How Much Is An Extra Bag On American Airlines?

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Are you planning a trip with American Airlines but unsure about the costs of an extra bag? We’ve got you covered! Knowing the fees for extra baggage can save you from surprise charges at the airport and help you plan your travel budget accordingly. In this article, we’ll break down the cost of an extra bag on American Airlines and provide some tips to avoid excess baggage fees. So, let’s get started!

How Much is an Extra Bag on American Airlines?

How Much is an Extra Bag on American Airlines?

Understanding American Airlines Baggage Policy

If you are planning to travel with American Airlines, it is important to understand the airline’s baggage policy. American Airlines provides its passengers with a free carry-on bag and a personal item. However, if you need to check in additional bags or carry oversized or overweight luggage, you will be charged an extra fee.

Carry-on Baggage Allowance

American Airlines allows its passengers to carry one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for the carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.

Checked Baggage Allowance

American Airlines allows its passengers to check in up to 10 bags per person on domestic flights and up to five bags on international flights. The maximum weight for each checked bag is 50 pounds (23 kg), and the maximum dimensions are 62 inches (158 cm) in total.

Extra Baggage Fees

If you need to check in extra bags or carry oversized or overweight luggage, you will be charged an extra fee. The fee varies depending on your destination, travel dates, and the weight and size of your luggage. Here are some examples of American Airlines extra baggage fees:

Domestic Flights

On domestic flights within the United States, American Airlines charges $30 for the first extra bag, $40 for the second extra bag, and $150 for each additional bag.

International Flights

On international flights, American Airlines charges $100 for the first extra bag, $200 for the second extra bag, and $400 for each additional bag.

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Oversized and Overweight Luggage

If your luggage exceeds the maximum weight or dimensions allowed by American Airlines, you will be charged an extra fee. The fee for oversized and overweight luggage varies depending on your destination, travel dates, and the weight and size of your luggage. Here are some examples of American Airlines oversized and overweight luggage fees:

Oversized Luggage Fees

If your luggage exceeds the maximum dimensions allowed by American Airlines, you will be charged an extra fee. The fee for oversized luggage is $200 per bag, in addition to the regular baggage fee.

Overweight Luggage Fees

If your luggage exceeds the maximum weight allowed by American Airlines, you will be charged an extra fee. The fee for overweight luggage varies depending on your destination, travel dates, and the weight of your luggage. Here are some examples of American Airlines overweight luggage fees:

  • 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg): $100 extra
  • 71-100 pounds (33-45 kg): $200 extra
  • Over 100 pounds (45 kg or more): not accepted

Benefits of American Airlines Baggage Policy

American Airlines baggage policy has several benefits for its passengers. Here are some of the benefits:

Online Check-in

American Airlines allows its passengers to check in online up to 24 hours before their flight. This means that you can pay for your extra bags online and avoid the long lines at the airport.

Priority Boarding

Passengers who have purchased extra bags on American Airlines are given priority boarding. This means that you can board the plane before the other passengers and have more time to store your bags in the overhead bin.

Baggage Delivery

American Airlines offers a baggage delivery service for passengers who have purchased extra bags. This means that your bags will be delivered directly to your hotel or destination, saving you time and hassle at the airport.

American Airlines vs Other Airlines

When it comes to baggage fees, American Airlines is comparable to other major airlines. However, some airlines offer more generous baggage policies than American Airlines. For example, Southwest Airlines allows its passengers to check in two bags for free, while Delta Airlines allows its passengers to carry oversized bags for a flat fee.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines allows its passengers to check in two bags for free, and also offers a generous carry-on policy. This makes it a great option for travelers who need to carry a lot of luggage.

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines allows its passengers to carry oversized bags for a flat fee, which can be a great option for travelers who need to carry large items such as sports equipment or musical instruments.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are planning to travel with American Airlines, it is important to understand the airline’s baggage policy. American Airlines provides its passengers with a free carry-on bag and a personal item, but charges extra fees for additional bags or oversized and overweight luggage. However, American Airlines also offers several benefits for its passengers, such as online check-in, priority boarding, and baggage delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about how much an extra bag costs on American Airlines.

What is American Airlines’ baggage policy?

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. Checked bags come with a fee, and the number of bags and the cost depend on several factors, including the destination, class of service, and loyalty status.

If you want to bring an extra bag, you will need to pay an additional fee. The cost varies depending on the factors mentioned above, but it typically ranges from $30 to $150 per bag.

How do I pay for an extra bag on American Airlines?

You can pay for an extra bag during the online check-in process or at the airport. If you choose to pay at the airport, you can do so at a self-service kiosk or at the American Airlines ticket counter.

If you are a member of the American Airlines loyalty program, you may be eligible for discounts or waived fees for checked bags. Be sure to check your account to see if you qualify for any benefits.

What are the size and weight restrictions for checked bags on American Airlines?

The size and weight restrictions for checked bags on American Airlines vary depending on the destination and class of service. In general, the maximum weight for a checked bag is 50 pounds, and the maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height).

It’s important to note that oversized and overweight bags come with additional fees, which can be quite expensive. If you’re unsure about whether your bag meets the size and weight restrictions, be sure to check with American Airlines before you travel.

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Can I bring a second carry-on bag on American Airlines?

Passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free on American Airlines. However, if you need to bring a second carry-on bag, you will need to pay an additional fee.

The cost of a second carry-on bag varies depending on the factors mentioned earlier, but it typically ranges from $35 to $150 per bag. If you’re unsure about whether you need to pay for a second carry-on bag, be sure to check with American Airlines before your flight.

Are there any exceptions to American Airlines’ baggage policy?

There are some exceptions to American Airlines’ baggage policy, including for active US military personnel and their dependents, as well as for passengers traveling with certain medical devices or assistive equipment. If you fall into one of these categories, be sure to check with American Airlines to see if you qualify for any waivers or exemptions.

Additionally, if your flight is part of a codeshare agreement with another airline, the baggage policy may be different. Be sure to check with both airlines before your flight to avoid any surprises or unexpected fees.

American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, if you’re planning to fly with American Airlines and need to bring an extra bag, be prepared to pay up. The cost will vary depending on your route, but it’s safe to say that it won’t be cheap. However, there are a few ways to save money on baggage fees, such as signing up for the airline’s loyalty program or purchasing a higher fare class.

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the cost of an extra bag against the convenience it provides. If you’re packing for a long trip or have essential items that can’t fit in your carry-on, paying the fee may be worth it. On the other hand, if you can manage with just one bag, you can save yourself a good deal of money.

Overall, knowing the cost of an extra bag on American Airlines can help you plan your travel budget more effectively. By taking into account the various factors that affect baggage fees, you can make an informed decision about how many bags to bring and how to pack them.

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