American Airlines charges fees for checked luggage on domestic flights depending on itinerary and elite status. The first checked bag costs $30 online or $40 at the airport. The second checked bag costs $40 online or $50 at the airport. Additional bags incur fees from $150-$200 each way.
For Main Cabin and upper-class tickets, American allows your first checked bag for free on domestic itineraries. The second bag then costs $40 online/$ 50 at the airport. Additional bags again incur much higher fees.
On international flights out of North America, you’ll pay $30-$40 for your first checked bag, $40-$50 for your second, and $150-$200 or more for additional bags based on your destination. International itineraries originating outside North America have varying fee structures.
How Many Checked Bags on American Airlines?
American Airlines offers free checked bag allowances for Advantage elite status members and certain credit cardholders.
Advantage Gold members get one free bag of up to 50 pounds on domestic flights. Advantage Platinum members get two free domestic checked bags. Advantage Executive Platinum members get three free checked bags on domestic itineraries.
For international flights, the free checked bag allowance for elite members and partner airline elites depends on the cabin and destination. Most economy fares allow one free bag, while business/first fares allow two or more free checked bags up to 70 pounds each.
American Airlines Overweight/Oversize Bags and Other
Bags weighing 51-70 pounds incur an extra $100 charge each way. America does not accept individual bags over 100 pounds. Oversize bags larger than 62 inches long, height plus width, incur oversize fees.
Pre-pay discounted checked bag fees when booking your ticket to lock in a lower rate. Prepaid bags can save you $5-15 per bag per flight. Remember that baggage fees are assessed for each flight leg, so roundtrip checked bag costs will double.
Understanding America’s Checked Baggage Policies
The nitty-gritty details of American Airlines’ checked baggage allowances, restrictions, and fees can be complex. Rules often vary for domestic, international, and inter-island Hawaii, basic economy fares, and other itineraries. Military personnel and dependents, students, seniors, and passengers with infants/children may have additional exceptions.
For a hassle-free trip, always check American’s baggage pages specific to your itinerary a few days before departure. The domestic, international, and military baggage pages provide detailed breakdowns of allowances, charges, overweight bags, elite member benefits, and more. You can also call American at 800-433-7300 for baggage assistance.
Understanding the airline’s policies for your route will let you pack efficiently, minimize fees, and avoid hassles at the airport!
Tips for Avoiding Checked Bag Fees
Checked baggage fees can quickly add up, especially if you travel as a family or group. Here are some tips to avoid checked bag charges on American Airlines:
- Fly with only a carry-on – American allows all passengers a free personal item and full-size carry-on bag. Just pack light and avoid checking bags when possible.
- Join Advantage – Elite status members get free checked bag allowances. Silver gets one free bag; Gold gets 2; Platinum receives 3.
- Get an airline credit card – Many American Airlines credit cards include free checked bags as a perk. The Citi® / Advantage® cards are a popular choice.
- Book Main Cabin Extra or Premium Economy – You’ll pay a bit more for these upgraded economy fares, but they include additional amenities like free checked bags.
- Pre-pay bag fees – Booking your bags ahead of time can save you $5-15 per bag per flight leg vs paying at the airport.
- Fly on off-peak days – American may offer 1-2 free checked bags on some domestic routes during low travel seasons. Avoid peak holiday periods.
- Maximize your free bags – If you get 1 or 2 free checked bags, make them heavy by packing up to the 50 lb limit before going to additional bags.
- Share bags – Spouses, companions, and family members on the same reservation can consolidate bags to avoid paying fees for additional suitcases.
With careful planning and smart packing, you can minimize or avoid checked baggage fees on American Airlines. But be sure to check the specific allowances for your reservation before getting to the airport.
