American Airlines 2026 Baggage Allowance

If you’re travelling with American Airlines on an upcoming flight, find out everything you need to know about American Airlines Baggage allowance, restrictions, fees and charges.

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American Airlines 2026 Baggage Allowance

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 with American Airlines may differ depending on your route, ticket type, and class of service. While we aim to keep this information current, be advised that the airline may occasionally change its policies unexpectedly. Always check your booking confirmation and the American Airlines website before travelling for the most up-to-date information.

About American Airlines

American Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. With a history spanning nearly a century, American Airlines operates an extensive network from major hubs including Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK and LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington Reagan.

The airline serves over 350 destinations across more than 50 countries, operating a modern fleet of over 900 aircraft. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, offering passengers seamless connections and benefits across partner airlines worldwide. The airline provides multiple cabin classes including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, each with varying levels of service and baggage allowances.

American Airlines Baggage Allowance

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The Ultimate American Airlines Baggage Guide

Here's everything you need to know about American Airline's baggage allowances, including hand baggage, checked baggage, and excess baggage. We endeavour to keep this information up to date; however, it may change at short notice and depends on several factors, so always check your booking confirmation from American Airlines.

Checked Baggage Allowance with American Airlines

The checked baggage allowance with American Airlines depends on your cabin class, route, and frequent flyer status. Each piece of checked baggage must not exceed specific weight and dimension limits, which vary by destination. No single piece can exceed 70 lbs (32 kg), regardless of your total baggage allowance.

Allowance by Route and Cabin Class

Economy (Basic Economy & Main Cabin) – U.S. Domestic, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands:

  • 1st bag: $40 ($35 if paid online)
  • 2nd bag: $45
  • 3rd bag: $150
  • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total (length + width + height)
  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs / 23 kg

Economy – Canada, Mexico, Caribbean (Except Cuba/Haiti), Central America (Except Panama), Guyana:
  • 1st bag: $40 ($35 if paid online)
  • 2nd bag: $45
  • 3rd bag: $200
  • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total
  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs / 23 kg

Economy – Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific (Except Australia/New Zealand):
  • 1st bag: $75
  • 2nd bag: $100
  • 3rd bag: $200
  • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total
  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs / 23 kg

Economy – Australia and New Zealand:
  • 1st bag: FREE (all fare types)
  • 2nd bag: $100
  • 3rd bag: $200
  • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total
  • Maximum weight: 70 lbs / 32 kg

Economy – Asia (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong):
  • 1st bag: $75 (Basic Economy)
  • 1st bag: FREE (Main Cabin and above)
  • 2nd bag: $100
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total
  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs / 23 kg

Premium Economy, Business, First – U.S. Domestic, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands:
  • First 2 bags free
  • 3rd bag: $150
  • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total
  • Maximum weight: 70 lbs / 32 kg (First and Business Class)

Premium Economy, Business, First – Canada, Mexico, Caribbean (Except Cuba/Haiti), Central America (Except Panama), Guyana:
  • First 2 bags free
  • 3rd bag: $200
  • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total
  • Maximum weight: 70 lbs / 32 kg (First and Business Class)

Premium Economy, Business, First – Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific (Except Australia/New Zealand):
  • First bag free (or 2 bags in premium cabins)
  • Additional bags: $100–$200
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total
  • Maximum weight: 70 lbs / 32 kg (First and Business Class)

Special Routes – Cuba:
  • Travel from Cuba: First 2 bags free, 3rd and 4th bags $200 each
  • Travel to Cuba: Main Cabin 1st bag free, Basic Economy $35 for 1st bag; 2nd bag $150–$200 (seasonal: $200 from 16 November–15 January; $150 otherwise)
  • Maximum 2 bags allowed to/from Cuba (seasonal exceptions apply to Havana)

Special Routes – Haiti:
  • Main Cabin: 1st bag free, 2nd bag $65
  • Basic Economy: 1st bag $35, 2nd bag $65
  • 3rd and 4th+ bags: $200 each

Free Checked Bag Eligibility

  • First Checked Bag Free:
    • AAdvantage Gold status or higher
    • Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders (on domestic American Airlines-operated flights)
    • oneworld Ruby members or higher
    • Travel to specific destinations: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, South Korea, Trans-Atlantic routes, Uruguay (Basic Economy excluded on most routes)
  • First 2 Checked Bags Free:
    • AAdvantage Platinum status or higher
    • oneworld Sapphire members
    • Confirmed Domestic First customers
    • Confirmed Business customers
    • Confirmed Premium Economy customers
  • First 3 Checked Bags Free:
    • AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro status
    • oneworld Emerald members
    • Confirmed Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus customers
    • Active U.S. military on orders (1st–5th bags free, up to 100 lbs/45 kg and 115 inches/292 cm)
    • Active U.S. military on personal travel (1st–3rd bags free)

For more details on your specific checked baggage allowance, visit the American Airlines baggage allowance page or check your booking confirmation.

