American Airlines Baggage Policy (2026)

Last updated: May 2026 · Source: American Airlines official website

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Quick Answer

American Airlines allows 1 carry-on and 1 personal item for free. Checked bags start at $45 online or $50 at the airport for the first bag on domestic flights.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-On Size	22x14x9 inches (56x36x23 cm), no specific weight limit mentioned
Personal Item	1 personal item: 18x14x8 inches (45x35x20 cm). Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Checked Baggage Fees

Item	Fee / Details
Included Bags	Basic Economy: 0 bags. Main Cabin: 1 bag (23 kg) on some international routes, 0 on domestic. Premium Economy/Business/Domestic First: 2 bags (32 kg). Flagship First: 3 bags (32 kg).
1st Checked Bag	$45 online / $50 at airport for domestic flights
2nd Checked Bag	$55 online / $60 at airport for domestic flights
Overweight Fee	$30 for 51-53 lbs, $100 for 54-70 lbs, $200 for 71-100 lbs (domestic)
Oversized Fee	$30 for 62-65 inches, $150-$200 for 65-115 inches depending on destination
Max Weight	23 kg per bag
Max Dimensions	158 cm linear (L+W+H)

International Baggage Rules

Transatlantic/Transpacific: 1 free checked bag in Main Cabin. Australia/New Zealand: 1 free bag in Basic Economy. Cuba: $50 first bag fee in Basic Economy.

Special Items

Sports Equipment

Standard checked bag fees apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 115 in / 292 cm. Antlers: $150 up to 70 lbs. Bicycles/Golf/Skis: Standard bag fees apply up to 50 lbs.

Musical Instruments

Small instruments allowed as carry-on if they fit in overhead bin or under seat. Checked instruments max 150 in / 381 cm and 165 lbs / 75 kg. Standard bag fees apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kg.

Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees

1Get a Citi AAdvantage credit card for a free first checked bag on domestic flights.
2Pay for bags online up to 2 hours before departure to save $5 per bag.
3Earn AAdvantage elite status for 1-3 free checked bags.
4Active military get up to 5 free bags on orders or 3 on personal travel.

Did You Know?

American Airlines offers a $5 discount on first and second checked bags if paid online. Active U.S. military personnel get up to 5 free checked bags when traveling on orders. Media professionals get a special rate of $60 per bag for equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does American Airlines charge for checked bags?▼

American Airlines charges $45 online / $50 at airport for domestic flights for the first checked bag and $55 online / $60 at airport for domestic flights for the second bag.

What is American Airlines's carry-on bag size limit?▼

American Airlines carry-on allowance: 22x14x9 inches (56x36x23 cm), no specific weight limit mentioned. 1 personal item: 18x14x8 inches (45x35x20 cm). Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Does American Airlines include free checked bags in economy?▼

No, American Airlines does not include free checked bags in basic economy. Basic Economy: 0 bags. Main Cabin: 1 bag (23 kg) on some international routes, 0 on domestic. Premium Economy/Business/Domestic First: 2 bags (32 kg). Flagship First: 3 bags (32 kg).

What is American Airlines's overweight baggage fee?▼

$30 for 51-53 lbs, $100 for 54-70 lbs, $200 for 71-100 lbs (domestic)

Can I bring sports equipment on American Airlines?▼

Standard checked bag fees apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 115 in / 292 cm. Antlers: $150 up to 70 lbs. Bicycles/Golf/Skis: Standard bag fees apply up to 50 lbs.