Best way to know American airlines baggage fee and policy

American Airlines allows us to check up to 10 bags if we travel by domestic, transpacific, or transatlantic flights. And to any other destinations, they will enable us to check up to 5 bags. 

As of now, we need to pay 

• 30 USD – for our first bag
• 40 USD – for our second bag
• 150 USD – for our third bag
• 200 USD – for our fourth bag

The maximum weight and size of a bag are 50 pounds or 62 inches, respectively, whereas the maximum weight in business and first-class is 70 pounds. We need to pay a higher fee of 100 USD for every offending bag.

Kindly note: There will be a varying fee and regulation for each destination country, so the traveler needs to check directly with American Airlines to confirm the prices and policies for route/flight we are traveling by.

American Airlines Carry-on Baggage Fee and Policy:

At a free, American Airlines allows one carry-on item and one personal item onboard (unless we purchase an Economy class ticket on flights within the US, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean). The economy class within the US, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean allows one personal item that meets the below-mentioned weight and size. We are not allowed to access the overhead bin. All other bags (except instruments, pets, etc., are subject to regular fees) checked at the check-in ticket counter.

The personal item we carry must not exceed 18 x 14 x 18 inches, which needs to be fit under the seat in front of us. At the same time, our carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches that need to fit in airport size check.

American Airlines allows us to bring child safety seats, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, diaper bags (1 per child), medical or mobility devices, and strollers. And these essential items can be counted neither in a personal nor in carry-on limits. Bringing our pets will be counted in our carry-on item, and it incurs an additional carry-on pet fee.

Kindly note: There is a strict prohibition for carrying powder-like substances over 350ml or 12 ounces in carry-on bags (for international travel to the US), which we need to keep in checked bags.

Some of the tips to keep our flight cost under control:

• Baggage check fee might add hundreds of dollars to the flight cost 
• Being familiar with the American Airlines Baggage Fee and policy before we take-off
• Limiting the number of bags that we carry, thereby reducing the potential for extra baggage fees by sharing luggage.
• Joining a frequent flier program or reward program can allow us to check bags for free of cost
• Packing light and considering the usage of a compression device to fit all our items in a small place.

Packing light to reduce American Airlines Baggage Fee:

The one easiest way to reduce the amount of luggage is packing light. Reduction of the amount of weight is possible by planning washing laundry when we are away (or) packaging outfits that can easily be mixed and matched. It is purely depending on what we are bringing; we might also be able to store some of our luggage in a carry-on bag.

Using as few suitcases as possible:

It may be far better to try packing all our clothes in one suitcase while not exceeding the limit of luggage size. If we are going on a trip with another person, it is better to share a big sized suitcase, instead of both having two different suitcases. Sharing of the suitcase will be much helpful if we are traveling on a budget.

Compression Packing

Compression packaging includes wrapping the clothing in plastic bags by using a vacuum to expel the excess air. It will significantly raise the amount of room the garments take up. This allows you more space in your luggage! It will help you raise the amount of bags you need to carry, but make sure you don’t surpass the luggage weight cap.

Shipping our Luggage:

If we are going for a long trip or need to pack a lot of things, shipping our luggage to the destination is highly advisable. Ground shipping may be so cheaper than baggage check fees, depending on our bag’s size and weight. If we ship a few days before we start, our luggage will be welcoming us at the arrival.