Flying with American Airlines? Find out everything you need to know about American Airlines baggage allowance, fees and restrictions.
If you’re travelling with American Airlines on an upcoming flight, here’s everything you need to know about your baggage allowance and fees. Your baggage allowance may differ depending on the fare type, cabin class & route.
American Airline passengers are permitted to carry one piece of hand baggage onboard their flight and one personal item that must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. This would include a purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag or similar items such as a tote. Hand baggage must be no bigger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm including handles and wheels.
Please note: Diaper bags (1 per child), soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don’t count as your personal item or carry-on.
On domestic, transatlantic and transpacific routes, passengers can check up to ten bags per person. Passengers can check up to 5 bags if they are travelling to, through or from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Brazil – however, it should be noted that there are seasonal and year-round baggage restrictions on these routes (please visit the American Airlines website for more information on these restrictions).
On domestic flights, Economy passengers may check one piece of baggage for $30. For a second piece the charge is $40, the third is $150 and any additional baggage is charged at $200.
On transatlantic flights, Economy passengers are permitted to check one piece of baggage at no charge. Should passengers need to book any additional checked baggage, there is a charge of $100 for the first additional piece and $200 for any additional pieces.
In some cases, you won’t have to pay the baggage fees for up to 3 bags if you are eligible.
Please visit the American Airlines website for more information on this.
For all regions, checked baggage must not exceed the total dimensions of 158cm, and must not exceed 23kg in weight. However, for First and Business Class customers, checked baggage must not exceed 32kg. Fees apply to oversize/overweight baggage.
If your checked bag exceeds the weight allowance of 23kg or exceeds the total size restriction of 158cm, excess baggage charges will be applied depending on your route. It should be noted that these fees are non-refundable, applied per person and each way. For more detail on these charges, please visit the American Airlines website directly.
First and Business Class, Executive Platinum and Oneworld Emerald members can check baggage up to 32kg at no additional cost. However, please note American Airlines do not accept any checked baggage over 320cm in total dimensions, or over 45kg in total weight.
Special restrictions, exceptions and charges can apply when you’re travelling with exceptional baggage such as sports equipment or a musical instrument. Restrictions and charges are variable according to the particular item and route travelled.
For example, if you are taking golf clubs with you, you can travel with 1 golf bag containing: golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, 1 pair of golf shoes. You can’t travel with swingless golf club load strips. Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lb / 23 kg and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) or $150 fee applies from 51 lb / 23 kg – 70 lb / 32 kg.
If you are travelling with a small musical instrument, this can be your carry on item on a first-come, first-serve basis as long as it fits in the overhead bin or fits under the seat in front of you. If they are too large to be carried in the cabin, they can be checked into your hold luggage. The maximum size is 381cm with a maximum weight of 75kg.
When travelling internationally, it’s a requirement that you pass through customs. However, for domestic travel, or travel within the EU, customs is not usually required. In all cases, you will pass through security checks, to which it’s likely your ID and Documents will be checked, so it’s a good idea to have these documents ready and available throughout your journey.
Entry requirements vary from country to country. It’s very important that you research the exact requirements specific to you before you travel, as certain countries may require a visa, proof of insurance, and possibly bank statements. Your passport must also be valid for the full duration of your stay, with some countries requiring at least 6 months validity. However, all requirements will differ and are subject to your specific circumstances, such as duration of stay, purpose of travel, and the regulations that the country has set.
We recommend sourcing information about entry requirements from the country’s official websites.
Connecting flights refer to you taking multiple flights in order to reach your destination. This results in having a longer journey time, however, it’s quite common when direct services are not available.
If you have a connecting flight booked on the same ticket, typically your baggage will be checked through to your final destination. However, with potential flight delays, busy airports, and tight connections, you might make the connection, but often your baggage does not. This is why more and more travellers are travelling light by shipping their luggage ahead.
Many low-cost airlines don't offer connecting flights. This means it's your responsibility to manage your onward connections, and collect your baggage after each flight.
If you’re unsure, we recommend that you contact your airline directly.
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