What is American Airlines' (AA) Baggage Policy?

The baggage policy of the American airlines is simple to comprehend and every customer has to check on it prior to the flight. According to the American Airlines baggage policy, a passenger is allowed to carry one carry-on bag and one personal bag. The carry-on bag is not supposed to be larger than a specific size 22 x 14 x 9 inches with the handles and the wheels, but the name of the personal item is smaller e.g. a laptop bag or a purse and it has to be under the seat before the passenger.

In the case of luggage, which is checked, the charges have been noted to be generally dependent on the type of fare and the destination. The largest bag size that can be carried does not exceed a combined length, width, and height of 62 inches with a weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) in the economy section. The business and first-class passengers might be given a weight allowance of 70 lbs (32 kg). Overweight or oversized bags attract an additional fee, and the number of bags that are counted as checked in fluctuates with the type of ticket, together with the frequent flyer status.

These AA baggage regulations will help the passengers prepare themselves to go on the trip by letting them know the baggage limit, size, and any additional fee imposed on additional baggage or overweight baggage. The carry-on and checked baggage regulations are debated in detail below, and therefore allow the reader to travel without concern and do away with doubts at the airport.

What is American Airlines' (AA) Carry-on Baggage Policy and Restriction?

The American Airlines carry-on baggage policy is formulated in a way that would render travelling easy, secure, and comfortable to all the passengers. 

Carry-on Bag Size and Weight:

• The dimensions of an american carry on are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).
• Carry-on bags lack a specific weight limit, though the passengers are required to conveniently transport the bags to the overhead baggage.
• The maximum bag that each passenger can carry is one.

Personal Item:

• Other than the carry-on bag, passengers will be allowed to carry one personal item which can be a small backpack, laptop bag or purse.
• The personal article will not be large, and must not be greater than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Restrictions:

• When the carry-on bag does not fit in the overhead place, they has to check it at the gate, and it may come with a charge.
• Some of them do not have to be included in the carry-on or personal item allowance, such as diaper bags (one per child), breast pumps, strollers, and child safety seats.
• American Airlines considers the volume of carry-ons rather than the weight, yet carry-ons that are more than 40 pounds (18 kg) will be subject to challenge.

What is American Airlines' (AA) Checked Baggage / Hold Luggage Policy and Restriction?

It is in the policy and restrictions of American Airlines as far as bags (hold luggage) are concerned, which, when checked, are delivered in 2025:

Checked Baggage Policy:

• The maximum length, width, and height of a bag should not be more than 62 inches (158 cm).
• The average baggage weight is 50 pounds (23 kg).
• In the case of First and Business class passengers, the amount of free baggage weight is raised to 70 pounds (32 kg).
• Bags over 62 inches but not over 115 inches (292 cm) are carried at a fee.
• A total luggage longer than 115 inches (292 cm) is unacceptable.
• Bags of over 50 pounds (23 kg) but less than 70 pounds (32 kg) are charged overweight fees.
• Weight above 100 pounds (46 kg) is not accepted.

Restrictions:

• The number of bags passengers can carry per domestic flight, transatlantic or transpacific flight is 10 bags.
• In the case of travel to/from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Brazil, the bag limit is not exceeding 5 bags.
• The overweight charge is imposed on a bag with weights of 51-70 lbs, with baggage fees of between $100-$200 according to the route taken.
• The prices of oversized baggage are between $100 to $200, depending on the destination.
• Basic Economy tickets can be characterized by varying baggage charges and limits.
• There are seasonal and annual restrictions regarding the volume and quantity of bags to be carried on specific routes.
• Free checked bags can be offered to passengers with either AAdvantage status or Oneworld status, and the number of free checked bags varies according to the status level.

American Basic Economy Restrictions

The lowest fare offered by American Airlines in the Main Cabin category is the Basic Economy, which is targeted at these customers who like to get the cheapest fare without any add-ons, flexibility, and comfort. Basic Economy was introduced as a means of competing with the low-cost airline companies which offer a no bells, no whistles Travel experience, with some amenities and features only available in the more expensive classes being restricted or billed as extras. This fare suits those passengers who are concerned about saving money rather than flexibility, seat choice, and additional baggage allowances.

