Complete Guide to American Airlines baggage policy

Once you truly understand your airline's baggage rules, your trip becomes dramatically smoother and more affordable. And when it comes to American Airlines, one of the world’s biggest carriers, their baggage system is built to keep your packing simple and your travel painless.

So let’s walk through every important detail of the American Airlines baggage policy, carry-on rules, checked bag fees, international perks, family benefits, and even what to do if your bag goes missing.

American Airlines Carry-On Rules

Every passenger, including those flying on Basic Economy, is allowed the following:

• 1 carry-on bag: Maximum size 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including handles and wheels.

• 1 personal item: Maximum size 18 × 14 × 8 inches (45 × 35 × 20 cm), and it must fit completely under the seat in front of you.

• One carry-on bag + one personal item is allowed for all passengers, including Basic Economy.

• American Airlines enforces the size limits strictly; your bag must fit in the overhead bin or the sizer at the gate.

• There is no carry-on weight limit on most mainline aircraft (you must be able to lift it yourself).

• On smaller regional jets, larger carry-ons are often gate-checked for free (valet service).

• Soft-sided garment bags are accepted as a carry-on as long as they do not exceed 51 inches (130 cm) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height) and can be folded to fit the overhead bin.

• Liquids must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule. Duty-free liquids in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB) are allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal item.

Checked Baggage Allowance: Domestic U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Mexico & Central America

Below is the standard checked baggage policy for American Airlines on regional and domestic routes across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America (for tickets issued on or after December 1, 2025):

Note: Tickets issued before December 1, 2025, keep the old fees ($30/$35 for 1st bag).

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees:

American Airlines applies additional charges if your bag exceeds standard limits:

• 51–70 lb (23–32 kg): $100 per bag

• 71–100 lb (32–45 kg): $200 per bag (accepted only on select routes)

• Oversize bags (63–115 linear inches): $200 per bag

• Over 100 lb (45 kg) or over 115 linear inches: Not accepted

American Airlines International Baggage Policy: Piece Concept

When you’re flying internationally with American Airlines, the baggage rules follow what’s called the piece concept, and it’s actually pretty simple once you break it down. Let me walk you through it so you know exactly what to expect before you head to the airport.

For most long-haul routes such as Europe, Asia, Australia, and most of South America (except Brazil), here’s what you’re allowed:

• Economy and Premium Economy: You get 2 free checked bags, each weighing up to 50 lb (23 kg).

• Business Class: You’re allowed 2 free checked bags, but each one can weigh up to 70 lb (32 kg).

• Flagship First (3-class aircraft): You get 3 free checked bags, all at 70 lb (32 kg) each.

Pretty straightforward, right? But like with all international travel, there are a few important exceptions you should keep in mind.

Key Exceptions You Should Know:

• Flights to/from Brazil: If you’re flying in Economy, you only get 1 free checked bag instead of two.

• Flights to/from Cuba: Most fares include 2 bags at 70 lb (32 kg) each, which is quite generous. However, for AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and oneworld Emerald members whose tickets were issued on or after August 26, 2025 (for travel on or after October 1, 2025), the allowance is limited to no more than 2 free checked bags (additional elite perks cannot be stacked to exceed 2 bags).

• Transatlantic Basic Economy: This one catches a lot of people by surprise. No free checked bags are included, even on long flights. You’ll pay the same bag fees as domestic economy, so plan ahead to avoid surprises at check-in.

One Last Tip:

Always double check your exact route and the operating airline, especially if you’re flying a codeshare with partners like British Airways, Iberia, JAL, Qatar Airways, or others. Their baggage policies may be completely different, and in those cases, the operating carrier’s rules apply, not American’s.

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Economy vs Basic Economy

Main Cabin Economy:

• Includes 1 free checked bag on almost every route.

• Full carry-on allowance: 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item.

Basic Economy:

• No free checked bags on domestic and most short-haul international routes, and you must pay for each checked bag.

• Still includes the standard carry-on allowance (1 carry-on + 1 personal item).

American Airlines Family Baggage Pooling

American Airlines now allows certain family members traveling together on the same reservation to combine their free checked-bag allowances.

Eligible family members such as spouse or domestic partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

Maximum pooling limit: Up to 4 travelers per reservation.

