How Much To Check A Bag On American Airlines?

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American Airlines is one of the most popular airline companies in the world. But have you ever wondered how much it costs to check a bag with them? Well, look no further! In this article, we will break down the fees and policies regarding checked baggage on American Airlines.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, understanding the baggage fees and policies of your airline is crucial. Not only can it save you money, but it can also help you avoid any unexpected fees or delays at the airport. So, let’s dive in and find out how much it costs to check a bag on American Airlines.

How Much to Check a Bag on American Airlines?

**How Much to Check a Bag on American Airlines?**

American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, serving millions of passengers each year. The airline offers a range of baggage options, including carry-on bags and checked bags. If you’re planning a trip with American Airlines, it’s important to understand how much it will cost to check a bag. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at American Airlines’ baggage fees and policies.

**1. Basic Economy Baggage Fees**

If you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket with American Airlines, you’ll be allowed to bring one personal item on board, such as a purse or laptop bag. However, you won’t be allowed to bring a full-sized carry-on bag unless you pay an additional fee. If you need to check a bag, you’ll also need to pay a fee.

The cost of checking a bag on American Airlines’ Basic Economy fare will depend on your destination. For domestic flights within the United States, the cost is $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag. For international flights, the cost varies by destination. It’s important to note that these fees are each way, so if you’re flying roundtrip, you’ll need to pay the fee twice.

**2. Main Cabin Baggage Fees**

If you’re traveling on a Main Cabin ticket with American Airlines, you’ll be allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. If you need to check a bag, you’ll also need to pay a fee.

The cost of checking a bag on American Airlines’ Main Cabin fare is the same as the Basic Economy fare. For domestic flights within the United States, the cost is $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag. For international flights, the cost varies by destination. It’s important to note that these fees are each way, so if you’re flying roundtrip, you’ll need to pay the fee twice.

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**3. Premium Economy Baggage Fees**

If you’re traveling on a Premium Economy ticket with American Airlines, you’ll be allowed to bring one carry-on bag, one personal item, and two checked bags on board. This is a great option if you need to bring a lot of luggage with you.

The cost of checking additional bags on American Airlines’ Premium Economy fare will depend on your destination. For domestic flights within the United States, the cost is $40 for the third bag and $150 for any additional bags. For international flights, the cost varies by destination. It’s important to note that these fees are each way, so if you’re flying roundtrip, you’ll need to pay the fee twice.

**4. Business Class Baggage Fees**

If you’re traveling on a Business Class ticket with American Airlines, you’ll be allowed to bring one carry-on bag, one personal item, and two checked bags on board. This is a great option if you need to bring a lot of luggage with you.

The cost of checking additional bags on American Airlines’ Business Class fare will depend on your destination. For domestic flights within the United States, the cost is $40 for the third bag and $150 for any additional bags. For international flights, the cost varies by destination. It’s important to note that these fees are each way, so if you’re flying roundtrip, you’ll need to pay the fee twice.

**5. First Class Baggage Fees**

If you’re traveling on a First Class ticket with American Airlines, you’ll be allowed to bring one carry-on bag, one personal item, and three checked bags on board. This is the most generous baggage allowance that American Airlines offers.

The cost of checking additional bags on American Airlines’ First Class fare will depend on your destination. For domestic flights within the United States, the cost is $40 for the third bag and $150 for any additional bags. For international flights, the cost varies by destination. It’s important to note that these fees are each way, so if you’re flying roundtrip, you’ll need to pay the fee twice.

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**Benefits of Bringing Carry-On Bags**

If you’re trying to save money on baggage fees, it’s a good idea to pack light and bring only carry-on bags. This will allow you to avoid the fees associated with checking bags. Additionally, you’ll be able to avoid the hassle of waiting for your luggage at baggage claim, which can be time-consuming.

**Checking vs. Shipping Luggage**

If you’re concerned about the cost of checking bags on American Airlines, you may be wondering if it’s more cost-effective to ship your luggage instead. While this can be a good option in some cases, it’s important to consider the cost of shipping and the inconvenience of not having your luggage with you during your travels.

**Final Thoughts**

Overall, American Airlines’ baggage fees are fairly standard for the airline industry. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, it’s important to factor in the cost of checking bags when planning your trip. By understanding American Airlines’ baggage policies and fees, you can make the most of your travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the baggage allowance for American Airlines?

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. The dimensions of the carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Checked baggage allowances vary depending on your ticket type and destination. Passengers can check their baggage allowance on the American Airlines website or by contacting customer service.

What are the fees for checked baggage on American Airlines?

The fees for checked baggage on American Airlines depend on your travel route, fare class, and frequent flyer status. For domestic flights, the first checked bag fee ranges from $30 to $35, while the second checked bag fee ranges from $40 to $45. For international flights, the fees can be higher, ranging from $0 to $200. Passengers who have elite status with American Airlines or are traveling in premium cabins may be eligible for waived baggage fees.

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How can I pay for checked baggage on American Airlines?

Passengers can pay for checked baggage fees on American Airlines through the airline’s website, mobile app, or at the airport check-in counter. American Airlines accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash at the airport. Passengers who purchase their checked baggage allowance in advance may be eligible for a discount.

What is the weight limit for checked baggage on American Airlines?

The weight limit for checked baggage on American Airlines depends on your travel route and fare class. For domestic flights, the weight limit for the first checked bag is 50 pounds, and the weight limit for the second checked bag is 70 pounds. For international flights, the weight limit may vary, ranging from 50 to 70 pounds. Passengers who exceed the weight limit may be subject to additional fees.

What items are prohibited in checked baggage on American Airlines?

American Airlines prohibits passengers from checking certain items, such as firearms and ammunition, explosives, and flammable items. Other items, such as electronics and fragile items, may be allowed in checked baggage but are not covered by the airline’s liability. Passengers should check the American Airlines website for a complete list of prohibited and restricted items before packing their bags.

American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, checking a bag on American Airlines can cost anywhere from $30 to $150 depending on various factors such as destination, time of booking, and frequent flyer status. It’s important to note that these fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling with multiple bags.

To avoid any surprises, it’s recommended that you check the baggage fees on American Airlines’ website before booking your ticket. Additionally, consider packing light and only bringing essentials to avoid having to check a bag altogether.

Overall, while the cost of checking a bag on American Airlines may seem high, it’s important to remember that it helps the airline keep costs low and ensures a smoother travel experience for all passengers. By being aware of the fees and packing smart, you can save some money and still have a stress-free trip.

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