American Airlines’ Baggage Policy In Economy Class: A Complete Guide

Like its two other US legacy counterparts, American Airlines has rules and regulations regarding checked baggage and carry-on bags. Despite federal guidelines across the industry, the carrier has some baggage allowances and restrictions for passengers, which could be seen as elements differentiating it from a low-cost or ultra-low-cost carrier.

While the airline generally charges travelers for checked bags, the fee can be avoided depending on the passenger’s fare class, their status with the airline’s frequent flyer program AAdvantage, and if they hold eligible co-branded credit cards. The fee also depends on where the traveler is headed.

In response to the low-cost operating model, American Airlines has recently introduced a new fare class, Basic Economy. While this class does not have a cabin designation, it has benefits and limitations. It is built similarly to Spirit Airlines or Frontier Airlines, offering the lowest base fare for the ticket during booking.

However, the ticket does not allow the passenger to choose their seat unless they pay extra or do not have AAdvantage status that provides them complimentary seats. Except for frequent flyer and eligible credit cardholder status, Basic Economy tickets do not include free checked bags on any flights, whereas main cabin tickets allow free checked baggage depending on the destination.

Carry-on vs. checked

For passengers in all classes, carry-on baggage allowance includes one bag and one personal item at no cost. This is subject to requirements for all travelers, including those with AAdvantage status:

• The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin
• The personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

Travelers may also carry other items onboard, such as instruments and pets, but they must meet guidelines set by the carrier and are subject to a standard fee. All other items must be included in the passenger’s checked bag.

American allows passengers to check up to 10 bags on all domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific flights operated by the airline. Up to five bags are permitted on American-operated flights traveling to, through, or from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Brazil. There are, however, seasonal and year-round bag restrictions on flights to Central and South America, as well as Brazil. Further information about the limitations is listed on the airline’s website.

Paying for bags

American encourages all passengers to save time by paying for their bags online or through its mobile app. Although the airline recently raised its fees for checked bags, travelers can save $5 on their first checked bag for domestic flights, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, if they pay online within 24 hours of departure.

Read More

American Airlines Axes Free Checked Bag On International Basic Economy Tickets

The airline will now charge $75 for the first checked bag on basic economy tickets internationally.

Here are the checked bag fees applied at each check-in location for one-way flights. The fees are non-refundable and do not include applicable taxes. They are also subject to restrictions, such as time of year, Basic Economy allowances, and the region and destination involving the travel.

The checked baggage allowance is also subject to weight and size requirements. If passengers do not comply with the requirements, they will be charged $30 in addition to the checked bag fee.

How to avoid the fees

Depending on the traveler’s status, they may be able to avoid the fees for up to three checked bags if they have itineraries booked involving flights marketed and operated by American. Complimentary bags are based on the highest level of AAdvantage or oneworld status during ticketing or check-in. The first checked bag is complimentary for eligible AAdvantage Aviator and Citi AAdvantage credit card members on domestic itineraries operated by the airline, AAdvantage Gold status, and oneworld Ruby status.

All passengers except those in Basic Economy traveling to the following destinations also receive their first checked bag free: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, South Korea, Uruguay, and all transatlantic flights.

Photo: O n E Studio I Shutterstock

Two checked bags are complimentary for:

• Passengers with AAdvantage Platinum status
• oneworld Sapphire members
• Passengers with a confirmed domestic first class ticket
• Passengers with a confirmed business class ticket
• Passengers with a confirmed premium economy ticket

Photo: RaksyBH | Shutterstock

The first, second, and third checked bags are complimentary for travelers with elite status along with active duty military personnel:

• Passengers with a confirmed Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus ticket
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum status passengers
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro status passengers
• oneworld Emerald members
• Active duty US military personnel on personal travel with a valid ID

Active duty US military members traveling on order and/or who have dependents with a valid ID traveling on order can receive up to five complimentary checked bags.

Read More

American Airlines Is Boosting Charges For Checked Baggage

Will other major US carriers follow?