American Airlines Baggage Allowance, Fees & How to Add Extra Baggage

AA / AAL · United States

Purchase checked bags online at check-in on aa.com or the American Airlines app. Save $5 per bag on the 1st and 2nd checked bag for eligible domestic routes. Pay online up to 2 hours before departure. Use the official links below to review baggage rules, booking access, and related airline services.

Updated Sep 2, 2026

American Airlines Baggage Allowance

Free checked and carry-on baggage allowances by cabin class and route. Allowances vary by route, ticket type, and frequent flyer status — always confirm with the official baggage policy before you fly.

Checked baggage

No free bag on most short-haul economy fares; 1 free bag on select long-haul destinations (excluding Basic Economy) and for eligible status/credit-card holders.

LabelAmountNotes
Domestic and short-haul (U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Caribbean except Cuba/Haiti, Mexico, Central America except Panama, Guyana) — no eligible statusNo free checked baggage
  • Rendered on Checked bag allowances paragraph (updated May 18, 2026): 1st bag $50 ($45 online), 2nd bag $60 ($55 online); Basic Economy +$5. Implies no free bag for non-eligible economy on these regions.
To Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, South Korea, Trans-Atlantic, Uruguay, Venezuela1 × 23 kg
  • Listed under Free checked bags > First checked bag is free for: or when traveling to these destinations. *Excluding Basic Economy; ^China/Hong Kong/India/Japan/Qatar/South Korea exclude Basic Economy for tickets issued on/before April 22, 2026.
  • Per bag limit 62 in / 158 cm and 50 lbs / 23 kgs (70 lbs / 32 kgs for free bags to/from Australia/New Zealand and for First/Business free bags — Weight and size section).
With AAdvantage Gold, oneworld Ruby, GOL Diamond Smiles, or eligible AAdvantage credit card (domestic AA-operated itineraries)1 × 23 kg
  • Listed under Free checked bags > First checked bag is free for: Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders traveling on domestic itineraries marketed and operated by AA (AAdvantage number must be in reservation), AAdvantage Gold, GOL Diamond Smiles, oneworld Ruby.
  • Card benefit limited to domestic American Airlines operated itineraries.

Carry-on baggage

All cabins

1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item for all cabins and fares; must fit sizer and overhead/under-seat space.

LabelAmountNotes
Carry-on bag1 × 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
  • From Carry-on bags page: Cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels; must fit in overhead bin or under seat and must fit airport sizer; should be labeled.
  • Some airports and planes may have additional restrictions; Regional American Eagle flights may require valet check at gate at no charge if carry-on larger than personal item (except Embraer ERJ-175).
Personal item1 × 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
  • From same page: Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm); must fit under seat in front (e.g. purse or small handbag).
  • Does not count: Diaper bags (1 per child), breast pump, small soft-sided cooler of breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices.
Soft-sided garment bag (alternative to carry-on bag)51 inches (130 cm) total dimensions
  • From same page: Soft-sided garment bag cannot exceed 51 inches (130 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).

How to Add Extra Baggage & Prices on American Airlines

Buy Baggage
  1. Go to aa.com or open the American Airlines app and start check-in.
  2. Enter your trip details / booking reference to retrieve your reservation.
  3. During check-in, indicate the number of checked bags you wish to bring (up to 3 bags per person online).
  4. The system will display the bag fees based on your route and fare class, applying any AAdvantage status or credit card benefits automatically.
  5. Complete payment online.
  6. Receive an email confirmation with instructions on where to drop bags at the airport.
  7. For more than 3 bags per person, pay for the additional bags at the airport.

Prices

American Airlines uses piece concept. Fees are per person, each way, and vary by region and fare class. Save $5 per bag when paying online on eligible routes.

