What Are the American Airlines Baggage Restrictions or Allowances?

If you are going to be traveling on an American Airlines flight, you should learn about the company's baggage restrictions and allowances. There are rules for the size and weight of both checked and carry-on bags. Different baggage fees apply, depending on the destination of the flight and the class of the ticket.

Dec 9, 2022

If you are planning a trip on American Airlines, then you should know about the airline's baggage allowances and restrictions, so you know how to prepare for your trip. This article will provide what you need to know about them.

Number of Checked Bags

You can check up to 10 bags if your flight is transatlantic, transpacific, or domestic. You can check up to 5 if you are traveling to South America, Central America (including Mexico) or the Caribbean. However, these limits may be subject to additional limitations during the busy travel season.

Weight and Size of Checked Bags

For all destinations except Australia and New Zealand, your checked bags must be no more than 62 inches on any side and weigh 50 pounds or less. The weight limit is increased to 70 pounds if you are flying First or Business class. Checked bags on trips to Autralia or New Zealand cannot be longer than 62 inches on any side and must weigh 70 pounds or less for any class of ticket.

Bags that are oversized will be assessed a fee of $150 on trips to Europe and South America and $200 for all other destinations. Bags longer than 126 inches on any side will not be accepted. Each bag that is overweight will be assessed a fee of $100 to $450, depending on how much it exceeds the weight limit and where the flight is headed.

These fees are assessed each way, so on a round trip, you would have to pay two fees for each size or weight violation.

Checked Baggage Fees

The first checked bag on a domestic flight costs $30, the second costs $40, the third costs $150, and the fourth bag and beyond cost $200 each. The fees on international travel vary by destination. They can be as low as $0 to as high as $75 for your first bag and $200 for the fourth bag and beyond. Some flights will allow economy and business passengers to travel with 2 free checked bags, and first class passengers to travel with 3 free checked bags on 3-cabin airplanes.

Carry-On Bags

Customers are allowed 1 free carry-on bag and 1 free personal item. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. The carry-on bag must be no more than 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, and fit into the American Airlines baggage sizer.

Contacting American Airlines

If you have any questions about baggage allowances and restrictions, contact an American Airlines customer service representative. You can reach one by phone or help forum.

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What Are the American Airlines Baggage Restrictions or Allowances?

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