Baggage Allowance

The standard free baggage allowance is the maximum number, size, and weight of bags that each customer is allowed with no additional charge. We have based this allowance on extensive studies of variables that influence the maximum capacity of baggage on an aircraft. These variables include size of aircraft cargo compartments, dimensions of the doors, fuel requirements, typical number of passengers on board, and government regulations. Our evaluation resulted in the establishment of a standard free baggage allowance that is applied to all flights.

The maximum amount of baggage each ticketed passenger is allowed free of charge is 2 pieces checked and one carry-on. The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height.

• FAA security measures limit customers on all AA flights to one carry-on bag plus one personal item.
• All carry-on pieces, including laptops, must fit either underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin.
• The one carry-on bag must fit in an overhead compartment or under the seat. It should not exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height) or weigh more than 40 lbs/18 kgs. Each dimension no larger 22 in./56cm long, 18 in./45cm wide, and 10 in./25cm deep/height.
• Carry-on items which appear too large or irregularly shaped to fit under a seat, in an overhead compartment, or in a closet will not be accepted as carry-on baggage and will need to be checked.
• At times, additional limits may be placed on carry-on baggage based on the main cabin stowage capacity of specific aircraft.
• These limits may be imposed after the boarding process has begun.
• Some carry-on baggage may be stowed in a cargo compartment on selected American Eagle aircraft.
• Passengers exceeding the carry-on limit will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.
• All portable electronic devices, including laptops, must remain off during taxi, takeoff, approach and landing until we arrive at the gate and the seat belt sign is turned off.

• Purse
• Briefcase
• Laptop
• Small book-bag style backpack
• Other similar items that do not exceed 36 linear inches (length + width + height) will be allowed such as a small tote bag or shoulder bag.
• Additional items that will be allowed above and beyond the restrictions listed above include:
• Outer garments such as coats/wraps/hats
• Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child
• Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child
• Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child
• Book or newspaper
• Small bag of food that is consumable
• Assistive devices for passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers and CPAP machines
• Therapeutic oxygen provided by the airline

We realize that at times it may be necessary to travel with an item that exceeds the size or weight limitations or is in excess of the free allowance. Additional charges apply to this type of baggage.

Baggage connecting to other airlines will also be subject to the connecting airline's excess charges and/or oversize, overweight charges in addition to American Airlines charges.

All charges are calculated on a one-way basis and are collected at the airport ticket counter.

• Checked baggage in excess of free baggage allowance will be charged at $ 150 per piece.
• Maximum number allowed for excess baggage is 3 pieces.

• Checked baggage weighing over 50 lbs/23 kgs but not more than 70 lbs/32 kgs will be charged at the rate of $50 per piece.
• Checked baggage weighing over 70lbs/32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will be charged at the rate from $330 to $390 per piece.
• These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or oversized baggage.
• Baggage weighing more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will not be accepted as checked baggage.

• Checked baggage which is larger than American Airlines stated size limits will be charged at the rate from $150.
• These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or overweight baggage.
• These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or oversized baggage.
• Baggage measuring more than 80in/203cm (total outside dimensions; length + width + height) will not be accepted as checked baggage.

• The charge for oversized baggage and the charge for overweight baggage will be added together.

Certain aircraft types cannot accept some oversized articles due to the dimensions of the cargo doors. If you are traveling with an oversized article, please contact an American Airlines representative to ensure your destination is typically served by an aircraft that can accommodate your article. In the event we have to change the aircraft type the day of departure, please let an airport agent know that you have checked an oversized article.

There are exceptions, special rules, and/or packing instructions that apply to some specialty items. Examples of these include duffel bags used by military personnel and certain musical instruments. To determine if your item has special excess charges (or is free in place of a 62 in/157 cm bag within the free baggage allowance), please contact an American Airlines representative.

Camera, film, lighting, and sound equipment (up to a maximum of 115 in/292 cm and 100 lbs/45 kgs) will be charged an excess rate of $50.00 per piece when tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies, commercial film-making companies, the federal government, Department of Defense or the American Society of Media Photographers.

Small musical instruments may be carried on-board the aircraft providing they meet existing carry-on size requirements and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Case dimensions may not exceed 45 linear inches (width+length+height), except for guitars which may be brought on board only if they can be safely stowed in an overhead bin or approved stowage location in the cabin. The instrument is considered the passenger's one allowed carry-on bag. A personal item is allowed in addition to the instrument. A personal item is allowed in addition to the instrument.

If an instrument is too large to fit in the carry-on baggage space, an additional seat may be purchased. In this case, an instrument must travel in a window, bulkhead seat, with the customer in the adjoining seat. Due to their size Bass Fiddles are not accepted in the coach cabin and are only accepted on certain aircraft types, please contact an American Airlines representative.

Instruments may also be transported as checked baggage, however, due to their fragile nature AA does not accept liability for damages and has limited liability for loss. AA is also not liable for any damage to checked musical instruments not presented in a hard-sided case. If the outside of the hard-sided case does not have visible damage, AA is not liable for any damage to the musical instrument inside the case.

Military personnel may substitute a duffel bag, sea bag, B-4 bag, or any other baggage checked by active military personnel traveling to or from duty stations.

Wheelchairs/scooters, braces or other assistive devices are accepted free of charge as checked baggage and are in addition to the normal checked baggage allowance. There are special handling procedures for motorized equipment. Please contact an American Airlines representative.

Guidelines for sports equipment, please check at AA.com U.S.