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American Airlines baggage fees are pretty consistent with the average when it comes to larger U.S.-based carriers.
If you’re flying economy, you’ll pay for all checked baggage on domestic flights and routes to/from Canada and Mexico (excluding some status and credit cardholders). For most transpacific and transatlantic routes, your first checked bag is included, providing you haven’t booked a Basic Economy fare.
Where you’ll want to be careful is in the excess department of American Airlines’ baggage policy — if your luggage is both overweight and oversize, American will charge you fees for both.
1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on: FREE
Size Restrictions
Passengers may also take a soft-sided garment bag in place of their carry-on that can measure up to 51 inches (130 cm). Bags that require gate-checking may incur a fee.
Lap Infant Carry-On Policy
Stroller Check Policy
All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first class fares (complimentary bags only). The only exclusion is economy and premium economy passengers flying to Australia or New Zealand, where a single checked bag can weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kg) for complimentary baggage and 50 pounds (25 kg) for excess charged bags. Checked bags must adhere to maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
Oversize, overweight and excess bag limitations apply for select cities during select times of the year. Visit American’s Baggage Limitations page for more details.
| Route | First Bag | Second Bag | Third Bag | 4+ Bags |
| U.S. Domestic (up to 10 bags) | $30 | $40 | $150 | $200 |
| Mexico (up to 5 bags) | $30 | $40 | $200 | $200 |
| Haiti | $0/$30 | $65 | $200 | $200 |
| Cuba (only 2 bags permitted at present due to COVID-19) | $0/$30* | $0/$200 | $200 | $200 |
| Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti) (up to 5 bags) | $30 | $40 | $200 | $200 |
| Central America (except Panama) (up to 5 bags) | $30 | $40/$65** | $200 | $200 |
| Guyana and Suriname | $30 | $40 | $200 | $200 |
| Panama and South America (except Guyana, and Suriname) (up to 5 bags) | $0/$45 | $65 | $200 | $200 |
| Transatlantic (up to 10 bags) | $0/$75 | $100 | $200 | $200 |
| Transpacific (up to 10 bags) | $0/$75 | $100 | $200 | $200 |
* First and second bags are free when departing Cuba for the U.S. or Canada. When departing the U.S. or Canada for Cuba, baggage fees apply.
** For travel to/from Honduras, a $65 fee applies seasonally for the second bag.
Hot Tip: All Basic Economy tickets are excluded from complimentary checked bags, even on international flights.
Overweight Fee 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg): $100 ($200 for Cuba)
Overweight Fee 71 to 100 pounds (32 to 45 kg): $200* (not accepted to/from Europe, Israel, and Qatar or to/from Cuba)
* Flights to/from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, and Australia will cost $450. Additionally, baggage over 71 pounds is not permitted on transatlantic flights or flights to/from Australia.
| Region | Larger Than 62 Inches (158 cm) |
| Between the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada | $200 |
| Mexico, Caribbean, Central America (except Panama), Guyana, and Suriname* | $200 |
| South America (except Guyana and Suriname) and Panama | $150 |
| Europe (transatlantic), Israel, and Qatar | $150 |
| China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand and Australia (transpacific) | $200 |
*Seasonal and/or year-round checked bag limitations apply to some cities in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
More than 1 fee may apply per bag — for example, the checked bag fee + oversize fee + overweight fee.
Seasonally, only 2 bags are permitted for select cities in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You can view the applicable cities with seasonal limitations.
Only 2 bags are permitted for select cities in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. You can view the applicable cities with year-round limitations.
Hot Tip: American Airlines accepts oversized sporting equipment and musical instruments within the checked luggage allowance, provided the item weighs less than 50 pounds and does not exceed 126 linear inches. This includes equipment such as skis/snowboards and surfboards that can now be checked as the first bag from $0 to $75 (fee is route dependent).
Oversized items such as hang gliders, windsurfing equipment, or scuba tanks will still incur the $150 fee due to their specific handling requirements. You can find more information on specific items.
American Airlines does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online or via the mobile app for selected domestic and Caribbean flights. This can be done when you check-in and up to 4 hours before departure.
