
Personal item, carry-on & checked bag rules
| Bag Type | Basic Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
Personal | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
Carry-on | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
Checked | — | 2×Free 32 kg 158 cm linear | 2×Free 32 kg 158 cm linear |
| Bag Type | First | Main Cabin |
|---|---|---|
Personal | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
Carry-on | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
Checked | 2×Free 32 kg 158 cm linear | — |
| Bag Type | Basic Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
Personal | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
Carry-on | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
Checked | — | 2×Free 32 kg 158 cm linear | 2×Free 32 kg 158 cm linear |
| Bag Type | First | Main Cabin |
|---|---|---|
Personal | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 1×Free 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
Carry-on | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 1×Free 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
Checked | 2×Free 32 kg 158 cm linear | — |
Must fit in overhead bin; no strict weight limit but must be able to lift into bin unassisted
Based on passenger reports: generally lenient at check-in, stricter at gate during peak times
Starting from $150 USD per bag for overweight items; $200 for oversized items
Starting from $75 USD to add an additional checked bag
Priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and lounge access for premium cabin passengers
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Personal items must fit within 45 × 35 × 20 cm. One checked bag (up to 32 kg) is included in standard fares.
American Airlines allows carry-on bags with maximum dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm (approximately 22 × 14.2 × 9.1 inches). These dimensions include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Always verify with American Airlines before your trip, as policies can change.
Yes, American Airlines includes a free carry-on bag on most fare types. Your carry-on must fit within 56 × 36 × 23 cm.
If your carry-on exceeds American Airlines's size limits of 56 × 36 × 23 cm, it may be gate-checked or placed in the cargo hold. American Airlines may charge a fee: Starting from $150 USD per bag for overweight items; $200 for oversized items. Based on passenger reports: generally lenient at check-in, stricter at gate during peak times
On American Airlines flights, a personal item is a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase. American Airlines requires personal items to be no larger than 45 × 35 × 20 cm. This is separate from your carry-on bag (up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm), which goes in the overhead bin.
American Airlines allows personal items up to 45 × 35 × 20 cm (approximately 17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 inches). This must fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include a small backpack, purse, or laptop sleeve that meets American Airlines's requirements.
Checked bags on American Airlines are not included in the base fare and must be purchased separately. Each checked bag on American Airlines can weigh up to 23 kg (51 lb). Additional bag fees on American Airlines: Starting from $150 USD per bag for overweight items; $200 for oversized items.
American Airlines allows checked bags up to 158 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions. The maximum weight is 23 kg (51 lb).
American Airlines does not publicly specify a carry-on weight limit, but your bag must fit in the overhead bin. We recommend keeping it under 10 kg (22 lb) to be safe on American Airlines flights.
Yes, American Airlines charges for checked baggage. Checked bags are not included in the base fare and must be purchased separately. American Airlines baggage fees: Starting from $150 USD per bag for overweight items; $200 for oversized items
To avoid extra baggage fees on American Airlines: pack light and use only the free carry-on allowance (56 × 36 × 23 cm); maximize your personal item space; book a fare that includes checked baggage if you need it; weigh and measure your bags at home before traveling; consider upgrading your American Airlines fare (Starting from $75 USD to add an additional checked bag). Planning ahead with American Airlines can save you significant fees at the airport.
| Metric | American Airlines | Industry Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Size | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | Above avg |
| Personal Item | Included | Usually included | Above avg |
| Checked Bag | Included | Varies by airline | Above avg |
| Checked Bag Weight | 32 kg | 23 kg | Above avg |
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