American Airlines Baggage Policy

Gearing up for your next flight but unsure about American Airlines’ Baggage Policy? We’ve got you covered. Get familiarized with these American Airlines’ guidelines for carry-on and checked luggage and skip potentially unpleasant surprises at the airport.

First of all , here are few things that can’t fly (at least not with you or your luggage on a plane): No defense sprays, mace, explosives, flammable liquids, pressurized containers (butane, CO2 cartridges etc), self-heating meals, self-inflating life jackets, weapons or toner and ink cartridges over 16 ounces can be carried on. No lithium batteries for personal electric devices (think phones and notebook computers) are allowed in checked bags. 

If you’re flying American within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada and Puerto Rico, checked baggage comes at a price. The first bag will cost $25 each way, the second bag $35 each way, the 3rd, 4th and 5th bags cost $100 each way and the 6th bag costs $150 each way (so think twice before packing your entire wardrobe for your next American island getaway).

Flying American Airlines to and from Central America and Mexico, your first bag is included and your second bag is $30 each way. More of the same applies to Europe and India only the 2nd checked bag is $60 (how’s that for double the fun?). Travel via American Airlines to and from South America and Brazil includes two checked bags. Shell out extra cash for leg-room and on-board perks and your luggage is included in the hefty ticket price; first and business class passengers are allowed three checked bags in national and international flights at no extra charge.

Take it from American Airline’s baggage policy, when it comes to luggage, size definitely matters. Carry-on luggage can be no larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high and checked luggage can be 62 inches (height plus width plus length) and weigh up to 50 pounds. Larger bags will mean oversize and excess baggage charges. Most sporting equipment is allowed as a checked bag equivalent, but some special items (like say a javelin) always incurr a special charge (javelins to the tune of $150) and others like kayaks and acnoes are simply not accepted as checked luggage.