Checked Baggage Allowance with American Airlines

Hi Stephen,

The checked baggage allowance with American Airlines depends on your cabin class, route, and frequent flyer status. Updated baggage fees came into effect on 1 December 2025 for tickets issued on or after this date.

Standard Checked Baggage Dimensions and Weight

For All Regions (Except Australia/New Zealand):

  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total (length + width + height)
  • Standard weight: 50 lbs / 23 kg
  • First and Business Class: Free bags up to 70 lbs / 32 kg; excess charged bags up to 50 lbs / 23 kg

For Australia and New Zealand:
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches / 158 cm total
  • Weight: Free bags up to 70 lbs / 32 kg; excess charged bags up to 50 lbs / 23 kg

Maximum Number of Checked Bags

  • Domestic, Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific routes: Up to 10 bags per person
  • Mexico, Caribbean, Central/South America, Brazil: Up to 5 bags per person (seasonal and year-round limitations apply to select cities)

Checked Baggage Fees by Route

U.S. Domestic, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands:
  • Basic Economy & Main Cabin:
    • 1st bag: $40 ($35 if paid online)
    • 2nd bag: $45
    • 3rd bag: $150
    • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Premium Economy, Business, First: First 2 bags free; 3rd bag $150; 4th+ bags $200 each

Canada, Mexico, Caribbean (Except Cuba/Haiti), Central America (Except Panama), Guyana:
  • Basic Economy & Main Cabin:
    • 1st bag: $40 ($35 if paid online)
    • 2nd bag: $45
    • 3rd bag: $200
    • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Premium Economy, Business, First: First 2 bags free; 3rd bag $200; 4th+ bags $200 each

Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific (Except Australia/New Zealand):
  • Basic Economy:
    • 1st bag: $75
    • 2nd bag: $100
    • 3rd bag: $200
    • 4th+ bags: $200 each
  • Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First: First bag free (or 2 bags in premium cabins); additional bags $100–$200

Australia and New Zealand:
  • 1st bag: FREE (all fare types including Basic Economy for tickets issued on/after 13 November 2024)
  • 2nd bag: $100
  • 3rd bag: $200
  • 4th+ bags: $200 each

Asia (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong):
  • Basic Economy: 1st bag $75, 2nd bag $100
  • Main Cabin and above: 1st bag free (premium cabins get 2 bags free)

Special Routes – Cuba:
  • Travel from Cuba: First 2 bags free, 3rd and 4th bags $200 each
  • Travel to Cuba: Main Cabin 1st bag free, Basic Economy $35 for 1st bag; 2nd bag $150–$200 (seasonal: $200 from 16 November–15 January; $150 otherwise)
  • Maximum 2 bags allowed to/from Cuba (seasonal exceptions apply to Havana)

Haiti:
  • Main Cabin: 1st bag free, 2nd bag $65
  • Basic Economy: 1st bag $35, 2nd bag $65
  • 3rd and 4th+ bags: $200 each

Free Checked Bag Eligibility

  • First Checked Bag Free:
    • AAdvantage Gold status or higher
    • Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders (on domestic American Airlines-operated flights)
    • oneworld Ruby members or higher
    • Travel to specific destinations: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, South Korea, Trans-Atlantic routes, Uruguay (Basic Economy excluded on most routes)
  • First 2 Checked Bags Free:
    • AAdvantage Platinum status or higher
    • oneworld Sapphire members
    • Confirmed Domestic First customers
    • Confirmed Business customers
    • Confirmed Premium Economy customers
  • First 3 Checked Bags Free:
    • AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro status
    • oneworld Emerald members
    • Confirmed Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus customers
    • Active U.S. military on orders (1st–5th bags free, up to 100 lbs/45 kg and 115 inches/292 cm)
    • Active U.S. military on personal travel (1st–3rd bags free)

For more details on your specific checked baggage allowance, visit the American Airlines baggage allowance page or check your booking confirmation.

