American Airlines charges checked baggage fees on many flights, but the total price you'll pay depends on many factors, including destination, elite status or whether you carry one of the American Airlines credit cards.
If you're flying with American soon, it's worth studying up to ensure you're not faced with unexpected charges — or, worse, unable to check your luggage at all.
This guide will cover all the information you need to know about American's baggage policy and how you might be able to save money by not paying any fees at all.
American Airlines carry-on guidelinesZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUYAll passengers are entitled to bring a full-size carry-on bag and a personal item onto every flight, even customers who booked an American Airlines basic economy fare.
According to American, a personal item should be no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches and should fit under the seat in front of a passenger. Examples of personal items are backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags and approved pet carriers.
The maximum size of a carry-on bag allowed on an American Airlines flight is 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. All carry-on luggage must fit in the sizers available at the airport and/or in the overhead bin or under your seat.
Soft-sided garment bags, up to 51 inches, are also allowed as carry-on items.
Related: How to change or cancel an American Airlines flight
If you're flying on a domestic, transatlantic or transpacific American Airlines-operated flight, you can check up to 10 bags (with fees attached, explained below).
Those traveling through Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America can check up to five bags, though possibly with some seasonal or route restrictions.
Overall, American Airlines' checked bag fees vary according to several factors, which include:
- The region you're flying to
- The weight of your bags
- Whether you hold a cobranded credit card
- Your AAdvantage elite status
- Your fare type
American Airlines domestic and short-haul international baggage fees
For domestic flights (including to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti), Central America (except Panama) and Guyana, American Airlines charges the following checked bag fees:
- First bag purchased online: $50 for basic economy passengers; $45 for main cabin passengers
- First bag purchased at the airport: $55 for basic economy passengers; $50 for main cabin passengers
- Second bag purchased online: $60 for basic economy passengers; $55 for main cabin passengers
- Second bag purchased at the airport: $65 for basic economy passengers; $60 for main cabin passengers
- Third and fourth bags: $200 each
Checked bag fees may vary depending on when you purchased your ticket.
American Airlines long-haul international baggage fees
American Airlines' checked baggage fees also vary on longer international flights, although many tickets include at least one free checked bag.
For transatlantic flights, American Airlines charges the following checked bag fees:
- First bag: Free for main cabin passengers; $85 for basic economy passengers
- Second bag: $100
- Third and additional bags: $200 each
For transpacific flights, passengers in both main cabin and basic economy receive their first checked bag for free. A second bag costs $100, while third and additional bags cost $200 each.
For flights to and from South America (except Guyana and Venezuela), baggage fees are as follows:
- First bag: Free for main cabin passengers; $70 for basic economy passengers
- Second bag: $100
- Third and additional bags: $200 each
In addition to baggage fees, American Airlines charges a fee for large bags. If your checked bag exceeds the carrier's standard weight limit of 50 pounds or size limit of 62 linear inches (length plus width plus height), you may have to pay additional fees.
The fees are as follows:
Checked itemFeeWeighing more than 50 but less than 53 pounds$30Weighing more than 53 but less than 70 pounds$100 to $200Weighing more than 70 but less than 100 pounds$200 to $450Measuring more than 62 but no more than 65 linear inches$30Measuring more than 65 but no more than 115 linear inches$150 to $200Note: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, American charges only the higher of the two applicable fees (in addition to any standard checked bag fee).
On an American flight, you cannot check a bag that measures more than 115 linear inches or weighs more than 100 pounds. Some destinations have stricter weight restrictions, and fees vary by route. See the cost breakdown in more detail on the airline website.
Traveling with sports equipment on American AirlinesSkis, snowboards and many other items can count as checked bags as long as they meet the overall size and weight requirements. American Airlines maintains an extensive list of items that you can check.
For the most part, there are no additional fees beyond standard checked-bag fees, though overweight charges may apply. However, scuba tanks and windsurfing equipment incur separate fees regardless of any free checked bag allowances.
For scuba tanks, the fee is $150 for equipment weighing up to 70 pounds. For windsurfing equipment, you'll pay $150 for every two pieces weighing up to 70 pounds.
American does not accept javelins, vaulting poles, or hang gliders as checked items.
The maximum size for sports equipment is generally 115 linear inches (length plus width plus height), with a maximum weight of 100 pounds.
For travel from Spain's Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), the maximum length of any side of a checked item cannot exceed 43 inches.
How to avoid American Airlines baggage feesZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUYThankfully, there are several options if you want to avoid paying American's checked baggage fees.
Carry an eligible American Airlines credit card
Certain Citi / AAdvantage credit cards offer a free first checked bag on eligible domestic American Airlines-operated flights.
The premium Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (see rates and fees) provides a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation. Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees) offers the same baggage benefit.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) offers a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to four traveling companions on the same reservation. The Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) offers the same baggage benefit to the primary cardholder.
Keep in mind that free checked-bag allowances from credit cards and elite status cannot be combined. For example, an AAdvantage Platinum member who also holds the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select card is entitled to two free checked bags, not three.
Related: These credit cards can get you free checked bags
Take advantage of elite status allowances
All four elite status tiers in American Airlines' AAdvantage program offer checked bag benefits. Up to eight passengers traveling with the elite-status member on the same reservation also receive the same perk.
- AAdvantage Gold (Oneworld Ruby): Members receive a first checked bag free on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines.
- AAdvantage Platinum (Oneworld Sapphire): Members receive a first and second checked bag free on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines. They also receive priority baggage handling.
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro (Oneworld Emerald): Members receive a first, second and third checked bag free on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines. They also receive priority baggage handling.
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum (Oneworld Emerald): Members receive a first, second and third checked bag free on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines. They also receive priority baggage handling.
Additional checked bags are charged at the applicable rate for each bag, rather than starting with the first-bag fee.
For example, if you have AAdvantage Gold status and are flying domestically within the U.S., you'd pay $55 online or $60 at the airport to check a second bag, rather than the $45 or $50 first-bag fee for main cabin passengers.
Related: What is American Airlines' elite status worth?
Book a premium cabin
Passengers flying on premium fares receive an increased baggage allowance.
Domestic first-class customers, business-class flyers and premium economy flyers can each check two bags for free.
Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus customers can check up to three bags for free.
Related: Chasing American Airlines elite status? Here are 15 ways to earn Loyalty Points
Use travel credits to cover fees
Several travel rewards cards offer annual statement credits that can help offset checked baggage fees.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) offers a $300 annual travel credit that can be used toward eligible travel purchases, including airline baggage fees.
Meanwhile, the American Express Platinum Card® offers up to $200 in annual airline fee credits for eligible incidental charges, including checked baggage fees. Enrollment is required, and you must select American Airlines as your qualifying airline to receive statement credits for eligible baggage charges.
Travel to a specific destination
American Airlines offers at least one free checked bag on many international flights, including on main cabin tickets to Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America.
Basic economy passengers can also check their first bag for free on flights to Asia, Australia and New Zealand, as well as India and Qatar.
Check American's baggage policy for destination-specific allowances and restrictions.
Bottom lineAmerican Airlines' checked baggage fees vary by destination and fare type, but there are several ways to avoid paying them. Travelers with eligible AAdvantage credit cards, elite status or premium cabin tickets may qualify for one or more free checked bags.
Regardless of your ticket type, American also allows all passengers to bring one full-size carry-on bag and one personal item at no additional cost.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.