Here are the ways to prepay:
When logging in, if the option is not available to add baggage then this must be done at the airport check-in desk.
First checked bag is complimentary for:
First and second checked bags are complimentary for:
First, second, and third checked bags are complimentary for:
*Executive Platinum and Oneworld Emerald members traveling in first on 3-cabin aircraft may check a fourth bag at no charge.
Active U.S. military and/or dependents with ID traveling on orders: first through fifth bags free of charge
Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel: first through third bags free of charge
Hot Tip: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elites enjoy baggage benefits when flying on American Airlines.
Nearly all of the American Airlines-branded credit cards provide a free checked bag on your domestic flights with American Airlines. Friends and family can even receive a free checked bag when on your itinerary.
Check out the details of each card’s checked bag benefit below:
| Card | Baggage Benefit |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® | Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 traveling companions |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 8 traveling companions |
| CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® | Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 traveling companions |
| AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® | Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 traveling companions |
| AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver World Elite Mastercard® | Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 8 traveling companions |
| AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard® | Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 traveling companions |
To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.
The information regarding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Flying American Airlines, you can take on board 1 standard carry-on piece and 1 personal item. Your standard carry-on must not exceed maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches and your personal item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
If you’re flying American Airlines within the U.S., to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America (excluding Panama), or Colombia then you will be charged $30 per way for your first checked bag. If you’re flying transatlantic in basic economy then you will incur a $75 fee to add a checked bag.
You can bring a backpack on board in addition to your carry-on item provided it adheres to the maximum size dimensions of a personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (i.e. a small backpack). Alternatively, you could use your carry-on allowance for the backpack and bring a smaller personal item in addition.
American Airlines does not state a weight limit for carry-on baggage. Typically, you would need to be able to comfortably lift and store the bag without assistance and still adhere to the size restrictions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
1 piece of checked baggage is free for eligible AAdvantage Aviator and Citi/AAdvantage cardmembers (on domestic American Airlines-operated flights) and AAdvantage Gold members.
2 pieces of checked baggage are complimentary for AAdvantage Platinum Pro and AAdvantage Platinum members.
3 checked bags are free for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members.
American Airlines accepts cash payments for baggage fees at some airport ticket centers. You can check individual airports for cash acceptance and can also pay by credit or debit card, vouchers, or gift card.
With American Airlines, if your bag is over the weight of the standard checked baggage allowance then you will incur a fee. If your bag weighs 51 to 70 pounds then you will be charged $100 ($200 for Cuba) per way and for bags 71 to 100 pounds, there is a charge of $200 (excluding flights to/from China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, and Australia which will cost $450). Bags over 71 pounds will not be accepted on transatlantic flights or flights to/from Cuba and Australia.
American Airlines permits passengers to check sporting equipment and musical instruments within their standard baggage allowance, provided the bag does not exceed 50 pounds or 126 linear inches. So if you’re traveling on a route where the first bag costs $30, then this is the fee you will pay to check your ski bag or other sports and musical equipment.
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256 comments
VALERIE JIMENEZ
October 15, 2019
Hi,
I will be flying on an American Airlines flight soon and I had purchased a carry on bag. I know the requirements are 22x14x9, but I measured my bag and it’s 23x12x9. Will I be charged for this bag?
Catherine Luther
October 17, 2019
Hi Valerie,
There is always a risk of being asked to check the bag if it exceeds the maximum size stated by the airline.
Nancy R
October 23, 2019
I am traveling with a basic economy ticket in US to get to Dallas and from there premium economy to France. Will I have to pay $30 for my 45 min domestic flight even though the bulk of my travel is via premium economy?
Stephen Au
October 23, 2019
Hi Nancy,
Yes, you will need to pay $30, unless you have one of the American Airlines credit cards. In that case, you can get 1 checked bag for free.
Zelda
October 25, 2019
Hi
I am flying from SA to San Pedro Sula return in December. I have to change to American Airlines in Miami as Qatar does not fly to San Pedro Sula. Are we still liable to pay baggage fees for the trip to Honduras?