American Airlines Oversized & Overweight Baggage

Maximum Accepted Limits

  • Maximum size: 115 inches / 292 cm total (length + width + height) – items exceeding this are NOT accepted
  • Maximum weight: 100 lbs / 45 kg – items exceeding this are NOT accepted

Oversized Baggage Fees
Bags exceeding 62 inches / 158 cm but not more than 115 inches / 292 cm incur oversized baggage fees:

Size 62–65 inches / 158–165 cm:
  • All regions: $30

Size 65–115 inches / 165–292 cm:
  • U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/USVI: $200
  • Mexico/Caribbean/Central America: $200 (Mexico boxes limited to 80 inches / 203 cm)
  • South America/Panama: $150
  • Europe/Israel/Qatar: $150
  • Asia-Pacific: $200

Overweight Baggage Fees
Bags exceeding 50 lbs / 23 kg incur overweight baggage fees:

Weight 50–53 lbs / 23–24 kg:
  • All regions: $30

Weight 53–70 lbs / 24–32 kg:
  • U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/USVI: $100
  • Cuba: $200
  • Mexico/Caribbean/Central/South America: $100
  • Europe/Israel/Qatar: $100
  • Asia-Pacific: $100

Weight 70–100 lbs / 32–45 kg:
  • U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/USVI: $200
  • Cuba: NOT accepted
  • Mexico/Caribbean/Central/South America: $200
  • Europe/Israel/Qatar: NOT accepted
  • Asia-Pacific: $450 (Japan: ¥45,000)
  • Australia/New Zealand: NOT accepted

Important Considerations
  • When an item is both oversized and overweight, the higher fee applies (not both fees).
  • All bag fees are non-refundable when paid at the airport.
  • Fees apply per person, each way.
  • Save $5 on your 1st checked bag when paying online (eligible routes).
  • Pay for bags online up to 331 days before departure for the best prices.
  • First and Business Class, Executive Platinum, and oneworld Emerald members can check baggage up to 32 kg at no additional cost.

For more details, visit the American Airlines baggage policy page or check your booking confirmation.

American Airlines Special Items Policy

American Airlines accepts a wide range of special items, including sports equipment, musical instruments, and other bulky items, Stephen. All special items must adhere to a maximum size of 115 inches / 292 cm and a maximum weight of 100 lbs / 45 kg, unless otherwise specified.

Sports Equipment

Bicycles

  • Non-motorised touring, mountain, tandem, or racing bikes must be packed in a hard-sided case, bicycle bag, or box built for transport.
  • Handlebars must be fixed sideways, and pedals must be removed or wrapped in plastic foam.
  • Bicycles are charged at standard checked bag fees (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus any overweight fees.
  • If not in a hard-sided case, bicycles are treated as fragile items.

Golf Clubs
  • One golf bag containing golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, and one pair of golf shoes is permitted.
  • Swingless golf club load strips are not allowed.
  • Golf equipment is charged at standard checked bag fees (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus any overweight fees.

Skiing and Snowboarding
  • One pair of skis or one snowboard plus one equipment bag counts as one checked item.
  • Contents may include skis with poles or snowboard, boots/bindings, and one helmet or life preserver.
  • Lighters or torches for ski wax are not permitted.
  • Standard checked bag fees apply (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus overweight fees.
  • If combined weight exceeds 50 lbs/23 kg, items are charged as two separate pieces.

Water Sports Boards
  • Surfboards, wakeboards, wave skis, boogie boards, skim boards, paddle boards, speed boards, and kiteboards/kitesurfs are accepted.
  • One bag or case containing multiple boards counts as one checked item.
  • Keels, kedges, and fins must be removed or protected.
  • Standard checked bag fees apply (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus overweight fees.

Fishing Gear
  • One rod case (up to 2 rods) plus one equipment/tackle box counts as one checked item.
  • Contents may include 2 rods, 1 reel, fishing tackle, landing net, fishing boots, and 1 pair of waders (properly encased).
  • Standard checked bag fees apply.
  • If combined weight exceeds 50 lbs/23 kg, items are charged as two separate pieces.

Scuba Diving
  • With tank: $150 up to 70 lbs / 32 kg. Includes tank, regulator, harness, pressure gauge, 1 pair of fins, snorkel, mask, and BC vest. Tank regulator must be completely disconnected with opening for visual inspection.
  • Without tank (gear only): Standard checked bag fees apply (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus overweight fees. Includes regulator, harness, pressure gauge, 1 pair of fins, snorkel, mask, and BC vest.

Bowling Equipment
  • One bowling case with up to 3 bowling balls, shoes, and case is permitted.
  • Bowling balls may be carried on if they fit under the seat (NOT in overhead bins).
  • Cases cannot contain bowling ball cleaners with high acetone or alcohol over 70%.
  • Standard checked bag fees apply (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus overweight fees.

