What Is American Airlines Baggage Allowance?
Having knowledge about your baggage policy before heading out may actually prove to be very useful to you as it may save you from last-minute worries at the airport. Your American Airlines baggage policy may differ as per your ticket, destination, class of travel or even your frequent flyer status. Knowing what to carry and what the charges are may actually prove to be a very useful thing irrespective of which destination you may plan to fly to. This blog presents everything you need to know about American Airlines baggage allowance before heading to the airport. You can contact American Airlines at 800-433-7300 or AirCancellation at +1-888-826-0067 for more information.
American Airlines Baggage Allowance: What You Should Know
American Airlines bifurcates luggage into cabin as well as checked bags with each having specific size and dimension limits. Your American Airlines baggage allowance is influenced by factors like:
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Fare types like Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium, Business or First Class.
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Route whether it is domestic or international.
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AAdvantage membership level which is your frequent flyer status.
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Co-branded American Airlines credit cards.
Basic Economy fares are more affordable but they typically have restrictions on checked baggage. Meanwhile, the other travel classes and frequent members have more generous policies on American Airlines baggage allowances including free checked bags and higher weight allowances.
How Much Baggage Can I Take on American Airlines?
The number of bags you can take on American Airlines depends primarily on whether you are checking bags or carrying them onboard with you.
For checked baggage, most economy passengers are allowed:
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1 to 2 checked bags based on route and fare.
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Standard weight limit of 50 lbs per bag.
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Maximum size of 62 linear inches.
Carrying beyond these amounts will incur fees for overweight/oversized bags. Business and First Class passengers usually get more allowance for their bags besides getting free bags. Special items like sports equipment as well as musical instruments and strollers may follow different baggage rules and may count as checked baggage depending on size and weight.
What’s the Carry-On Policy for American Airlines?
American Airlines allows customers to carry one cabin bag and one personal item on most fares including Basic Economy.
Carry-On Bag:
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Must fit in the overhead bin
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Maximum size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches which includes handles and wheels
Personal Item:
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It should fit under the seat in front of you.
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Examples include a purse, laptop bag, small backpack or diaper bag.
Your cabin bag may have to be checked at the gate if it exceeds the American Airlines baggage size limits or overhead space runs out sometimes with an additional fee especially for Basic Economy travelers. Try to board early or travel light to avoid such circumstances.
What’s the Domestic Baggage Allowance for American Airlines?
For domestic US flights, American Airlines baggage allowance varies by fare type:
Basic Economy:
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Carry-on and personal item allowed.
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Checked bags usually cost extra.
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Strict enforcement of American Airlines baggage size and weight limits.
Main Cabin:
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Carry-on and personal item included.
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First checked bag typically incurs a fee.
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Second checked bag costs more.
Premium Economy, Business and First Class:
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Cabin bag and personal item.
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1–2 free checked bags.
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Higher weight limits up to 70 lbs for premium cabins.
Elite AAdvantage members and American Airlines credit card holders may receive free checked bags on domestic flights even when flying economy.
American Airlines Baggage Allowance International
International baggage policies are generally more generous on American Airlines but they depend heavily on the destination.
Transatlantic and Transpacific Flights:
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Economy passengers usually receive 1 free checked bag
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Business and First Class passengers get 2 or more free checked bags
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Weight limit: typically 50 lbs for economy and 70 lbs for premium cabins
Short International Routes like Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America
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Some routes charge for checked bags in economy.
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Premium cabins usually consist of free checked baggage.
Always check your ticket prior to departure as American Airlines baggage rules can differ widely by country and travel class.
How Does American Airlines Baggage Allowance Work for Business Class?
Business Class passengers enjoy some of the most generous American Airlines baggage allowances.
Business Class Benefits:
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2 free checked bags.
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Each bag can weigh up to 70 lbs.
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Priority baggage handling.
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Cabin bag and personal item included.
On international long distance flights, Business Class baggage allowance makes traveling more comfortable especially for extended trips or business travelers carrying extra items. Frequent flyers with elite status may receive additional baggage privileges on top of Business Class benefits.
Conclusion:
The American Airlines baggage allowance policy tries to meet various travel needs but they are highly dependent on the fare, route and cabin class. Economy travelers especially Basic Economy should take special care with checked baggage charges and size constraints. Business Class passengers and elite members will appreciate higher weight limits, free checked pieces and a lot of convenience. It is imperative that you check your ticket information and American Airlines’ baggage allowance before traveling to prevent any surprises in terms of extra charges. It is also prudent that you prepare early for a smooth experience during boarding and for your American Airlines trip. Get in touch with American Airlines at 800-433-7300 or AirCancellation at +1-888-826-0067 in case of any clarification or further inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does American Airlines allow a free carry-on?
Yes, American Airlines allows one free carry-on and one personal item on most fares including Basic Economy.
2. How much does American Airlines charge for checked bags?
The American Airlines checked baggage fees vary by route and fare type. Economy passengers usually pay for their first and second checked bags on domestic routes.
3. What happens if my bag is overweight?
Overweight baggage charges are applicable if your bag surpasses standard weight limit. Bags over 70 lbs may not be accepted on some routes.
4. Do American Airlines credit card holders get free checked bags?
Yes, many American Airlines co-branded credit cards offer at least one free checked bag on domestic flights.
5. Can I prepay for baggage on American Airlines?
Yes, you can prepay for checked bags online or via the American Airlines app which may save your time at the airport.
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