We are flying Standard Economy on AA.
Thanks
Stephen Au
October 28, 2019
Hi Zelda,
Please check directly with American Airlines, but you should be able to take 2 checked bags, as you’re flying from Miami to Honduras, which is an international flight to South America.
Athena S
November 09, 2019
I recently acquired an American Airlines CITI Bank Platinum Select credit card. I had already booked a roundtrip ticket for next week using another credit card. Am I still eligible for a free checked bag since I am a current cardholder (even if I didn’t use to purchase the airline ticket).. Thanks
Catherine Luther
November 10, 2019
Hi Athena,
American Airlines don’t require you to book with the credit card to be eligible for the free checked bag but you do need to make sure your AAdvantage account number is on your reservation.
HANIFA
November 27, 2019
I will be flying from Shanghai to Los Angeles. Please let me know what my baggage allowance is.
Jarrod West
November 27, 2019
Hi Hanifa,
You should be permitted to bring 1 personal item, 1 carry-on item, and 1 checked bag weighing no more than 50 lbs (23kgs).
Thanks for reading!
Kenny & Jackie
November 30, 2019
We are booked in AA premium economy from DFW to HNL. Our first bag each is comped in prem econ on AA. I also have an Advantage Mastercard. Will I be allowed a third bag using the credit card benefit on this flight?
Thanks
Catherine Luther
December 05, 2019
Hi Kenny & Jackie,
I don’t believe you would receive a third bag as free luggage is already included in your fare type and free luggage with a credit card is not usually counted in addition to your ticketed luggage. There is also a note on their baggage policy stating “$0 2nd bag fee excludes Alaska and Hawaii” that applies to Premium Economy passengers, so it’s advisable you contact AA to confirm your situation.
Abe Saad
January 04, 2020
I am using a return ticket from the US to Europe and I have an AAdvantage Platinum card but I haven’t used it to purchase my ticket. What is my baggage allowance and is there a fee to pay for it?
Stephen Au
January 04, 2020
Abe,
As long as the AAdvantage Platinum card shares the same AAdvantage number as the ticket holder, you’ll get your free bag. If not, you need to pay.
Kevin Poe
January 05, 2020
We recently booked a flight for 3 of us on economy from Orlando to Seattle with a layover in Phoenix. It appears we change planes in Phoenix, do we have to pay for our checked bags on each leg of the flights, or do the fees cover our entire trip?
Jarrod West
January 05, 2020
Hi Kevin,
Are you flying with American for the entire trip? If so, then yes your baggage fees will cover the entire trip.
Stephanie
January 12, 2020
I currently fly with AA and have and AAdvantage card. I know on domestic the first bag checked is free. I have a trip to Bonaire scheduled and wondered what the baggage fee would be. It isn’t clear for Bonaire.
Jarrod West
January 13, 2020
Hi Stephanie,
You should still receive 1 checked bag for free for being a cardholder, regardless of the destination.
Thanks for reading!
Kenneth Flyer
January 13, 2020
Quick question, I have a trip for 5 on hold with my wife’s aadvantage miles (non cardholder) I am waiting on MY aadvantage card to come in the mail, do I HAVE to use my Aadvantage card in order to get free baggage? Or just make sure my Aadvantage number is on the res. Miles value has already gone up (2x) so not wanting to wait until my card comes which is after the hold….will I have to pay for the bags?
Jarrod West
January 14, 2020
Hi Kenneth,
You do not need to pay with your AAdvantage card in order to get the free baggage as long as your loyalty number is attached to the reservation.
Thanks for reading!
Borut Doles
January 18, 2020
HI,
I am flying from Munich via London to Los Angeles, first leg with British Airways, then with AA. I only have a cabin bag, basic economy ticket.
I checked and my cabin bag measures 55cmx39cmx23cm – linearly 117cm (I think in inches are 46 inches).
While British Airways allows these sizes, then in London I am questioning myself what can happen with AA. Instead of 114cm my linear size is 117cm.
Is AA staff very strict even for a good inch difference? I wonder if may have issues.
