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    Back to Airlines
    American Airlines logo
    AAICAO: AALUnited States

    American Airlines Baggage Allowance

    Personal item, carry-on & checked bag rules

    Official WebsiteBaggage Policy
    Last checked: April 19, 2026Primary source: American Airlines baggage policyRules vary by fare/route/traveler type—always confirm for your booking.

    Baggage Allowances

    Baggage Allowances

    Adult traveler
    Domestic USA

    Personal

    Basic Economy
    1×Free
    Premium Economy
    1×Free
    Business
    1×Free
    First
    1×Free
    Main Cabin
    1×Free

    Carry-on

    Basic Economy
    1×Free
    Premium Economy
    1×Free
    Business
    1×Free
    First
    1×Free
    Main Cabin
    1×Free

    Checked

    Basic Economy
    —
    Premium Economy
    2×Free32 kg
    Business
    2×Free32 kg
    First
    2×Free32 kg
    Main Cabin
    —
    International

    Personal

    Basic Economy
    1×Free
    Premium Economy
    1×Free
    Business
    1×Free
    First
    1×Free
    Main Cabin
    1×Free

    Carry-on

    Basic Economy
    1×Free
    Premium Economy
    1×Free
    Business
    1×Free
    First
    1×Free
    Main Cabin
    1×Free

    Checked

    Basic Economy
    —
    Premium Economy
    2×Free32 kg
    Business
    2×Free32 kg
    First
    2×Free32 kg
    Main Cabin
    —
    Domestic USA
    American Airlines baggage allowance for Domestic USA routes by fare class and bag type
    Bag TypeBasic EconomyPremium EconomyBusiness
    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
    American Airlines baggage allowance for Domestic USA routes by fare class and bag type
    Bag TypeFirstMain 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
    —
    International
    American Airlines baggage allowance for International routes by fare class and bag type
    Bag TypeBasic EconomyPremium EconomyBusiness
    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
    American Airlines baggage allowance for International routes by fare class and bag type
    Bag TypeFirstMain 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

    What You Need to Know

    • A personal item (e.g. small bag, handbag) must fit within 45 × 35 × 20 cm.
    • Carry-on bags can be up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm.
    • One checked bag (up to 32 kg) is included.
    • Allowances vary by route type (Domestic USA, International)—check the table below for specifics.
    • Different rules may apply for children and infants—check the table for details.
    • This airline is known for strictly enforcing size and weight limits at the gate—pack carefully.
    • Extra or overweight bags incur fees: Starting from $150 USD per bag for overweight items; $200 for oversized items.

    American Airlines Policy Details

    How Strictly Are Rules Enforced?

    This tells you how strictly this airline checks bag size and weight at the gate. Some airlines rarely check, others are very strict.

    Based on passenger reports: generally lenient at check-in, stricter at gate during peak times

    Extra Bag Fees

    Starting from $150 USD per bag for overweight items; $200 for oversized items

    Upgrade Options

    Starting from $75 USD to add an additional checked bag

    Priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and lounge access for premium cabin passengers

    Overwhelmed by all the information?

    Need an easier way to get an answer?

    Try our Smart Baggage Allowance Tool

    Personal items must fit within 45 × 35 × 20 cm. One checked bag (up to 32 kg) is included in standard fares.

    Frequently Asked Questions About American Airlines Baggage

    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.

    American Airlines vs. Industry Average

    Carry-on SizeAbove avg
    American Airlines56 × 36 × 23 cm
    Industry Average56 × 36 × 23 cm
    Personal ItemAbove avg
    American AirlinesIncluded
    Industry AverageUsually included
    Checked BagAbove avg
    American AirlinesIncluded
    Industry AverageVaries by airline
    Checked Bag WeightAbove avg
    American Airlines32 kg
    Industry Average23 kg
    MetricAmerican AirlinesIndustry AverageRating
    Carry-on Size56 × 36 × 23 cm56 × 36 × 23 cmAbove avg
    Personal ItemIncludedUsually includedAbove avg
    Checked BagIncludedVaries by airlineAbove avg
    Checked Bag Weight32 kg23 kgAbove avg

    Packing Tips for American Airlines

    Measure your bag before flying American Airlines — maximum dimensions are 56 x 36 x 23 cm including wheels and handles.
    Use a luggage scale at home to weigh your bags before heading to the airport.
    Wear your heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane to save luggage weight.
    Pre-purchase extra baggage online with American Airlines — it's always cheaper than paying at the airport.

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    Policies may change. Always confirm with American Airlines before travel.

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