• There are no changes/ cancellations permitted once the purchase is made, except for free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, provided that the booking is made at least two days prior to travel. The day of travel changes can be made, but normally, this will come at a fee..

• Seat selection is not free, and passengers have to pay to select a seat in advance. Otherwise, seats are randomly allocated at check-in; however, families with children below 15 years are guaranteed certain seat grouping, but not all groups.

• Basic Economy passengers are last (group 8 or 9) except those who are AAdvantage elite members, credit cardholders or have earned 15,000 Loyalty Points who have prior boarding privileges.

• Basic Economy passengers also accrue fewer miles towards AAdvantage: 2 miles per dollar of expenditure, as opposed to 5 or more on Main Cabin fares.

• The upgrades and elite status benefits are applicable; however, there is less flexibility and fewer perks than in Main Cabin.

• One baggage carry-on and a personal item are free. The fee for checked bags is as low as $35 per way, except on some international flights (e.g,. free checked bag on flights to/from Australia and New Zealand when it is purchased on or after November 13, 2024).

• Refunds on tickets, travel credits, and stand-by exist are restricted; cancellations typically result in no payment except during the 24-hour cancellation period or under certain policies of the elite members.

What Can I Bring On Board an American Airlines Flight?

Traveling with American Airlines, it is quite important to know what can be carried on board so that it proves to be a smooth sail. The airline has particular guidelines that are aimed at balancing the convenience of the passengers with the safety and efficiency of the operations. These regulations include the carry-on bags, personal goods, other allowed goods such as medical equipment or infant goods, and size and type limits of the outlawed goods.

Items that can be packed in an American Airlines flight:

Carry-On Bag: 

The passengers are allowed one carry bag, and this bag must fit in the overhead. The carry-on bag should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) in size. There is no particular weight limit associated with this object but the passenger must be in a position to manage it.

Personal Item: 

There is one personal item, besides the carry-on bag, a purse, a backpack, or a laptop bag. This object should have the ability to be placed under the seat before the passenger, and they should not be bigger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Other Infant and Special Needs Items: 

An infant passenger can also carry a diaper bag and a soft-sided cooler bag to carry breast milk in addition to the normal carry-on and personal item. Car seats, strollers, wheelchairs, and some medical equipment can be gate checked and not considered carry-on.

Prohibited and Restricted Items: 

There are also some things that are not allowed on board or even in checked baggage, such as hazardous materials (there are a few exceptions like a small amount of dry ice), firearms that need to be declared and should be carried in checked baggage, pepper spray, and other restricted goods under TSA regulations.

Enforcement and Variations:

There are airports that have been characterized by the strict implementation of the American Airlines rules on baggage, like Miami International. Basic Economy passengers might also have extra limitations that include restrictions to one personal item unless they upgrade to carry-on service.

These recommendations constitute the attempts of American Airlines to align with the changing global norms, improve efficiency when it comes to boarding, and also ensure safety with the needs of the travelers.

American Airlines Prohibited Items

American Airlines has some things that cannot be carried or checked on the plane or in the bag onboard due to safety, security and regulatory reasons. These measures are instituted to ensure that the passengers, crews and the aircraft are not subjected to any threats. Being aware of something that is banned can save one the confusion of being seized, fined or even detained at some point during a journey.

It is also not possible to carry the following items on board the American Airlines Flight.

• Flammable Material: Fireworks, flares, dynamite, gunpowder, spray paint, lighter fluid and other flammable liquids or gases should not be packed or carried in the carry-on baggage or in the baggage that is placed in the checked baggage.

• Sharp Objects: Knives, box cutters, razor blades, crowbars, hatchets, and other cutting metal should be shipped in checked baggage that cannot fit in a carry-on bag.

• Defensive Sprays: It is filled with pepper spray, mace, and tear gas, and it cannot be put in the carry-on bag.