If issues, what would be a cost?
Thank you.
Borut
Jarrod West
January 18, 2020
Hi Borut,
I think it is unlikely you will have issues with the size of your bag as they usually don’t measure them unless the expect that it is much larger than the size allowed.
Cheri
January 26, 2020
I am flying AA for the first time on Wednesday and am concerned about my Samsonite hardside luggage meeting the 62 linear inch requirement. How exactly do I measure my suitcase? (Include wheels and handle?) I’m measuring 63″ linear inches. How picky are they? Also, my carry on is 9 1/2″ Please advise. Thank you!
Catherine Luther
January 27, 2020
Hi Cheri,
Maximum linear size can be calculated by measuring the height + width + depth of the bag (including handles and wheels). Whether an oversized bag is permitted (for checked or carry-on luggage) can depend completely on the check-in agent on the day so it’s always advisable to stay within the restrictions to avoid unwanted fees.
Chris
February 11, 2020
Checked bag fees seem somewhat cryptic to me on the AA website. Can someone give me the quick and dirty on flying economy, not basic, but main cabin, and the fee for one checked bag? The website says $0/$60, but I’ve also seen straight up $60. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Catherine Luther
February 12, 2020
Hi Chris,
If you’re flying a transatlantic route standard economy, then your 1st checked bag is included in the ticket. The $60 fee is if a passenger has booked a basic economy fare on a transatlantic route. If you’re flying a domestic route, then no baggage is included and this can be purchased for £30. Hope that helps!
Adrian
February 23, 2020
I have a basic economy ticket booked from the UK to the Dominican Republic with a layover in Miami. Does anyone know how it works with checked luggage? I’m confused – does it count as 1 flight with a transfer or can I have 1 free checked luggage to Miami and then would I have to pay extra when flying to the Dominican Republic? If it counts as 1 flight (all flights booked with AA) – am I eligible to 1 free checked bag or not?
Jarrod West
February 23, 2020
Hi Adrian,
Basic economy tickets do not include a free checked bag, just a personal item, and a carry-on item. However, if you do opt to pay for a checked bag the fee will count for the entire duration of the trip – not just one leg.
Safe travels!
Mike
March 06, 2020
Are AA award flights subject to the same baggage fees? Also if the award flight is booked with a citi credit card will the baggage fees be waived?
Jarrod West
March 07, 2020
Hi Mike,
Yes, award flights are subject to the same baggage fees. If you have a Citi American Airlines card connected to your account then you will receive your first checked bag free.
shannon
April 15, 2020
Is the $30 checked bag each way or round trip? If round trip what is the baggage fee for a one way trip?
Catherine Luther
April 16, 2020
Hi Shannon, the $30 checked bag fee is each way.
meylin
April 20, 2020
I’m flying first class on airbus 321 aircraft. How many checked in bags am I allowed and what is their weight limits
Jarrod West
April 20, 2020
Hi Meylin,
You should be allowed to bring 2 checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each.
Thanks for reading!
Jodi
May 27, 2020
How do I receive my free checked baggage for myself and my family? I just signed up for the AA Citicard. I know it is one each, but do I do that at check in time via the app, or do I have to do it in person? I just want to be sure I do it correctly.
Also, I purchased a trip prior to getting the credit card through AA, obviously, I will have the card during my actual trip time so does that mean I can also get free baggage for that as well? Thank you!
Jarrod West
May 28, 2020
Hi Jodi,
As long as your credit card is attached to your AA account number, you will receive a free checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions on the same itinerary. There is no need for you to do anything extra. When you select that you will be checking bags, either during booking or at the airport, the system will know not to charge you for them.
As far as the trip you booked prior to opening the card, as long as your credit card account was opened 7 days prior to air travel, and your reservation includes your American Airlines AAdvantage, then you can still receive a free checked bag for the flight.
Kathy
June 14, 2020
I am an AA Member but used another credit card to purchase my ticket by mistake. Will I still get the free first checked bag?
Jarrod West
June 14, 2020
Hi Kathy,
If you have an American Airlines credit card that offers a free checked bag, you do not need to pay for your flight with the card in order to receive the benefit.
