The short answer
- Personal item: free, up to 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm).
- Carry-on: free on standard fares, up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).
- Checked bag: first bag $50 ($45 online); up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches.
- American Basic Economy: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost $5 more than on Main Cabin fares.
American bag fees at a glance
| Bag | Price | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Free | 18 × 14 × 8 in |
| Carry-on bag | Free | 22 × 14 × 9 in |
| 1st checked bag | $50 ($45 online) | Up to 50 lb / 23 kg |
| 2nd checked bag | $60 ($55 online) | Up to 62 linear in |
| Overweight bag | 50–53 lb: $30. 53–70 lb: $100. 70–100 lb: $200. Over 100 lb not accepted. | |
| Oversize bag | 62–65 linear in: $30. 65–115 in: $200. Over 115 in not accepted. |
Standard fees for American’s main routes as of our last check. Elite status, co-branded cards and some fares include bags.
Checked bags
Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg) and measure up to 62 linear inches (158 cm), length + width + height. The online price applies when you pay on aa.com or the app up to 2 hours before departure. Basic Economy checked bags cost $5 more.
Full details: American Airlines Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit.
American carry-on and personal item size
- Carry-on
- 22 × 14 × 9 in
- 56 × 36 × 23 cm · free
- Personal item
- 18 × 14 × 8 in
- 45 × 35 × 20 cm · free
Rules to know
- American added a $30 fee tier for bags between 50 and 53 lb, and for bags 62–65 linear inches, cheaper than the old flat $100.
- Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders get the first checked bag free on domestic American itineraries.
- AAdvantage Gold members get 1 free bag, Platinum 2, Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro 3.
- On American Eagle regional jets, carry-ons bigger than a personal item are valet-checked free at the aircraft door.
- Soft garment bags can be up to 51 linear inches (130 cm).
Will your bag fit American?
Measure your bag at its widest points. Most carry-on bags are 21–22.5 in tall with wheels.
Bags that fit American Airlines
- Best 22x14x9 Carry-On Luggage (Fits Every US Airline)A 22 × 14 × 9 in bag fits American’s carry-on limit.
- Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks35–45 L travel backpacks built to the carry-on limit.
- Best 18x14x8 Personal Item Bags (Frontier & Ex-Spirit Size)An 18 × 14 × 8 in bag fits American’s personal item limit.
- Best Underseat LuggageSmall wheeled bags that go under the seat.
American compared with similar airlines
| Airline | 1st checked bag | 2nd checked bag | Checked weight | Lowest fare carry-on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | $50 ($45 online) | $60 ($55 online) | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedAmerican Basic Economy |
| Delta | $45 | $55 | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedDelta Main Basic |
| United | $50 ($45 prepaid) | $60 ($55 prepaid) | 50 lb23 kg | Personal item onlyUnited Basic Economy |
| Southwest | $45 | $55 | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedSouthwest Basic |
Frequently asked questions
How much is a checked bag on American Airlines?
First bag: $50 ($45 online). Second bag: $60 ($55 online).
What is the weight limit for checked bags on American Airlines?
50 lb (23 kg) in economy. 50–53 lb: $30. 53–70 lb: $100. 70–100 lb: $200. Over 100 lb not accepted.
How can I avoid American Airlines baggage fees?
Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders get the first checked bag free on domestic American itineraries. AAdvantage Gold members get 1 free bag, Platinum 2, Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro 3. On American Eagle regional jets, carry-ons bigger than a personal item are valet-checked free at the aircraft door.
What does American Basic Economy include?
Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost $5 more than on Main Cabin fares.