• Lithium Batteries and Electronic Tools: Lithium batteries, damaged batteries, and recalled batteries can be limited or prohibited because they can cause a fire. Some devices can also be prohibited because of the fire hazard, such as portable chargers (power banks). The passengers will be required to check certain regulations related to airlines and the TSA.

• Chemical and Toxic Substances: Chemicals such as chlorine or bleach, etc. are not be carried on board or included in baggage.

• Carry-On liquids: TSA rules allow liquids, which are packed into 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid per container and are packed into one clear and quart-size bag except in the cases of drugs, baby food, and breast milk.

American International Baggage Fees

American Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee

American Airlines implements overweight baggage charges to control the safety and operational standards, and charges an extra fee on bags that surpass the normal matter of 50 pounds (23 kg). Bags that weigh above this weight but within acceptability ranges have variable charges with regard to weight and destination. The size of the checked baggage is not accepted in the airline where the bags are above 100 pounds (45 kg).

The following are the 2025 baggage charges for overweight:

Bags 50 lbs (23 kg) -53 lbs (24 kg): $30-per-bag.

Bags between 54lbs (24kg) and 70lbs(32kg): $100 per bag.

Bags with weights of 71 lbs (32 kg) to 100 lbs (45 kg):

• In the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (except Cuba), and Central and South America, flights cost $200 per bag..
• The per-bag flights to/from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, and Australia are priced at $450.
• Bags weighing more than 70 lbs are unacceptable on flights to/from Europe, Cuba, Israel, Qatar, or Australia (except for the overweight fee exception above).

Flights operated by American Airlines do not accept bags exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg).

The premium cabin and elite status passengers might have certain exceptions, and Business and Domestic First Class passengers would be able to carry two bags to 70 lbs (32 kg) without overweight baggage charges. These are overweight American Airlines baggage fees, which are added to the normal checked bag fees, charged per bag, per direction, and are not refundable.

American?s MileagePlus Program and Baggage

The American Airlines MileagePlus program, which is called AAdvantage, is a wide array of benefits as far as baggage handling is concerned and can make the travel experience much more enjoyable. Perks include complimentary checked luggage, priority boarding and waiver of fees based on their level of elite status and credit card membership and allow frequent flyers to get these benefits through this loyalty program.

The AAdvantage program members have the chance to earn with references to the distance covered and fare class, which are the factors of the elite status acquisition. Elite members, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum are offered more and more free checked bags, starting with one and three free bags per trip. Also, Oneworld alliance elite passengers also have similar baggage benefits on the flights operated by American Airlines.

In addition to free checked baggage, the MileagePlus elite members are in many cases given priority baggage handling in which their luggage arrives at the baggage claim faster. A lot of American Airlines credit cards come with benefits like one or more free checked baggage to the cardholder and his/her companions on the flight.

Active American military members and their dependents also receive generous baggage allowances that have no charges. The Mileage Plus program of American Airlines is one of the most useful baggage benefits that can save its customers money, make the whole process of travelling more convenient and enjoyable.

Traveling with Special Items

Travelling with American Airlines to carry special items such as musical instruments, sports gear, pets, and travelling with kids and infants, to have a hassle-free trip, the traveller must know certain rules and regulations that must be applied.

Musical Instruments:

American Airlines allows carrying musical instruments or checking them in, which depends on their size and type. Other smaller instruments that can fit into the carry-on size can be carried into the cabin, provided there is space, be it in the overhead bin or under the seat. Smaller instruments can require being packed as luggage or shipped. This can be as a result of some musical instruments that may need to be purchased an extra seat where they are too large to fit in the carry-on size, and the passenger wishes them to be near. Checked instruments are strongly suggested to be packed in protective cases, and a fee or special handling regulations can be charged.

Sports Equipment:

American Bag Policy accepts sports equipment, including golf clubs, skis, snowboards, bicycles, and fishing equipment, but most of them will need prior notice and incur extra charges. These can be checked, but they are subject to size and weight restrictions, which are usually limited to 100 lbs, and have some dimensional restrictions. Depending on the type of fare structure or elite status, some sports equipment can be handled free, but the vast majority of travelers are likely to pay additional fees. It should be well-packed and safeguarded to prevent harm.

