A Traveler’s Guide to American Airline Size Limits In 2024

Planning your next trip with American Airlines? We believe you will need to know the American Airlines carry-on size limits before you pack. American Airlines has recently increased its baggage fee, which means passengers should pack lighter or be ready to pay more. That's why you'll need to know the rules first to avoid checked baggage fees and the unnecessary hassle of checking your luggage. 

We've included everything from carry-on size and weight limits, checked bag allowance, and overweight/oversized fees in this post. Stay until the end of this article for some practical tips that might help you skip the pesky baggage fees!

American airline carry on size and allowance: everything you need to know. RevDanielElisAxelrod, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

American Airlines Carry-On Restrictions

Everyone can bring 1 carry-on and 1 personal item on board, even on their most basic fare. Let’s see what size bag you can bring on an American Airlines flight.

Hand Luggage

American Airlines allows their passengers one carry-on bag free of charge, which is limited to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). This already includes the handles and wheels. The carry-on bag must also fit the sizer at the departure gate to get aboard, and again, fit the overhead cabin of the aircraft. 

You can also bring soft-sided garment bags instead of hard-case bags. In this case, your bag shouldn't exceed 51 inches or 130 cm (length + width + height) total linear.

American airline carry-on sizes for international and domestic flights are the same. So whether you’re flying within the US or across continents, you will be subject to a similar luggage allowance on your booking. 

Unlike most airlines, American Airlines also has a clear restriction on carry-on weight, which is 40 pounds (18 kg). If your luggage is too heavy, you might be asked to check your luggage in the hold.

Personal Item

According to the airline's policy, passengers can also bring a small, personal item on board (purse, laptop bag, camera case, or briefcase). The largest possible dimensions of your personal bag should be 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). There are no specific weight restrictions relating to personal items as long they can fit under the seat in front of you.

But, do airlines measure personal item size? Some people have also asked us this question, as the personal items are less subject to gate inspection than carry-ons. Here's your answer: personal luggage is, in fact, less often measured unless it's obviously way larger than your allowance (or your carry-on).

Items That Won't Count Towards Your Carry-On Allowance:

If you're travelling with kids, rest assured that American Airlines won't count these items towards your carry-on allowance:

• Diaper bags (1 per kid) 
• Breast pump
• Child safety seats
• Strollers
• Soft-sided breast milk coolers.

What If A Cabin Bag Is Slightly Bigger?

If your carry-on bag doesn't fit the sizer, you will have your carry-on checked in the hold. What comes with this is the hefty last-minute checked bag fee. You can pay around $30 to $200, depending on the route and the number of checked bags you already have in the hold.

Obviously, the surefire way to pack light enough that your stuff can fit into a carry-on bag. Having a good strategy for packing can keep your luggage fees in check. The next step is to figure out an appropriately sized carry backpack so you can jump on your next flight without checking a piece of luggage.

Whenever possible, let's pack in just one carry-on. Credit: EstherMarshall

CabinZero has a collection of cabin-sized backpacks made just for light, hassle-free travelling. Our backpacks are designed with airline size restrictions in mind. This means that you can easily have a backpack that breezes through the gate inspection of most major airlines (American Airlines included). 

American Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance And Fees

Understanding the checked baggage allowance and associated fees can help you avoid surprises at the airport. Here’s a comprehensive guide to American Airlines’ checked baggage policies, including allowances and fees.

Number Of Checked Bags

What is a hold bag in American Airlines? Hold bag is literally checked bags passengers need to send into the hold.

American Airlines allows passengers to check ten (10) pieces of luggage per person for domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific flights. For flights travelling to, through and from regions like the Caribbean, South and Central America and Mexico, the allowance is 5 pieces of luggage per passenger. 

Checked Baggage - Weight And Size

American Airlines checked bag fees depend on several factors, including your destination and the number of your checked bags. 

On domestic flights (within the US), the first checked bag costs passengers $30, the second bag is $40, the third bag is $150, and the fourth bag is $200. 

Outside the US, your checked bag can cost anywhere between $35-$200. It's obvious that American Airlines doesn't encourage their passengers to check in more than 2 bags. They consistently charge the third and fourth checked bags across all regions (except the US) $200, and that's why you should pack light.

* Baggage fees are non-refundable and are charged per person, for each leg of the journey.

American Airlines’ fee policy for overweight and oversize baggage

Baggage fees may vary depending on your ticket type and class of service. Photo by Mumemories - stock.adobe.com

As with your carry-ons, it's also important to know how much your bag weighs. 

The guideline for American Airlines flyers is to ensure each piece of luggage weighs under 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and does not exceed a total dimension of 62 inches (158 centimetres). This applies to all regions, except to/from Australia or New Zealand.