Example: If Dad (Main Cabin), Mom, and two kids are flying together, they can combine their allowances to get a total of 4 free checked bags.

Note:

• Pooling is NOT allowed if even one traveler is booked in Basic Economy.

Lost or Delayed Baggage Policy and Compensation

• If your bag doesn’t arrive, make sure you report it within 4 hours of landing. You can do this online, in the AA app, or by visiting the baggage office at the airport.

• Once you file the report, American Airlines enters your case into the WorldTracer/NetTracer system, and you’ll receive a file reference number so you can track your bag anytime.

• While your bag is missing, American reimburses you for essential items you have to buy, things like toiletries or basic clothing. The usual allowance is about $50 per day for up to 5 days, as long as you keep your receipts.

• For domestic trips, American Airlines follows U.S. DOT rules. The maximum liability for a lost or damaged bag is currently $4,700 per passenger.

• While your bag is delayed, American reimburses reasonable expenses for essential items (toiletries, basic clothing, etc.). Keep all receipts. Reimbursement is typically processed after your bag is returned.

• AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and ConciergeKey members receive priority baggage handling and are eligible for higher daily reimbursement amounts on delayed baggage.

Special Items Allowance

American Airlines has specific rules for sports gear, instruments, strollers, and mobility devices. Here’s how it works, in simple terms:

• Golf Bags: They count as a regular checked bag, and there’s no extra fee as long as they’re within 50 lbs. You’re allowed to pack both your golf clubs and shoes in a single golf bag.

• Skis or Snowboards: These also count as a standard checked bag with no extra fee. You’re allowed one pair of skis + boots or one snowboard + boots in the same allowance.

• Bicycles (non-motorized): These do not count as a normal checked bag. American charges a $150 fee, and the bike must be in a box or an approved bike bag.

• Surfboards or Kiteboards: These also fall outside the standard allowance. The fee is $150, and the board can be up to 109 inches (some routes allow more).

• Musical Instruments (cabin): If your instrument is too big for a normal carry-on, it may require a fee ranging from $30 to $150, depending on its size and where you’re flying.

• Strollers & Car Seats: Always free and do not count toward your baggage allowance. They can be checked at the counter or gate-checked.

• Wheelchairs or Mobility Devices: These are always free and do not count toward your baggage allowance. The airline handles them with priority.

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Restricted and Prohibited Items

Here are the items you cannot bring, or must follow strict rules for:

• Spare lithium batteries over 100 Wh: Not allowed in checked bags. Batteries over 160 Wh are completely banned.

• Hoverboards or Self-balancing boards: Not allowed at all, due to safety risks.

• Marijuana (medical or recreational): Prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags, regardless of state laws.

• Firearms: Allowed only in checked baggage, declared at check-in, stored in a hard-sided locked case, with up to 11 lbs of ammo.

• E-cigarettes & Vapes: Carry-on only. Never in checked luggage.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7: Permanently banned from all flights.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the American Airlines baggage policy ahead of time makes your trip much easier. From the American Airlines baggage policy carry on rules to the allowances under the American Airlines international baggage policy, a little preparation goes a long way. If you’re flying Economy, understanding the American Airlines baggage policy helps you avoid unexpected fees, while families can benefit from the American Airlines baggage family policy when traveling on the same reservation. And if something goes wrong, the American Airlines lost baggage policy gives you clear steps to recover your belongings.

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FAQs About American Airlines Baggage Policy

Q1. How many carry-on bags can I bring on American Airlines?

You’re allowed 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item on every fare, including Basic Economy.

Q2. What is the maximum weight allowed for checked baggage?

Most passengers can check bags up to 50 lb (23 kg). Premium cabins allow heavier bags.

Q3. What are the size limits for carry-on bags?

Each passenger may bring one carry-on bag (22 × 14 × 9 in) and one personal item (18 × 14 × 8 in).

Q4. What happens if my bag is overweight?

Overweight bags have additional charges, and fees increase for bags that are heavier or oversized.

Q5. What should I do if my bag is lost or delayed?

Report it within 4 hours, track it through WorldTracer, and American compensates you for the necessary items you need to buy while waiting.