Hockey, Cricket, and Lacrosse
  • One stick bag/case plus one equipment bag counts as one checked item.
  • Standard checked bag fees apply (up to 50 lbs/23 kg and 126 inches/320 cm total dimensions) plus overweight fees.
  • If combined weight exceeds 50 lbs/23 kg, items are charged as two separate pieces.

Archery
  • One bow and quiver with arrows and maintenance kit is permitted.
  • Standard checked bag fees apply (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus overweight fees.

Windsurfing
  • Any 2 pieces (board, mast, boom, and sail) count as one checked item.
  • Cost is $150 for every 2 pieces up to 70 lbs / 32 kg.
  • Free bag allowances do not apply.

Curling and Fencing
  • One equipment bag/case is permitted for each sport.
  • Standard checked bag fees apply (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus overweight fees.

Camping Equipment
  • Each piece (tent, sleeping bag, backpack) counts as a separate checked bag.
  • Camping stoves, fuels, Sterno, matches, lighters, and flares are prohibited.
  • Standard checked bag fees apply (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) plus overweight fees.

For more details, visit the American Airlines special items page or check your booking confirmation.

Purchasing Extra Baggage with American Airlines, Stephen

If you need to bring more bags than your fare allowance includes, you can purchase additional checked baggage online for the best rates.

Pre-Purchase Online (Best Value)

  • Don’t wait in line at the airport – get the best price available and check up to 3 bags when you check in on aa.com or the American Airlines app.
  • You can pay for bags online up to 331 days before departure and receive the best available price.
  • Save $5: When paying online for your 1st checked bag on eligible routes (within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Caribbean except Cuba/Haiti, Mexico, Central America except Panama, and Guyana).

Airport Purchase (Higher Cost)
  • If you don’t pre-purchase baggage online, you’ll need to pay at the airport where fees are higher and non-refundable.

Important Conditions
  • All bag fees are non-refundable when paid at the airport.
  • Fees apply per person, at each check-in location, each way.
  • Payment is available up to 2 hours before scheduled departure online.
  • Combined bag fees for multiple passengers: Best online prices apply when bags are selected for each passenger traveling together in a single reservation.
  • If you change your flight and bags don’t carry over, you’ll receive a refund as Trip Credit for future flights or bag payments.

For current excess baggage fees and to purchase additional baggage, visit the American Airlines website or contact the airline directly.

Important Information About American Airlines Baggage Allowance

Whilst we strive to keep this information as up-to-date as possible, baggage allowances and fees may vary and can change with little notice. For any information regarding your American Airlines baggage allowance, please check your booking confirmation and contact American Airlines directly.

Important Note
My Baggage is not associated with American Airlines, and our customer service team cannot assist with any airline baggage-related queries. For specific or unusual baggage questions, please reach out to American Airlines's support team or visit their comprehensive baggage information pages on their official website.

American Airlines Military Baggage Benefits

American Airlines offers generous baggage benefits for U.S. military personnel:

Active U.S. Military on Orders:

  • Up to 5 complimentary bags
  • Each bag up to 100 lbs / 45 kg and 115 inches / 292 cm total dimensions (for travel on/after 17 April 2024)
  • Requires military ID and orders at check-in
  • Applies to dependents traveling on orders with Military Dependent ID and a copy of active orders

Active U.S. Military on Personal Travel:
  • Up to 3 complimentary bags
  • Each bag up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 62 inches / 158 cm
  • Requires military ID at check-in

Important Note:
  • Free military checked baggage must be arranged with an agent at check-in – it cannot be added at a kiosk or through online payment screens.

For more details, visit the American Airlines military benefits page or contact the airline directly.

Alternative to Extra Baggage with American Airlines

Looking for an alternative to adding extra baggage on your American Airlines flight? My Baggage provides a cost-effective, fast, and reliable solution with our door-to-door luggage shipping service. This option saves you time and money at the airport, eliminating the hassle of dragging your luggage through busy terminals – especially useful when connecting through American's major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, or Miami.

Simply ship your excess baggage ahead to your destination, allowing you to travel light and skip the lengthy waits at the baggage carousel upon arrival. Plus, you'll save on excess baggage fees, which can quickly add up when purchasing additional bags at the airport. Whether you're moving abroad to the United States, travelling for business, or heading on a long holiday, ship your bags ahead with My Baggage and enjoy a more convenient travel experience.

My Baggage operates independently from American Airlines, giving you the flexibility to send suitcases, boxes, and personal effects door-to-door at competitive rates. Avoid the stress of managing heavy bags through connections and travel hands-free, making your journey that bit easier.

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