If you're flying to or from Australia or New Zealand, your checked bags can reach up to 70 lbs / 32kgs and with a dimension of 62 inches (158 centimetres). Additional charged bags should not exceed 50 lbs / 23 kgs on these routes. 

Oversized Bag Fees

If your luggage exceeds 62 inches/158 cm, the airline will consider it as oversized baggage and, therefore, you will have to pay a fee. American Airlines will not accept any bag over 115 inches / 292 cm (length + width + height).

For bags over 62 inches (158 cm) to 65 inches (165 cm), the extra fee is $30 across all regions. If your bag is over 65 inches (165 cm) but up to 115 inches (292 cm), you will have to pay between $150-$200 for each oversized piece.

Overweight Bag Fees

If your bag is heavier than 23kg (50 lbs), you will have to pay overweight baggage fees. American Airlines will not accept any luggage exceeding 45kg (100 lbs) on any of its flights. American Airlines baggage weight fees can be different among regions and of course, the weight range your luggage falls into.

According to the latest information, overweight fees are $30 for bags weighing between 50 lbs (23 kgs) and 53 lbs (24 kgs) across all regions. For bags weighing between 53 lbs (24 kgs) and 70 lbs (32 kgs), you’ll have to pay $100 for each overweight item, except for Cuba. 

For bags between 70 lbs (32 kgs) and 100 lbs (45 kgs), most routes will charge you $200 for each overweight item. But remember the bag within this weight range is rejected in Cuba flights and some other routes.

Sports Equipment & Special Items

American Airlines also has specific restrictions for sports items, as the cargo space is limited. If you're flying with snowboard, golf bags, or ski equipment, you shouldn't exceed the maximum linear size (length + width + height) of 292 cm (115 inches) and weight of 23 kg (50 pounds).

You can fly with your golf bag with up to 14 clubs, 12 golf balls, and a pair of shoes as one item of checked luggage. Just a heads-up: there's a $42.50 fee for flights to, through, or from Brazil.

Flying with a bicycle with American Airlines? It typically costs around $150 to check in the hold. If your bike (with its container) is under 62 inches and 50 lbs, you’ll be charged the standard first-checked bag rate. The bike can weigh 70 lbs at maximum and have dimensions up to 126 inches (320 cm).

Musical instruments are normally too big for the cabin. However, you can check it in, as long as the piece meets the weight and size limits for checked baggage mentioned above.

How To Book Ticket And Check-In With American Airlines 

Booking And The Airline's Policy

Booking directly with American Airlines offers the best fares! Myself (Adrian Pingstone)., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Booking a flight with American Airlines is a breeze! You can easily do it online by visiting their website and entering your travel details (the departure and arrival locations). Then, complete the payment step and you're done. 

You can also reach out to their customer service team at 1-888-299-4907 or (855) 235-2060 (no wait time). Just have your travel details handy, and they’ll be more than happy to assist you with your booking and any special requests you might have. 

Note: Starting from May 1, 2024, the Airline will also update how their passengers can earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points on flights. 

According to the airline, most of its customers will be eligible for these points and rewards by booking directly with American Airlines, eligible partner airlines, or preferred travel agencies.

However, if you frequently buy basic economy tickets, you can only earn miles by booking directly with AA or its partner airliners.

Check-In Process

Online check-in

The process is incredibly straightforward and quick to help you save time. Here's all you need to do:

Step 1: Access the official web page of American Airlines.

Step 2: Select the “Check-in” tab on the website.

Step 3: Enter the booking reference code and your last name. Move next.

Step 4: Choose the seat and give your baggage description.

Step 5: Click the check-in button and get the boarding pass which you will present at the airport.

Note: Online check-in windows are different between domestic and international flights:

• Domestic flights: You can check in between 24 hours and 45 minutes before the scheduled flight.
• International flights: You can check in between 24 hours and 90 minutes before the scheduled flight.

Mobile Check-In

You can also check in from home by using the AA mobile app and proceed just like the check-in steps above. Once you've completed it, you can get your boarding pass in the “My Booking” section. 

Kiosk Check-In

Make sure you know the check-in timing to avoid missing your flight! Photo by nitalimo - stock.adobe.com

If you choose to check in at the airport, the airline also advises arriving 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights. You can check in at the airport self-service kiosk by entering your last name and PNR. Print your boarding pass and move forward to the next step. 

Airport Check-In 

Checking at the American Airlines ticket window is still preferred by many passengers. With the help of the airline agent, you can go through the check-in process smoothly, and most importantly, know that you're on the correct flight. 

Just remember the recommended time windows above, get in the queue and you’ll get your boarding pass within only a few minutes.