LabelAmountNotes
U.S. domestic / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean (except Cuba/Haiti) / Central America (except Panama) / Guyana – 1st bag$50 ($45 online)
  • Basic Economy: $55 ($50 online) for tickets issued on/after May 18, 2026.
  • Main Cabin: $50 ($45 online) for tickets issued on/after April 9, 2026.
  • Premium Economy, Business, First: Free.
U.S. domestic / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean (except Cuba/Haiti) / Central America (except Panama) / Guyana – 2nd bag$60 ($55 online)
  • Basic Economy: $65 ($60 online) for tickets issued on/after May 18, 2026.
  • Main Cabin: $60 ($55 online) for tickets issued on/after April 9, 2026.
  • Premium Economy, Business, First: Free.
U.S. domestic / Canada – 3rd bag$200
  • $200 for tickets issued on/after April 9, 2026; $150 for tickets issued on/before April 8, 2026.
  • First class 2-cabin aircraft: $200. Flagship First International/Transcontinental and Flagship Business Plus: Free.
U.S. domestic / Canada – 4th+ bag$200 per bag
  • AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and oneworld Emerald members traveling in Flagship First can check a 4th bag at no charge.
Trans-Atlantic (except India/Qatar) – 1st bag$0 (Main Cabin) / $85 (Basic Economy)
  • Basic Economy: $85 for tickets on/after May 18, 2026; $75 on/before May 17, 2026.
Trans-Atlantic (except India/Qatar) – 2nd bag$100
  • Free for Premium Economy, Business, and First.
Trans-Pacific (China / Japan / South Korea / Hong Kong) – 1st bag$0
  • Includes Basic Economy for tickets issued on/after April 23, 2026.
  • Basic Economy tickets issued on/before April 22, 2026: $75 1st bag fee applies.
Trans-Pacific – 2nd bag$100
  • Free for Premium Economy, Business, and First.
Australia / New Zealand – 1st bag$0
  • Free for all fare classes including Basic Economy.
Australia / New Zealand – 2nd bag$100
  • Free for Premium Economy, Business, and First.
  • 20,000 JPY for travel originating in Japan; $300 AUD/NZD for travel originating in Australia or New Zealand.
Panama – 1st bag$0 (Main Cabin) / $55 (Basic Economy)
  • Basic Economy: $55 for tickets on/after May 18, 2026; $45 on/before May 17, 2026.
Panama – 2nd bag$100
South America (excluding Guyana) – 1st bag$0 (Main Cabin) / $70 (Basic Economy)
  • Basic Economy: $70 for tickets on/after May 18, 2026 (Colombia/Ecuador/Peru) or April 9, 2026 (other South America).
South America – 2nd bag$100 (except Venezuela: $150)
Haiti – 1st bag$0 (Main Cabin) / $50 ($45 online) (Basic Economy)
Haiti – 2nd bag$65
Cuba – 1st bag$0 (Main Cabin) / $50 ($45 online) (Basic Economy)
  • Free return from Cuba on round trips originating outside Cuba.
Cuba – 2nd bag$150 ($200 seasonally Nov 16 – Jan 15)
  • Free return from Cuba on round trips originating in Cuba.

FAQ

Can I buy extra baggage online after booking?

Yes. You can pay for up to 3 checked bags per person on aa.com or in the American Airlines app during check-in, up to 2 hours before departure.

Where do I buy extra baggage?

You can pay for bags on aa.com, the American Airlines app, or at the airport. Phone payments are not accepted.

When should I buy extra baggage online?

Pay online during check-in up to 2 hours before departure for the best price. On eligible routes, you save $5 on the 1st and 2nd checked bag compared to airport rates.

How does American Airlines calculate extra baggage charges?

AA uses piece concept (per bag) pricing. Fees vary by region, fare class (Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First), and whether you pay online or at the airport. AAdvantage status members and credit cardholders may receive free checked bags.

How many bags can I check and what are the size/weight limits?

Up to 10 bags on domestic, Trans-Atlantic, and Trans-Pacific flights (up to 5 for Mexico/Caribbean/Central/South America). Standard size: 62 in / 158 cm total dimensions. Standard weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs (70 lbs / 32 kgs for First/Business on free bags). To/from Australia/NZ: 70 lbs / 32 kgs for all fare classes.

Is it cheaper to buy extra baggage online?

Yes. On eligible routes (U.S. domestic, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America except Panama, Guyana), you save $5 on the 1st and 2nd checked bag when you pay online at check-in on aa.com or the app, compared to airport rates.

What are the overweight and oversized baggage fees?

Overweight: $30 for 50-53 lbs, $100 for 53-70 lbs (most regions, higher for Cuba $200, Venezuela $150), $200-450 for 70-100 lbs depending on region. Oversized: $30 for 62-65 in, $150-200 for 65-115 in depending on region. When a bag exceeds both limits, only the higher surcharge applies. Bags over 115 in or 100 lbs are not accepted.

Do partner-operated or codeshare flights have different baggage rules?

Yes. Free checked bags from AAdvantage status or credit cards may not apply to codeshare flights operated by partners. Visit the operating carrier's website for details on partner flights.

Can I pay for extra baggage with credit cards, loyalty points, or miles?

Pay online with a credit/debit card on aa.com or in the app. AAdvantage status and credit card benefits are automatically applied when your AAdvantage number is in the reservation.

Can I get a refund if I cancel or change my booking?

Checked bag fees paid at the airport are non-refundable. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, you can file a refund claim online within 45 days. If you pay for bags and later receive an upgrade that includes free bags, the bag fees already paid will not be refunded.

Are there any important exceptions?

AAdvantage Gold members and eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders get the 1st checked bag free on domestic itineraries. AAdvantage Platinum, oneworld Sapphire, and Premium Economy customers get the first 2 bags free. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and oneworld Emerald members get the first 3 bags free. Active U.S. military get 1st-5th bags free when traveling on orders.

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