Planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering about their checked baggage policy? American Airlines allows passengers to check up to 10 bags per ticketed passenger, provided each piece meets size and weight restrictions. The checked baggage allowance depends on the fare type, destination and loyalty program status of the passenger.
Those traveling to the United States, Canada and Mexico may check up to 2 pieces of baggage, each weighing no more than 50 Ibs (23 kg) and measuring no more than 62 inches (158 cm) in overall dimensions (length + width + height). This allowance is offered to travelers traveling in Eco/Premium Economy Class.
If, on the other hand, the air travel takes place in the Main Cabin, Business and Domestic First. Passengers are allowed to travel with the same number of pieces mentioned above of which the weight of each piece is 70 Ibs. For additional baggage, their weight is limited to 50 Ibs.
On the other hand, for Flagship® First passengers, they are entitled to a three-piece allowance in the hold.
If you exceed the baggage allowance, American Airlines will charge you excess baggage fees that vary depending on your travel destination and the number of pieces you check in. The airline offers online baggage calculators that you can use to determine the exact fees you will need to pay for your excess and surcharge.
Check-in Special items
If you are traveling with special items such as sports equipment or oversized bags, you may need to pay additional charges. American Airlines has special policies regarding these items, and you should check them in advance to ensure that you comply with its regulations.
Special restrictions apply for certain destinations (Limited number of luggage)
If you are traveling to the following cities (see below), it is essential to check the US airline’s baggage rules. In certain destinations served by American Airlines, you can only check two bags for your flight if you fly during certain specific times of the year:
– Flights scheduled between November 16 of the current year and January 9 of the next year
Caribbean: Dominica (DOM); Grenada (GND); Havana, Cuba (HAV); Kingston, Jamaica (KIN); Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ); Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI) and St. Vincent (SVD)
Central America: Comayagua, Honduras (XPL); Managua, Nicaragua (MGA); Roatan, Honduras (RTB); San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP) and San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL)
South America: Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE); Quito, Ecuador (UIO); Lima, Peru (LIM)
Mexico: Morelia (MLM) and Zacatecas (ZCL)
– Flights scheduled between August 23 of the current year and November 15 of the next year (possibility to check in three bags)
Caribbean: Havana, Cuba (HAV)
What is the baggage limit you can check on an American Airlines flight?
This airline’s baggage allowance policy varies depending on the type of ticket you purchased, as well as your destination. Here is a breakdown of his policy:
– On domestic, transatlantic or transpacific flights, you are entitled to travel with up to ten (10) checked bags (for a fee).
– You are also allowed to check up to 5 bags (for a fee) if you book a flight to travel to/from Mexico City, Caribbean, Central America, South America or Brazil.
Bags Fees: For certain categories of travellers, baggage check-in is not free
Only passengers who have reserved a seat in the main cabin and in basic economy class will be subject to baggage fees.
Other cases where it is also possible to check three bags free of charge on an American Airlines flight
If you have a lower or higher status level at the ticket office than at check-in.
It is important to remember that sometimes this rule does not apply if you are taking a codeshare flight.
– Transport of the 1st piece of luggage in the hold for free:
- If you have an AAdvantage® Aviator® and Citi® / AAdvantage® card while flying on a domestic route.
- If you are an Aadvantage Gold or Rubis One World cardholder.
You also pay no fee for checking your first bag if you fly with American Airlines to the following destinations: Argentina; Australia; Brazil; Chile; China; Columbia; Ecuador; El Salvador; Haiti; Hong Kong; India; Japan; New Zealand; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Qatar; South Korea; Transatlantic and Uruguay.
Checking two bags is free for passengers who:
– Have AAdvantage Platinum® status
– Are Oneworld® Sapphire or TrueBlue Mosaic members
– Customers of domestics or experienced professionals
– Passengers confirmed in Premium Economy
The following passengers are entitled to check in three pieces of baggage free of charge, namely:
– Those who are confirmed Flagship® First and Flagship® Business Plus customers
– Those with AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, Advantage Platinum Pro® or oneworld® Emerald status
– Those who are active US military or traveling on mission (entitled to 5 free bags)
An allowance of four (4) free baggage items in the hold is granted to:
– Those with AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro® and oneworld® Emerald status traveling Flagship® First
Note: American Airlines informs its passengers that they are only allowed to carry two pieces of checked baggage if they are taking a flight to a destination in Cuba.