Brittany B
October 30, 2020
AA gives the option to pay for bags at check in. If I have an AA platinum should I check in at the airport to add the checked bags (I also paid with this card)? Doing it online it is saying I owe $60.
Jarrod West
October 30, 2020
Hi Brittany,
Yes, you can add your checked bags when you check in and the airport, and you should not be charged thanks to your AA Platinum card.
carlos
November 01, 2020
I am going from SFO to Cancun. Do I have to pay to check bags?
Jarrod West
November 02, 2020
Hi Carlos,
Yes, from the US to Mexico AA charges $30 for the first checked bag, $40 for the second checked bag, $150 for the third bag, and $200 for each bag after that.
Jaime
November 28, 2020
I will travel from San Antonio Texas to COSTA Rica. How much does American charge for the first and second baggage? Can I pay for the baggage with a prepaid debit card, the ones you buy at Walmart? I want to pay for my baggage with my Chase debit card from my house, can I do it?
If I pay my ticket at home online with my Chase debit card Can I pay my baggage as well?
Catherine Luther
December 03, 2020
Hi Jaime,
For this route, American would charge $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag. Prepaid luggage is only possible on domestic flights within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, and select markets in the Caribbean and Central America, so you will need to login to your booking to check whether you’re able to do this. Payment methods can vary between airports, so you should contact the airline to check this.
Have a good flight.
Al
December 12, 2020
Hi. Thanks for the info!
If I am travelling London to Lima, changing in Miami, and the ticket is marked ‘Economy’, am I correct that my first checked bag is included in the price (no additional charge), as it counts as Transatlantic? I can see the policy changed 1 Dec 2020.
At the link below under “Between Europe, Israel, Morocco and U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean (including Haiti), Central America, South America
Or connecting via Europe to another destination” it is $60 for Basic Economy and $0 for Main Cabin – no reference to ‘Economy’.
Thanks for your help.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/support/optional-service-fees.jsp
Catherine Luther
December 15, 2020
Hi Al,
Yes, if you have booked an economy/main cabin ticket (not a basic economy ticket), then your first bag should be free for the entire journey.
Lenn Rodriguez
December 13, 2020
I’m flying round trip from Cuba to the US and on my return I’m planning to bring 2 bags but the information given on the AA site is confusing. I’m traveling Basic economy, but in bag limitations, it doesn’t say anything about basic economy.
Does this mean I can only bring a carry-on and a personal item? Can’t I bring my 2 bags or may I do it if I pay for it?
Jarrod West
December 19, 2020
Hi Lenn,
In basic economy flights to Cuba you will be allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item, but checked baggage will cost you $30 for the first bag, and $40 for the second bag.
Jin
February 21, 2021
There are a lot of credit cards that give the first bag free for domestic flights. Most international flights include the first bag free, but what about the Caribbean? (Specifically the Dominican Republic)
1st bags are not automatically included for free. Are there any credit cards that give the first bag free to the Caribbean?
Jarrod West
February 22, 2021
Hi Jin,
There are several American Airlines credit cards that offer a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, but that just includes Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, United States, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Flights to the Caribbean, and namely the Dominican Republic, would not receive a free checked bag even if you’re an AA credit cardholder.
Joan Madeus
April 05, 2021
So I am just doing a domestic flight from SEA to DSM. I was wondering if my boyfriend prepays for my baggage online, do I need his card when I go to the kiosk to print out my bag tags? Since he is going to be in DSM and not with me on the flight.
Jarrod West
April 06, 2021
Hi Joan,
No, you should not need to have his card with you when you print out your baggage tags. Safe travels!
Jane C.
April 26, 2021
I am traveling and my flight arrives in Chicago on Friday and leaves early on Saturday morning. If I pay for a checked bag on the Friday night flight, will I need to pay again on Saturday since I will have to stay in a hotel on Friday night?
Also, I am a AAdvantage member, but am flying with two other persons. As an AAdvantage member is my checked bag free? Theirs are not?
