American Airlines baggage policy: Here are bag fees and what you can bring

Passengers flying on the airline with the most flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are paying more to check their bags.

On Feb. 20, 2024, American Airlines raised the cost of checked baggage to $40 for the first bag ($35 if paid for online) and $45 for the second bag for flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. American's checked bag fees had been $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second.

For travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Guyana, it costs $35 to check the first bag and $45 to check a second bag.

Here's everything to know about American Airlines baggage policy.

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How much is the bag fee for American Airlines?

For domestic travel, American Airlines charges $40 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag. The first checked bag costs $35 if you pay online in advance.

For international destinations in the Americas, such as Canada and Mexico, American charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag.

Fees for checking luggage are nonrefundable and apply per person each way.

Anyone who thinks they were incorrectly charged for bag fees may contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

How many bags can I take on American Airlines for free?

Carry-on bags are free on American Airlines.

Certain fare classes and loyalty-program tiers include free checked bags among their perks. American offers up to three checked bags for these groups of people:

• Passengers with a Flagship First ticket, which offers exclusive first-class amenities on certain international flights.

• Members of the airline's AAdvantage rewards program at the Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum tiers. Members must earn 125,000 points to get to Platinum Pro and 200,000 points to get to Executive Platinum.

• Emerald tier members of the OneWorld Alliance, a global alliance with 13 member airlines that offers perks for international travelers. Besides American, Alaska Airlines and British Airways are the other member airlines with flights out of Sky Harbor.

• Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel. Active military members and their dependents can check up to five bags free when traveling on military orders.

What happens if my bag is over 50 pounds with American Airlines?

Any bag that weighs more than 50 pounds is considered overweight, and additional fees for overweight bags range from $30 to $200.

American charges $30 for overweight bags weighing 50 to 53 pounds, $100 for bags weighing 53 to 70 pounds and $200 for bags weighing 70 to 100 pounds. These fees are on top of the basic checked-bag fee.

Bags that weigh 70 pounds or more are not allowed on flights to Cuba, Australia, Europe, Israel and Qatar. American does not allow bags that weigh 100 pounds or more on any of its flights.

Do American flights have free carry-on?

Yes. American Airlines passengers may board a plane with one free carry-on bag and one personal item.

Carry-on bags can measure no more than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels, according to American Airlines.

The size limit for personal items, which include purses, small handbags, backpacks and laptop bags, is 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high.

What is the weight limit for a carry-on bag on American Airlines?

No weight limits for carry-on bags are noted in American's carry-on bag policies, but in the past, it limited the size of carry-on bags to 40 pounds.

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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: American Airlines baggage fees: What you'll pay to check luggage