American Airlines Baggage Fees: What You Need to Know

What are the baggage fees on American Airlines?

Being aware of the baggage costs ahead of time will help you avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport if you're flying with American Airlines. The cost varies according to your loyalty status, ticket class, and route.

Standard American Airlines Baggage Fees

• $30 for the first checked bag on domestic flights
• $40 for the second checked bag
• $150 for the third checked bag

Depending on the destination, cabin class, and route, fees may change. One complimentary checked bag in Main Cabin or higher is offered on certain international flights.

Additional Charges for Overweight or Oversized Bags

• Overweight luggage (24–32 kg/51–70 lbs): $100\
• Depending on the route, heavier bags (71–100 lbs/33–46 kg) can cost up to $450.
• Bags larger than 62 inches (158 cm): $150 to $200
• Rejected: Bags weighing more than 100 pounds or 115 total

Checked Baggage Fees (Main Cabin & Basic Economy)

American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

American Airlines charges $100 to $200 for overweight baggage if your suitcase weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kg), depending on the route and weight tier.

American Airlines Baggage Fees for Oversized Bags

Additional airline baggage fees, usually between $150 and $200, will apply to bags larger than 62 linear inches (158 cm). If both restrictions are exceeded, fines for being overweight and oversized may be applied simultaneously.

American Airlines Baggage Fees Summary

Fees for overweight and oversized luggage

American Airlines Baggage Fees: Overweight Baggage Fees

Most airlines will charge an additional fee if your checked bag weighs more than the standard limit, which is often 50 pounds or 23 kilograms. The charge increases with the weight of the bag. Bags beyond a specific weight may not be accepted at all by some flights.

American Airlines Baggage Fees: Charges for Oversize Luggage

Even if a bag is under the weight restriction, it will cost more if it is larger than the permitted dimensions, which are typically 62 inches or 158 cm overall. This frequently holds true for things like musical instruments or athletic apparel.

📌 More Information:

• 🧾 The additional charge is only applicable if a bag is both big and overweight (they don't stack).
• 🧳 One-way fees are charged per passenger and per bag.
• 🌍 Prices differ depending on the location, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Cuba.

Excess/Oversize Baggage Fees for American Airlines

American Airlines Excess (Overweight) Baggage Fees

American Airlines permits Economy passengers to check up to 50 pounds (23 kg) on the majority of its flights. Depending on the route, expect to spend an additional $100 to $200 for each bag if it weighs between 51 and 70 pounds (23 and 32 kg). On some flights, bags weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kg) might not be allowed, or they can cost even more.

American Airlines Extra-Large Bag Fees

American Airlines levies an oversized tax of $150 to $200 per bag if the combined length, width, and height of your bag exceeds 62 inches (158 cm). In general, bags larger than 126 inches (320 cm) are not allowed.

Check the airline's special item policies before traveling with big bags, athletic gear, or musical instruments.

U.S Trip.com provides useful tools to assist you in managing baggage fees; however, the fees are the same whether you buy your American Airlines travel directly or through Trip.com.

• ✅ Confirm luggage allowance and costs at the time of booking.
• ✅Make sure to include checked luggage when buying your ticket.
• ✅Later, you can add or change baggage using the Trip.com app.

💡 Booking Advice for Trip.com

• When booking, look at the "Baggage Info" section to view the included baggage and add-on choices by route and cabin.
• If checked bags are not included in your fare (such as Basic Economy), you can add them directly through Trip.com, frequently at a discounted prepaid rate.
• To add or modify bags at any time, go to "My Bookings" → "Manage Booking" on the Trip.com app.
• You only pay the larger of the two fines, not both, if your bag is both overweight and excessive.

Fee Table—Overweight & Oversize Baggage

How American Airlines Offers Free Checked Bags

The cost of checked baggage can mount up rapidly, particularly on lengthy journeys or family holidays. Fortunately, Trip.com can assist you in taking advantage of the clever ways to avoid paying for checked baggage on American Airlines while making your reservation.

How to Get Free Checked Bags on American Airlines

• Purchase a ticket that covers baggage: Main Cabin and above typically include one complimentary checked bag on international flights.
• Make use of the appropriate credit card: On domestic flights, you usually get one free checked bag when you use an American Airlines co-branded card, such as AAdvantage or Citi.
• Possess elite status: Depending on their tier, AAdvantage members with Gold or higher level are eligible for one to three complimentary checked bags.

Free Bags on Foreign Flights

Long-haul international economy tickets on American Airlines typically include one complimentary checked bag. This holds true for numerous well-known areas, including:

• Europe
• Asia
• The Americas
• New Zealand and Australia
• The East Indies
  

Check the fare details on websites such as Trip.com before making a reservation; the baggage information is displayed clearly so you can make the best choice.

American Airlines Baggage Fees—Best Practices for Stress & Cost Saving

These clever techniques for navigating American Airlines' baggage fees will help you avoid surprises at the airport and maintain your vacation budget, especially if you're making reservations through websites like Trip.com.

Tips to Avoid or Reduce Baggage Fees

• Save $5 by paying for your checked luggage in advance online or on the AA app at least 24 hours before departure.
• Choose the appropriate credit card: One complimentary checked bag is provided on domestic flights for you and any passengers traveling with you if you have an American Airlines co-branded card (such as Citi or AAdvantage).
• Benefit from elite status: AAdvantage® Gold, Platinum, and Executive Platinum members are eligible for one to three complimentary checked bags.
• Compare the different fare classes: Checked luggage is frequently included in Main Cabin, particularly on international flights, but not in Basic Economy. Booking websites such as Trip.com make this evident.

Know the Weight and Size Rules Before You Fly

• Come home and weigh your bag: Over 50 pounds (23 kg) is subject to fines.
• 24–32 kg (51–70 lbs): $100
• 33–46 kg (71–100 lbs): Up to $450 (depending on the route)
• Bags larger than 62 inches (158 cm) are more expensive.
• Not permitted: We do not take bags weighing more than 100 pounds (46 kg) or 115 inches (292 cm).
• Special goods: Before booking, AA's special baggage policy should be reviewed for large items, like as athletic gear.