How To Avoid American Airline Baggage Fees?

The best way to avoid hefty baggage fees is, of course, staying within the baggage allowance of the airline. 

But not everyone is the master of packing. That's why we’ve included some tips for those flying with multiple bags to avoid potential baggage fees with American Airlines:

Book your flight in business or first class

American Airlines doesn't charge baggage fees on premium cabin fares. If you book first-class, business or premium economy tickets, you are entitled to 2 free checked bags per passenger. Flagship First flyers can enjoy up to 3 free checked bags.

Use Co-Branded Credits

If you carry an airline credit card, you can qualify for a free first check bag (and sometimes, your companions travelling on the same itinerary can benefit the same as well): 

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Cardholders and 4 accompanying flyers can enjoy their first checked bag free of charge on domestic AA flights.
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Cardholders as well as their 8 accompanying flyers receive their first checked bag free of charge on domestic flights with AA.
• Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®: The first checked bag is free of charge for cardholders and 4 accompanying flyers on domestic AA flights.
• AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®: Cardholders and 4 accompanying flyers are entitled to a first checked bag free of charge on domestic AA flights.

Earn An Elite Status

If you fly frequently enough to secure an elite status, you will worry less about having to pay for your checked baggage. American Airlines now has four elite tiers to reward their loyal customers.

Your checked baggage benefits are based on your AAdvantage status. As a Gold member, you'll get one free checked bag, while Platinum members enjoy two free checked bags. If you're a Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum member, you can check in up to three bags for free. 

Travel With A Carry On Only

You can avoid checked bag fees if you can stuff all the essentials into one bag. Travelling with a carry-on only might sound intimidating at first, but here's how to start.

First, choose the right bag. Your bag shouldn't be too big, as it might encourage you to pack heavy and exceed the airline's limits. If you want to up your packing game, consider our CabinZero backpacks. We have a range of perfectly cabin-sized backpacks to fit in the overhead cabins of most airlines. 

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Keep your essentials neat and tidy further by using packing cubes. You won't believe how effective they are in helping you save space and stay organised in the bag. To avoid over-packing, only bring items that can double or triple-duty. The last one? Don't forget your personal item whenever you're entitled to it.

FAQ

1. What Happens If My Carry-On Is 1 Inch Too Big?

How strict is American Airlines carry-on size? If you haven't flown with AA for quite a while, here’s the lowdown: they have a sizer at the departure gate for their agents to check any “suspicious” bags. 

If your luggage looks too oversized, and by this, we mean 1 inch larger, the gate agent will ask you to have it checked at the sizer. In this case, you will have to pay for the oversized baggage fee, which costs about $30. So it’s better to pack reasonably with a carry-on friendly luggage.

2. What If My Personal Item Is 2 Inches Too Big?

American Airlines, along with many other low-cost airliners, is pretty strict about carry-ons and personal items. This is especially true on busier flights when space is at a premium. 2 inches are too big for your personal item, and this usually means you have to check it. 

3. Can I Use A 24-Inch As A Carry-On? 

If you’re flying with American Airlines, make sure your carry-on doesn't exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Your 24-inch carry-on already steps over the threshold and won't fit the overhead cabin.

4. Can I Take A 22.5-Inch Carry-On Bag? 

According to AA, your carry-on bag should be at a maximum of 22 inches high, 14 inches long, and 9 inches wide. A 22.5-inch bag slightly exceeds these restrictions, so you should err on the smaller size to make sure it fits the sizer at the check-in counter. This 0.5-inch difference will matter less if you’re travelling with a soft-sided bag as your carry-on. You can easily squish it to fit the overhead cabin. 

5. Can I Have 2 Carry-On Bags On American Airlines?

No. The rule is that you can bring one carry-on and one personal item, not 2 carry-on bags (there's a big difference between them). Your carry-on should fit in the overhead bin, while your personal item (purse, laptop bag, or briefcase) should fit underneath your seat.

6. What Is American Airlines Carry On Size For Liquids?

When flying with American Airlines, you should also follow the standard TSA rules for liquids. Each passenger must place their liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in a single, transparent, quart-sized bag (100 millilitres or less). Remember that you're only eligible for one such bag.

Know The Rules!

Stick to American Airlines carry-on size limits, and you’ll glide through the airport with ease! If you don't take the airline's baggage rules into account, you might have to pay hefty fees for late baggage checking. 

AA is one of the largest airlines in the U.S., and there’s a good chance you might be flying with American Airlines. When you're taking your luggage with you to the airport, knowing the baggage allowances and potential fees can help you pack smarter and choose the right baggage. 

Knowing exactly what to expect as far as fees go, and some options to avoid them will guarantee you a happier and less costly flight. 

KELSEY