Jarrod West
April 26, 2021
Hi Jane,
If your flight is all under the same itinerary you should not have to pay twice for your checked bag. You’ll need to have AAdvantage Gold status in order to receive a free checked bag, as that perk is not included for base level members.
Andre
May 23, 2021
I am traveling to Jamaica in business class. How many checked bags do I get and what size can they be?
Jarrod West
May 24, 2021
Hi Andre,
For this route, you should be permitted to bring 2 checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each, plus one carry-on bag and a personal item.
Pauline Stieff
June 11, 2021
We are traveling from Seattle to Mazatlan, Mexico with a connection thru LAX. It is round trip on one ticket and they are American Airlines/American Eagle flights. I paid for it with an American Airline Aviator credit card which waives the first baggage fee for domestic flights on American. Is this considered a domestic flight due to the connections?
Will there be a baggage fee or is considered international?
Jarrod West
June 14, 2021
Hi Pauline,
This should be considered an international ticket so you should not be charged baggage fees.
Mary
June 12, 2021
If I am traveling economy class to Europe, can I pay for an extra carry on? Besides the 2 checked bags, how many extra bags am I allowed to pay for it? Thank you
Jarrod West
June 14, 2021
Hi Mary,
Yes, you can certainly pay for an extra bag. You should be permitted to purchase up to 8 pieces of extra luggage.
Mary
June 20, 2021
Thank you for your reply. Would you please let me know where I can find the fees for each checked bag? I only can find the price up to the 3rd checked bag. Or any extra checked luggage will be the same price of the 3rd bag, $200 each.
I appreciate your assistance
Jarrod West
June 21, 2021
Hi Mary,
We include the price chart for up to 4+ bags directly in our article. If you tell me where you are flying to and from, then I can help give you an idea of what you should expect to pay.
Mary
June 21, 2021
I am flying from US to Portugal. I would like to check in 6 to 7 bags/ boxes. Thank you so much for your assistance.
Jarrod West
June 22, 2021
Hi Mary,
For that route, your first checked bag should be free, your second checked bag should cost $100, and every checked bag after that should cost $200. So you would expect to pay $900 for 6 checked bags, and $1,100 for 7 checked bags.
Rana Ramay
June 18, 2021
Hi, I am active duty military travelling with dependents on orders. American Airlines booked my extra bags as per military baggage allowance at Tampa but the connecting Qatar Airlines at Philadelphia forced me to pay USD 2000 for extra bags moments before the departure threatening me to offload my bags and refusing to give me the fresh boarding passes. How can I address this issue and get a refund.
Jarrod West
June 21, 2021
Hi Rana,
Have you already tried contacting American Airlines about this – since you booked your tickets through them?
Samuel Hermanns
June 24, 2021
If you have first class for one of your flights and economy for your connecting flights do you get free bags or do you have to pay
Jarrod West
June 24, 2021
Hi Samuel,
If the tickets were booked under one itinerary, then you should get the first class baggage benefits for both flights.
Hala sayegh
June 27, 2021
I am flying from Phoenix to Amman, Jordan. I am trying to pay for a second checked bag online, however, it is not giving me an option to. What do I do? I fly tomorrow please help!
Jarrod West
June 28, 2021
Hi Hala,
You can check and pay for the additional bag when you arrive at the airport. Just make sure you arrive early in case the check-in line is long.
Richard Chinn
July 11, 2021
American increased the baggage allowance for Platinum Pro to three 70 pound bags in 2021.
Jarrod West
July 14, 2021
Hi Richard,
Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the baggage weight limit depend on your cabin class and destination even if you’re Plat Pro?
Chris
July 19, 2021
I will be flying from the UK to Chicago so will (presumably) go through Immigration, Customs etc. there.
I then fly to Seattle (American Airlines as is the UK to US flight). From Seattle I will transfer to Alaska Airlines, all the flights will be on one booking/reservation number. Do I have to reclaim my baggage in Seattle or is it handed from AA to AS automatically?
Jarrod West
July 19, 2021
Hi Chris,
It is likely that your baggage should be able to be handed off to Alaska, but when you re-check your bags in Chicago they should be able to tell you exactly. Safe travels!
