American Airlines charges for checked bags on most routes

American Airlines charges $35 for your first checked bag and $50 for your second checked bag on domestic flights. These fees explore to most passengers on most routes. The charge appears when you check in at the airport or online before your flight.

Some passengers do not pay these fees. If you hold certain American Airlines credit cards, fly first or business class, have elite frequent flyer status, or booked a higher fare class, your checked bags may be included. Military personnel on active duty also get one free checked bag. The specific rules depend on your ticket type and membership level.

International flights follow the same structure: $35 for the first bag, $50 for the second. A third checked bag costs $100 if the airline allows it at all—many routes do not permit more than two.

Key Takeaways

  • American Airlines charges $35 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second on domestic and international flights.
  • Carry-on bags and personal items remain free for all passengers.
  • Checked bag fees are waived for passengers with certain credit cards, elite frequent flyer status, first or business class tickets, and active-duty military.
  • Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds or less and measure 62 inches or less in total dimensions (length plus width plus height).
  • You can pay checked bag fees when you book your ticket online, check in at the airport, or through the American Airlines app.

Carry-on bags and personal items are always free

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onto the plane at no charge. The carry-on bag can be a rolling suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag, as long as it fits in the overhead bin. American Airlines allows bags up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep.

Your personal item—a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase—must fit under the seat in front of you. There is no size limit listed, but it needs to be small enough to fit in that space without blocking the aisle or blocking other passengers' legroom.

Who does not pay checked bag fees

American Airlines waives the first checked bag fee for passengers who hold an AAdvantage credit card issued by Citi, regardless of their frequent flyer status. You must use that card to pay for your ticket. The second bag still costs $50.

Passengers with elite frequent flyer status—Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Pro in the AAdvantage program—get the first checked bag free. The status must be active on your booking. Passengers flying first or business class also receive free checked bags as part of their ticket.

Active-duty military personnel with a military ID get one free checked bag. Veterans and retired military do not may have access to. You will need to show your ID at the airport.

Bag weight and size limits

Each checked bag must weigh 50 pounds or less and measure 62 inches or less in total dimensions. Total dimensions means you add the length, width, and height together. A bag that is 28 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 14 inches deep totals 62 inches and is at the limit.

If a checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, American charges an overweight fee of $100 for bags between 51 and 70 pounds, and $200 for bags between 71 and 100 pounds. Bags over 100 pounds are not accepted. Oversized bags—those that exceed 62 inches in total dimensions—cost $200 each.

Carry-on bags do not have a weight limit, only the size restriction mentioned above. Personal items have no stated weight or size limit as long as they fit under the seat.

How to pay checked bag fees

You can pay for checked bags when you book your flight on the American Airlines website or app. The fee appears during checkout, and you can add bags before you complete your purchase. Paying in advance costs the same as paying at the airport, but it saves time on the day of travel.

If you did not pay in advance, you can add bags at the airport check-in counter or at a self-service kiosk. You can also add bags through the American Airlines app up to 24 hours before departure, though the app may charge a small processing fee in addition to the bag fee itself.

If you arrive at the airport without paying and the flight is full, the airline may refuse to check additional bags. Paying in advance guarantees your bag will be checked.

Baggage fees on partner airlines and connecting flights

If you book a connecting flight that includes another airline, baggage fees may differ on the partner airline's portion of your trip. For example, if you fly American to a connection and then fly on a partner airline like British Airways or Qantas, that airline's baggage policy applies to the second leg. Check the baggage policy of every airline on your itinerary.

If you book your entire trip as a single ticket through American Airlines, even if it includes flights operated by partner airlines, American's baggage policy usually applies throughout. However, some partner airlines have stricter rules. The safest approach is to check the baggage section of your confirmation email or call American Airlines before your trip.

Special items and sports equipment

Sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, surfboards, and bicycles count as checked bags and cost $35 for the first item and $50 for the second, just like regular luggage. Some items require special handling or packaging. A bicycle, for example, must have the pedals turned in and the handlebars turned parallel to the frame, or packed in a bike bag or box.

Musical instruments can sometimes be brought as a carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If you need to check a musical instrument, it counts as a checked bag and costs the standard fee. Fragile items like instruments should be packed carefully—American is not responsible for damage to checked baggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a free carry-on bag even if I do not pay for a checked bag?

Yes. Every passenger gets one free carry-on bag and one free personal item, regardless of whether they check luggage or pay any fees. These items are always included with your ticket.

What happens if my bag is overweight or oversized?

You will be charged an overweight fee ($100 for 51–70 pounds, $200 for 71–100 pounds) or an oversized fee ($200 for bags over 62 inches total) at the airport. Bags over 100 pounds will not be accepted. Weigh and measure your bag before you arrive at the airport to avoid surprises.

Do I have to pay checked bag fees if I book a basic economy ticket?

Yes. Basic economy tickets on American Airlines do not include free checked bags. You pay the standard $35 for the first bag and $50 for the second. The exception is if you hold an AAdvantage credit card or have elite frequent flyer status—those benefits explore regardless of ticket type.

Can I add a checked bag after I have already checked in?

You can add a bag through the app up to 24 hours before departure. At the airport, you can add a bag at the check-in counter or kiosk, but only if the flight has not yet closed for baggage. Once baggage closes (usually 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights), you cannot add more bags.

What if I lose my luggage or it arrives damaged?

Report the issue to American Airlines at the baggage claim area before you leave the airport. American covers lost or damaged baggage up to a certain amount, but the coverage is limited. Keep your baggage tags and take photos of damage. For high-value items, consider purchasing additional baggage insurance before your flight.