American Airlines
American Airlines is the world's largest airline by fleet size, operating scheduled passenger and cargo service to approximately 350 destinations in 50 countries.
Important Information
Baggage policies may change. Always verify the latest information on the official American Airlines website before traveling.
American Airlines Baggage Information
Carry-on & Personal Items
| Item Type | Dimensions | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag | 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) | 40 pounds (18 kg) | Must fit in overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. |
| Personal Item | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) | Not specified | Must fit completely under the seat in front of you. |
Checked Baggage
| Class | First Bag | Second Bag | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) Size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) Fee: $30 (domestic), Varies (international) | Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) Size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) Fee: $40 (domestic), Varies (international) | Additional bags: $150+ each |
| Business/First | Weight: 70 pounds (32 kg) Size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) Fee: Free | Weight: 70 pounds (32 kg) Size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) Fee: Free | Additional bags: $150+ each |
Special Items
- Sports equipment: Special rules apply
- Musical instruments: Can be carried on if they fit overhead or under seat
- Medical devices: Don't count toward carry-on allowance
Additional Information
Traveling Tips
- Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport
- Pack essential items in your carry-on in case your checked baggage is delayed
- Tag your bags with your contact information
- Consider packing cubes to maximize space
Restricted Items
The following items are generally restricted or prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage:
- Flammable items (lighters, matches, aerosols)
- Weapons and sharp objects
- Liquids over 100ml in carry-on (varies by region)
- Explosive and toxic substances
Frequently Asked Questions
If your baggage exceeds the weight limit, you'll typically need to pay an overweight baggage fee. These fees vary by airline and can be substantial. In some cases, you may need to remove items or redistribute weight between bags.
Most solid foods are allowed in carry-on bags. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule (3.4 oz or less per container, 1 quart-sized bag, 1 bag per passenger). Some international destinations may have restrictions on bringing in certain food items.
A personal item is typically a smaller bag such as a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack that must fit under the seat in front of you. Size restrictions vary by airline but are generally smaller than carry-on dimensions.