domestic flights. For international flights, the fees vary depending on the destination.
– Southwest Airlines: Passengers can bring two checked bags for free, as well as one personal item and one carry-on bag.
Conclusion
Knowing how much American Airlines charges for bags can help you plan your travel budget and avoid any surprises at the airport. Remember to pay for your bags in advance if you know that you will be checking them in, and compare baggage fees across different airlines to find the best deal. Happy travels!
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is American Airlines’ baggage allowance?
- 2. How much does American Airlines charge for checked bags?
- 3. What is American Airlines’ policy on carry-on bags?
- 4. What is American Airlines’ policy on sports equipment and musical instruments?
- 5. How can I avoid paying baggage fees on American Airlines?
- American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained
- How Many Aircraft Does American Airlines Have?
- Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?
- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about American Airlines baggage fees:
1. What is American Airlines’ baggage allowance?
American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag free of charge. Checked baggage fees vary depending on the route and fare type. Passengers can check the specific baggage allowance for their flight on the American Airlines website.
It’s important to note that overweight and oversized bags will incur additional fees, regardless of whether they’re checked or carried on. A fee of $150 per bag will be charged for bags weighing between 51-70 pounds, and a fee of $200 per bag will be charged for bags weighing between 71-100 pounds.
2. How much does American Airlines charge for checked bags?
The checked baggage fees for American Airlines vary depending on the route and fare type. For domestic flights within the United States, the first checked bag is $30 and the second checked bag is $40. For international flights, the fees vary based on the destination and can range from $0 to $200 per bag.
Passengers can save money on baggage fees by purchasing their baggage allowance in advance or by earning elite status with American Airlines’ AAdvantage program.
3. What is American Airlines’ policy on carry-on bags?
Passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag free of charge on American Airlines flights. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of the passenger, and it must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
If a passenger’s carry-on bag is too large or exceeds the weight limit of 40 pounds, it will need to be checked and the appropriate baggage fees will apply.
4. What is American Airlines’ policy on sports equipment and musical instruments?
American Airlines allows passengers to bring certain types of sports equipment and musical instruments on their flights, but additional fees may apply. Sports equipment such as golf clubs, skis, and surfboards can be checked as baggage, but overweight and oversize fees may apply.
Small musical instruments such as violins and guitars can be brought on board as carry-on items if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of the passenger. Larger instruments such as cellos and double basses must be checked as baggage, and additional fees may apply.
5. How can I avoid paying baggage fees on American Airlines?
There are several ways to avoid paying baggage fees on American Airlines. Passengers can earn elite status with the AAdvantage program, which includes complimentary baggage allowances. They can also purchase their baggage allowance in advance, which is often cheaper than paying at the airport.
Finally, passengers can try to pack light and bring only a personal item and a carry-on bag, which are allowed free of charge on American Airlines flights.
American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained
In conclusion, understanding American Airlines’ baggage fees is crucial for any traveler flying with this carrier. Knowing the exact fees and charges for bags can help you plan your trip better and avoid unexpected costs.
As we have discussed, American Airlines offers various options for baggage fees, including checked baggage, carry-on baggage, and oversized baggage. The fees vary depending on the destination, flight class, and loyalty status of the passenger.
It is always recommended that you check the airline’s website or contact customer service to confirm the baggage fees before your flight. By doing so, you can avoid any surprises and ensure a smooth travel experience with American Airlines.
