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.

Baggage Policy Official website

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.

Label	Amount	Notes
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 status	No 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, Venezuela	1 × 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.

Confirmed Business customers receive 2 free checked bags; First/Business free bags have higher weight allowance.

Label	Amount	Notes
Confirmed Business customers	2 × 32 kg	From Free checked bags > First 2 checked bags are free for: Confirmed Business customers. Weight and size section: For all regions except to/from Australia or New Zealand, your checked bag allowance is Dimension 62 in / 158 cm, Weight 50 lbs / 23 kgs; For First / Business, weight is 70 lbs / 32 kgs for free bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags. For flights to/from Australia or New Zealand, 70 lbs / 32kgs for free bags.
With AAdvantage Platinum or oneworld Sapphire (any cabin)	2 × 32 kg	From same list: AAdvantage Platinum, oneworld Sapphire members receive 2 free bags (status benefit, applies regardless of cabin but grouped under business-equivalent benefit). Requires AAdvantage/oneworld number in reservation; higher at ticketing vs check-in rules apply.

Flagship First/Business Plus and top-tier status receive 3 free checked bags; military and Australia/New Zealand exceptions apply.

Label	Amount	Notes
Confirmed Flagship First, Flagship Business Plus, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, oneworld Emerald	3 × 32 kg	From Free checked bags > First 3 checked bags are free for: list. *Flagship First International, Flagship First Transcontinental and Flagship Business Plus only; Executive Platinum/Platinum Pro/Emerald in Flagship First may check 4th bag free. Per bag 62 in / 158 cm, 70 lbs / 32 kgs for free bags (Weight and size section). For tickets issued on/after Aug 26, 2025 for travel on/after Oct 1, 2025 to/from Cuba, no more than 2 bags free (footnote ^).
Active U.S. military with ID traveling on orders	5 × 32 kg	From same list: 1st–5th bags free of charge when traveling on AA marketed and operated itineraries; does not apply to codeshare partners.
Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel	3 × 32 kg	From same list: 1st–3rd bags free (grouped with 3-bag tier). Free bags apply on AA marketed and operated itineraries only.

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.

Label	Amount	Notes
Carry-on bag	1 × 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 item	1 × 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

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

Label	Amount	Notes
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.

Overweight surcharges apply in addition to the checked bag fee. When a bag exceeds both weight and size limits, only the higher fee applies.

Label	Amount	Notes
Over 50 lbs / 23 kgs to 53 lbs / 24 kgs	$30	Applies to all regions. Free for Business/First bags within free allowance.
Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs – U.S. / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean / Central / South America (except Cuba, Venezuela)	$100	Free for Business/First bags within free allowance.
Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs – Cuba	$200	Free for Business/First bags within free allowance.
Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs – Venezuela	$150	Free for Business/First bags within free allowance.
Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs – Europe / Israel / Qatar / Asia / Australia / New Zealand	$100	Not accepted over 70 lbs to/from Europe/Israel/Qatar. 10,000 JPY for travel originating in Japan. $150 AUD/NZD for travel originating in Australia or New Zealand.
Over 70 lbs / 32 kgs to 100 lbs / 45 kgs – U.S. / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean / Central / South America	$200
Over 70 lbs / 32 kgs to 100 lbs / 45 kgs – India / China / Japan / South Korea / Hong Kong	$450	45,000 JPY for travel originating in Japan.

Oversized surcharges apply in addition to the checked bag fee. Bags over 115 in / 292 cm total dimensions are not accepted. When a bag exceeds both weight and size limits, only the higher fee applies.

Label	Amount	Notes
Over 62 in / 158 cm to 65 in / 165 cm – All regions	$30
Over 65 in / 165 cm to 115 in / 292 cm – U.S. / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean / Central America (except Panama)	$200
Over 65 in / 165 cm to 115 in / 292 cm – South America / Panama	$150
Over 65 in / 165 cm to 115 in / 292 cm – Europe / Israel / Qatar	$150	From Madrid (MAD): maximum length of any side cannot exceed 43 in / 110 cm.
Over 65 in / 165 cm to 115 in / 292 cm – India / China / Japan / South Korea / Hong Kong / Australia / New Zealand	$200	20,000 JPY for travel originating in Japan. $150 AUD/NZD for travel originating in Australia or New Zealand.

Pay online at check-in (up to 2 hours before departure) to save $5 on 1st and 2nd checked bag fees for eligible routes. Only available on aa.com or the app.

Label	Amount	Notes
Online (check-in on aa.com or app)	See official pricing	Save $5 on 1st and 2nd checked bag for travel within/between U.S. (including HI/AK), Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Caribbean (except Cuba/Haiti), Mexico, Central America (except Panama) and Guyana. Pay up to 2 hours before departure. Up to 3 bags per person can be paid online. Not available for itineraries to/from Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Haiti, and Peru. Also not available for waitlisted passengers, standby, or flight disruptions with unconfirmed new flights.
At the airport	See official pricing	Full airport rates apply (typically $5 more per bag for 1st and 2nd bag on eligible routes). All bag fees paid at the airport are non-refundable.

Standard checked bag fees apply for most sports equipment. Some items incur a $150 special equipment fee (antlers, scuba gear with tanks, windsurf).

Label	Amount	Notes
Standard sports equipment (golf, skis, snowboard, bicycle, etc.)	Standard bag fees apply	Same as regular checked bag fees based on fare class and route. 1 pair of skis or 1 snowboard + 1 equipment bag count as 1 piece up to 50 lbs.
Antlers / scuba with tanks / windsurf	$150	Up to 70 lbs / 32 kgs. In addition to any applicable checked bag fees.

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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