Flying with Pets:

American Airlines allows pets that are small and can fit in an approved carrier under the seat before the passenger to fly in the cabin. The airline also provides the presence of checked pets or the service of transporting larger animals. Pets should be booked in advance due to the insufficient space in the cabin. It has certain regulations concerning the kinds of animals to be brought, specifications of carriers, charges, and health records, including vaccination.

Travelling with Children and Infants:

When traveling with children and infants, one has to consider special provisions. A child is allowed to ride on the lap of an adult on infants who are below two years old without necessarily using a seat, but may require a ticket or reservation. Travelling with an infant, American Airlines permits families to include extras to the trip, including diaper bags and car seats, with the strollers being frequently gate-checked, and without a fee. The accommodations with regard to seat assignment may be offered to families, although it should be planned in advance. Certain services and priority boarding are also offered to families with young children.

Being familiar with these special item policies can enable the passenger to plan sufficiently, evade any unwanted payment, and provide comfort and protection to the passengers and their luggage during the American Airlines trip.

American Airlines Baggage Policy (International and Domestic )

When one travels with American Airlines, their baggage policies are different for international and domestic flights. These policies include carry-on baggage, checked baggage and objects that are prohibited due to safety and security reasons. Being aware of these regulations will make the travel experience less hectic with no unexpected events at the airport.

Domestic Travel Baggage Policy

Carry-On Baggage:

• Each passenger is permitted to carry one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack).
• Carry-on luggage should not be more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) with wheels and handles.
• Personal baggage should be able to fit under the seat, and it is usually restricted to 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
• Other airports, such as Miami International, are very strict on size restrictions, and therefore, the bags that are a bit bigger than the size restriction can be gate checked.

Checked Baggage:

• Domestic flights carried out by American Airlines allow their passengers to carry 10 bags.
• Maximum size of bag checked: length, width, and height should not be more than 62 inches (158 cm).
• The common weight allowance is 50 lbs (23kg) per bag, and for premium cabins, it is 70 lbs (32kg).
• The price of checked baggage depends on the weight and size of the baggage and usually ranges between 40 and 45 dollars for the initial and second baggage, respectively, and increases for extra or excessive baggage.
• Extra charges are charged on oversized and overweight bags, and those exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg) are not acknowledged.
• Basic Economy tickets possess the same american airlines baggage policy, but might be limited on carry-on bags.

Restricted Items:

• The forbidden items are explosives, firearms (except duly declared and packed in baggage), flammable products, sharp objects in carry-ons, some batteries and liquids over TSA limits.
• Carry-on liquids should be in containers that have a capacity of 3.4 oz or less and should be in a clear bag that has a capacity of a quart.
• Special allowances include medical devices, strollers, and child safety seats.

The International Travel Baggage Policy

Carry-On Baggage:

• The passengers are also permitted to carry one carry bag and one personal bag of equal size as domestic.
• There are other allowances of things such as infant diaper bags or medical equipment.
• The amount of carry-on and enforcement can also be different in international airports.

Checked Baggage:

• These free checked baggage and size/weight restrictions vary according to the area of travel and fare.
• Typically, customers are allowed to carry five bags when traveling to/from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central/South American, and 10 when traveling on transatlantic and transpacific flights.
• The size restrictions are 62 inches overall dimension; the weight restrictions are 50 lbs in. 

Economy & Premium Cabins

• The price of bag charges depends on the place of destination; the first bag charge lies between $35 to 75 or even more based on the route.
• There are overweight/ oversized baggage charges, which have the same weight limit (no baggage beyond 100 lbs).
• There are seasonal or destination-specific baggage limits that could have an impact on the number or size of bags.

Restricted Items:

• Dangerous goods are subject to TSA and country-specific rules when loading on international flights.
• Products that are forbidden in the country are also outlawed in other countries, and the laws vary based on the country of destination.
• International traveling may require documentation of pets, sporting equipment, and special items.