American Airlines® Baggage Fees
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Baggage fees have a sneaky way of inflating your travel budget, and American Airlines’ rules aren’t one-size-fits-all.
What you pay depends on your ticket type, route, and even your frequent-flyer status. Most passengers can bring a carry-on and personal item at no charge, but checking a bag usually means an added fee, often starting around $35 when paid ahead of time. Add in size limits, weight caps, and penalties for extra bags, and costs can climb fast.
Below, we break down American Airlines’ baggage rules and fees, and show how shipping your bags with LugLess can help you skip the airport juggling act and travel without the baggage, literally.
Please consult American’s website to calculate the exact fees you will pay.
LugLess
Ship a Bag
- ✓ Up to 50lbs
- ✓ Local dropoff or pickup
- ✓ Doorstep delivery
American Airlines
First Checked Bag
- ✓ Up to 50lbs
- – Check in at airport
- – Claim at baggage carousel
American Airlines
Second Checked Bag
- ✓ Up to 50lbs
- – Check in at airport
- – Claim at baggage carousel
More American Airlines baggage fees
| Baggage category | Fee | Max Weight | Max Size (L+W+H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LugLess carry-on | $14-$39 | 25lbs | Calculate |
| First checked bag | $35 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Second checked bag | $45 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Third checked bag | $150 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Fourth(+) checked bag | $200 | 50lbs | 62" |
| LugLess checked bag | $25-$45 | 50lbs | Calculate |
| Overweight bag | +$100 | 51-70lbs | 62" |
| Overweight bag | +$200 | 71-100lbs | 62" |
| LugLess oversized bag | $28-$55 | 75lbs | Calculate |
| Oversized bag | +$200 | 50lbs | 63"-126" |
†Fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way. American allows up to 10 checked bags on some long-haul routes and 5 on other international routes.
LugLess vs. American Airlines checked bag fees
Here’s how checked bags compare when using LugLess instead of paying airline fees:
| Option | Cost | Hassle | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Checked Bag | $35–$200+ | Airport lines & baggage claim | Airport |
| LugLess | From $25 | No lines | Door-to-door |
LugLess often costs less than airline baggage fees, especially with multiple, oversized, or overweight bags.
How to avoid American baggage fees
Want to keep your travel budget from getting mugged by baggage fees? Try these:
- Pay for checked bags online in advance (often cheaper than airport pricing)
- Pack within 50 lbs / 62 inches
- Use a qualifying AA credit card or AAdvantage status
- Travel with only a carry-on + personal item
- Or skip airline baggage fees entirely by shipping your luggage with LugLess.
Learn more about how it works and how we offer the lowest luggage shipping rates.
American Airlines checked baggage fees
Standard Checked Bag Fees (Domestic + Canada)
For many flights within the U.S. and Canada, common pricing is:
- 1st checked bag: $35 online / $40 at the airport
- 2nd checked bag: $45
- 3rd checked bag: $150–$200
- 4th checked bag and up: $200
American Airlines Excess Baggage Fees
If you’re checking more than two bags, American typically charges:
- $150 for the third bag
- $200 for every bag after that
Because nothing says “vacation” like paying extra for your extra.
American Airlines baggage fee exceptions & waivers (free checked bags)
You may qualify for free checked bags if you have:
- AAdvantage elite status
- An eligible American Airlines credit card
- A ticket in Premium Economy, Business, or First
- Certain international itineraries where baggage is included
The number of free bags varies based on fare class and status level.
Overweight & Oversized bag fees on American Airlines
American may charge additional fees if your bag exceeds the standard weight or size limits. These fees are typically on top of your checked bag fee.
Overweight Bags
- 51–70 lbs: additional fee
- 71–100 lbs: higher additional fee (and may be restricted)
Oversized Bags
- 63–115 linear inches: additional fee
If your bag is both oversized and overweight, expect your wallet to feel it.
American Airlines baggage size & weight limits
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Most standard checked bags must be:
- 50 lbs (23 kg) or less
Some premium cabins or elite status allowances may increase the limit to 70 lbs (32 kg) for eligible bags.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Standard checked bags must be:
- 62 linear inches total (L + W + H)
What you can bring without counting toward your bag allowance
American Airlines typically allows certain items without counting them toward your allowance, such as:
- Medical equipment & mobility aids
- Strollers, car seats, breast pumps
- Duty-free purchases
- Some sports gear (may count as a standard bag if within limits)
American Airlines carry-on baggage rules
Carry-on & personal item allowance
American Airlines generally allows each passenger to bring:
- 1 personal item (must fit under the seat)
- 1 carry-on bag (must fit in the overhead bin)
This applies to most fares, including Basic Economy, meaning your carry-on is usually included at no additional cost.
American Airlines carry-on size limit
- Max carry-on size: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm)
If your carry-on doesn’t fit, it may be gate-checked (sometimes free, depending on the flight and overhead bin space).
American Airlines Personal Item Size Limit
- Max personal item size: about 18 × 14 × 8 inches (45 × 35 × 20 cm)
Common examples: purse, small backpack, laptop bag. If it fits under the seat, it counts. If it doesn’t… congrats, it may be “promoted” to a paid bag.
American Airlines Baggage Fee FAQ's
No, American Airlines typically allows 1 carry-on and 1 personal item for free.
More information on American baggage fees
The actual American Airlines baggage fees charged for checked luggage will vary depending on your specific fare class, loyalty status, and other factors. For additional information on American Airlines checked baggage fees, please visit American’s website. American Airlines® is a registered trademark of American Airlines, Inc. This page was last updated on February 5, 2026. Neither LugLess, nor its parent, subsidiaries, and/or affiliates, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information contained herein.