Christopher
July 27, 2021
If a party of three fly on one reservation with checked baggage included and they decide to take four bags (one more than included, between them), when paying/checking in, do they have to nominate one of them as the “owner” of the extra bag? Or, is just classed as an extra bag between them?
Jarrod West
July 30, 2021
Hi Christopher,
If you are all on the same itinerary then it should not make a difference. You can just tell the check-in desk that you have 4 bags to check. Safe Travels!
Edward
October 03, 2021
I booked a ticket via budget air flying from Melbourne, Australia to Tucson, Arizona. My flight to the US is with Etihad, then once I get to the States I have a domestic flight from Chicago to Tucson which is with American Airlines. My ticket says my bags are included on all my flights, but I’m wondering if I have a way to verify that? Is this true?
Jarrod West
October 04, 2021
Hi Edward,
If your ticket states that all of your bags are included then that is what it should be as those are your terms of carriage. If you want to verify you could call each airline individually to verify, though that would be quite time-consuming.
Penny Pugh
November 27, 2021
I just flew a domestic flight in the US and paid for my ticket with a Citi AAdvantage Mile Up credit card and had to pay $30 for my 1 checked bag! So please update your website because I was misled and could have had other options if I knew this before I got to the airport! Bummer for me.
Jarrod West
November 29, 2021
Hi Penny,
The Citi AAdvantage MileUp card does not offer a free checked bag on AA flights. The cards included in this piece are the Citi Platinum Select card and the Citi Executive World Elite card, both of which do offer a free checked bag on AA flights.
Alison Cope
January 26, 2022
We have booked basic economy ticket with BA, but are flying AA from Heathrow to Miami in February. Can I check in a bag online before? Maybe when I do the online check in? Or is it check-in when we arrive at the airport? If so, is it guaranteed we will be able to check it in? Thank you
Jarrod West
January 31, 2022
Hi Alison,
Yes, you can add a checked bag to your booking online in advance by managing your booking on the British Airways website or mobile app.
Bill M
March 09, 2022
I used AAdvantage miles and paid the taxes with my Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard which I know gets one free checked bag on domestic flights. However, this flight has 3 segments (MSY-ORD-SEA-ANC) – the first is an American Airlines flight but the last two are Alaska Airlines flights. Will my free checked bag benefit still apply? Second question – is the answer any different if all the segments booked through American were on Alaska Airlines flights?
Jarrod West
March 09, 2022
Hi Bill,
If you purchased all 3 flight segments through American, then yes you should receive your checked bag benefit on each flight leg.
Ana
May 19, 2022
Before I book a basic economy ticket from Lambert Saint Louis to Guayaquil Ecuador in August I would like to know how many bags I am allow to check-in.
Chris Hassan
May 23, 2022
Hi Ana,
A Basic Economy ticket does not come with any free checked bags unless you are an AAdvantage cardmember or have elite status. Checked bags start at $45.
Claudia
February 24, 2023
D you have to purchase your flights with the citi aadvantage platinum select card to get the benefit of the first check bag free? or just having your AAdvantage member number on the reservation is more than enough?
Jarrod West
February 24, 2023
Hi Claudia,
No, you do not have to pay with your card to receive the free checked bag.
Salvador
August 03, 2023
Hi! I am flying to Mexico from Chicago and bought a Basic Economy fare ticket. Apparently it says I cannot buy a checked bag when doing the check in. Could I do that at the airport? I saw their conditions and terms changed this June and I’ve never traveled with this airline before.
Jarrod West
August 03, 2023
Hi Salvador,
Yes, you should be able to buy a checked bag at the airport.
Dennis N
September 05, 2023
Hi. I am travelling from Guyana to Miami to Orlando with American Airlines Basic. Do I make one payment for one checked bag for both legs of the trip…Or do I have to pay for each leg of the trip? Both parts are with AA.
Keri Stooksbury
September 06, 2023
Hi Dennis – You would just pay once for the entire one-way trip. Enjoy your travel and thanks for reading!
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