What Is The Baggage Weight Limit For American Airlines?

American Airlines Weight Policy

Ready to board the American flight? Done with packing? But wait a minute! Have you checked the baggage policy? If not, it’s highly important to do so, as the airline has specific policies and guidelines regarding bringing baggage, whether it is checked or carry-on.

According to American Airlines baggage policy, passengers are usually allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. However, depending on the fare type, weight and size restrictions apply. Hence, before bringing your items, it is important to check the “weight for American Airline bags” to avoid last-minute hassle. 

What Is American Airlines Baggage Policy?

American Airlines has a vast and complex baggage policy, as the fees depend on the fare type and specific destination. Hence, it is best to learn the policy and carry baggage and pay fees accordingly. Here are the major rules of American Airlines baggage policy: 

  • No extra charges are required for one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger, such as a handbag or laptop bag.
  • Baggage fees and allowances are different for domestic and international routes.
  • The American Ailrine carry-on size limit is 22  22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).
  • The weight limit of checked bags in economy class is 23 kg, and for first and business class, it is restricted to 32 kg per bag. 

What Are The Rules For Check-In Baggage on American Airlines?

Rules for check-in baggage differ from destination to destination, AAdvantage status, and fare class. Here are the basic rules of it: 

  • If traveling to St.Croix, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten, each passenger is allowed to bring two checked-in bags.
  • Domestic, transatlantic, or transpacific travelers are eligible to carry 10 bags. 
  • Traveling between Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Brazil can carry five bags.
  • American Airline weight limit baggage is under 23kg, and if a traveler booked a ticket in Business class, they can bring check-in baggage under 32kg. 
  • The dimensions of checked baggage are 158 cm. 

It is suggested that you check or confirm details regarding the check-in baggage weight limit on the AA official website. If you want direct assistance, call the airline's customer service at 800-433-7300. If the number is occupied, connect with the consolidation desk at +1-800-633-0441. 

What If My Baggage Exceeds The American Airlines Allowance Weight Limit?

Generally, the weight for American Airlines bags depends on the ticket type, cabin class, flight, and routes. For instance, the general weight limit for a checked bag on an Economy and Basic Economy domestic flight is 23 Kg. On First and Business class flights, passengers are permitted to carry bags with a weight limit of 32 kg. 

If baggage exceeds the American Airlines allowance weight limit, passengers must pay extra charges or an overweight fee during check-in at the airport. The charges depend on the route; however, this does not mean that you are allowed to bring much heavier bags exceeding the limit of 45 kg. Additionally, American Airline cabin bag size should be right as it requires fitting in the overhead compartments. 

Note: While checking your baggage details, don’t forget to verify that the name on your ticket matches your government-issued ID. If you notice any spelling errors, it’s best to request a Change Name on American Airlines in advance. This avoids issues at check-in, since mismatched names can lead to denied boarding or delays at the airport.

What Are American Airlines Baggage Fees?

As already mentioned, the AA baggage fees depend on numerous factors, such as the ticket type, flight, cabin class, frequent flyer status, and routes. Even these factors impact the baggage allowance. Here are the standard baggage fees imposed by the airline: 

  • Traveling within/between the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US requires paying $40 and $35 (if payment is made online) for the first checked bag. If carrying 2nd checked bag, it is required to pay $45. 
  • When traveling to/from the Caribbean, Central America, Canada, Guyana, and Mexico, the first checked bag requires a $35 baggage fee. The second checked bag is charged $45. 

The above-mentioned are fees imposed by the airline on checked bags. If a passenger exceeds the limit or weight for American Airline bags, they need to pay additional fees. However, the exact amount varies by route and specific weight. Hence, check the details on the official website or through the airline's customer service. 

Can I Get A Refund On The American Checked Bag Allowance? 

No, American Airlines does not refund the checked bag allowance once it is paid. As mentioned on the airline’s official website, all bag fees are non-recoverable. The refund is only credited to the account if the bag is not delivered within a given timeframe or if it is lost. Additionally, if you think the airline has mistakenly charged for bag fees, you need to contact the American representative directly to seek help or to apply for a refund. 

