The short answer
American Airlines’s carry-on limit is 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles. It is free on standard economy fares.
Your personal item can be up to 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.
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 Airlines size limits
Drawn to scale. All measurements include wheels, handles and pockets.
Carry-on bag
Overhead bin
- Maximum size
- 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Weight
- No published limit
- Cost
- Free with standard economy
Personal item
Under the seat in front
- Maximum size
- 18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm
- Weight
- No published limit
- Cost
- Free on every fare
Will your bag fit American?
Measure your bag at its widest points. Most carry-on bags are 21–22.5 in tall with wheels.
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).
Bringing more? See American Airlines Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit and the full American Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees.
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 | Carry-on | Personal item | Carry-on weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm | 18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm | No limit |
| Delta | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat | No limit |
| United | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm | 17 × 10 × 9 in43 × 25 × 22 cm | No limit |
| Southwest | 24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 41 × 25 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat | No limit |
Every airline in one chart: Carry-On Luggage Size by Airline (Master Chart).
Frequently asked questions
What is the American Airlines carry-on size limit?
22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) including wheels and handles. American has no published carry-on weight limit for most routes; you must be able to lift it into the bin.
What size personal item is allowed on American Airlines?
Up to 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm). It must fit under the seat in front of you.
Is a carry-on free on American Airlines?
Yes, on standard economy fares and above. 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.
Is a backpack a personal item on American Airlines?
Yes, if it fits within 18 × 14 × 8 in. A large travel backpack may count as your carry-on instead. More on backpacks.
Related guides
- American Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees
- American Airlines Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit
- Carry-On Luggage Size by Airline (Master Chart)
- Personal Item Size by Airline (Master Chart)
- Delta Carry-On & Personal Item Size
- United Carry-On & Personal Item Size (incl. Basic Economy)
- Southwest Carry-On & Personal Item Size