Noted: The American Airlines baggage allowance does not apply to travel within/between Australia and New Zealand. The rules and allowance are different on these specific routes. 

What Is American Airlines Carry On Weight And Size?

AA permits one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. However, the items must be within certain weight and size restrictions. According to American Airlines carry on weight and size restrictions, it must be 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm, whereas for one personal item, the restrictions are 8 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 20 cm. Additionally, these items are required to fit under the seat or in the overhead bin. Usually, these rules apply to basic economy, economy, and higher fares. 

Here are the items that are not part of carry-on or personal items:

  • Breast pump
  • Diaper bags 
  • Small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk
  • Strollers
  • Child safety seats or car seats 
  • Medical or mobility devices

In addition, ensure that American Airline baggage carry on is within the given size limit or weight. In case it does not fit, it needs to be checked. Also, all carry-on items are required to be labeled if they are checked. 

Noted: Some planes and airports may impose extra carry-on restrictions. Hence, check the details once with the airline customer service to ensure stress-free and smooth traveling. 

What Are The Charges For American Overweight Luggage? 

Routes, destinations, and weight significantly affect the charges AA imposes on overweight luggage. Here is the breakdown of the pricing exceeding weight for American Airline bags

  • American Airlines charges $30 for overweight luggage between 158 and 165 cm on routes to Suriname, Canada, the US, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, South Korea, the US Virgin Islands, Singapore, Central America, Australia, Mexico, Japan, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, China, and New Zealand. If the weight limit exceeds 165 to 292 cm, $200 is needed to pay. 
  • For exceeding the American Airline weight limit baggage on the route to Qatar, Israel, Europe, Panama, and South America, a $30 fee applies for overweight luggage between 158 and 165 cm. A $150 overweight luggage fee is imposed for luggage measuring 158 to 292 cm. 

Additionally, the airline will not permit baggage to exceed the weight limit of 45 kg. Exceeding such restrictions can result in denial of boarding or hefty fines, depending on the route. Hence, follow the American Airlines baggage policy to avoid unwanted surprises on the day of travelling. 

What Is The Standard American Airlines Carry On Weight And Size?

American Airlines permits passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item without paying an extra charge. Carry-on bags are not weight-restricted, but they should be within the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm. The dimensions of a personal item (such as a handbag or laptop bag) are 8 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 20 cm. It should fit under the seat. 

How Many Checked Bags Are Allowed To Bring On American Airlines Economy Class? 

Up to 10 checked bags are allowed on domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific flights for economy class. Up to 5 bags are permitted on routes within/between Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. However, the baggage allowance depends on the fare type. Details regarding the charges can be found on the AA official website or by contacting them directly at their official number. 

Can I Bring Two Bags On American Airlines?

Yes, travellers are allowed to bring two bags on American Airlines, but they must pay additional charges. Flying within/between Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the US requires paying $40 for the first checked bag, and the fee is $45 for the second bag. Traveling to/from the Caribbean, Central America, Canada, Guyana, and Mexico requires paying a fee: $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag. 

Conclusion 

Before boarding the flight with American Airlines, it is worth checking the baggage policy to ensure that your baggage is within the weight or size limit. The standard weight for American Airline bags is 23 Kg for Economy and Basic Economy class tickets. Whereas the limit on First Class and Business Class is 32 kg, and the dimensions are 158 cm. However, the weight limit, size, and fees depend on the ticket type, route, cabin class, and frequent flyer status. Hence, check the details on the AA official website or call their customer service number. 800-433-7300. In case this number is busy, or you want easy assistance, dial +1-800-633-0441 and speak to a travel expert.

Note: If you are traveling with a baby, make sure to review the American Infant Policy before packing. While diaper bags, breast pumps, and car seats are not counted as standard carry-on items, specific rules apply for lap infants and ticketed infants. Knowing these guidelines in advance ensures a smooth check-in experience.

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