Baggage Allowance For American Airlines Award Travel Explained

American Airlines' baggage fees vary by route, fare class, and loyalty status, with standard fees starting at $35 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. Additional fees apply for overweight, oversized, or extra bags, and passengers can save by pre-paying for baggage online or via the app. Elite status members, premium cabin passengers, and certain credit card holders may receive complimentary checked baggage allowances.

The first checked bag is complimentary for eligible AAdvantage Aviator and Citi/AAdvantage cardholders (on domestic American Airlines-operated flights), oneworld Ruby, first and second checked bags are complimentary for oneworld Sapphire, confirmed domestic first customers, confirmed business class customers, and confirmed premium economy customers. Confirmed Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus customers, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, and oneworld Emerald members travelling in Flagship First may check a fourth bag at no charge. Active U.S. military and/or dependents with ID travelling on orders: first through fifth bags free of charge. Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel: first through third bags free of charge.

Nearly all American Airlines-branded credit cards provide a free checked bag on your domestic flights with American Airlines. Friends and family can receive a free checked bag when on your itinerary.

Baggage fees for travel within and between the US, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

Number of Bags

For travel within and between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, the first checked bag fee is $40 if paid at the airport and $35 if paid online. The second checked bag fee is $45. These fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you purchase an upgrade that includes free checked bags.

Online Payment

You can save time and money by paying for your checked bags online within 24 hours of departure. This option is available for travel within and between the US, including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. For tickets issued on or after February 20, 2024, you can save $5 on the first checked bag fee for travel within and between these destinations.

Membership Status

Certain membership statuses qualify for free checked bags. For example, eligible AAdvantage® Aviator® and Citi®/AAdvantage® cardholders can enjoy a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines-operated itineraries. AAdvantage Gold® status members also receive one free checked bag. AAdvantage Platinum® status, oneworld® Sapphire members, confirmed domestic first customers, confirmed business customers, and confirmed premium economy customers are entitled to two free checked bags.

AAdvantage Executive Platinum® status, AAdvantage Platinum Pro® status, and active US military personnel with ID travelling on orders can check up to five bags for free. Additionally, active US military personnel with ID on personal travel can check up to three bags for free.

Baggage fees for travel to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Guyana

Baggage fees for travel to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana are as follows:

The first checked bag fee is $35 and the second checked bag fee is $45. These fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you purchase or receive an upgrade that includes free checked bags. The size limit for each bag is 62 inches/158 cm and the weight limit is 50 lbs/23 kg. For First/Business class, the weight limit is 70 lbs/32 kg for free bags and 50 lbs/23 kg for excess charged bags.

It's important to note that there may be seasonal and year-round bag restrictions for travel to certain destinations within these regions. Additionally, American Airlines allows up to 5 checked bags on American-operated flights for travel to/from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged for bag fees, you can contact an American Airlines representative for assistance or file a refund claim within 45 days.

To save time and money, it is recommended to pay for checked bags online within 24 hours of departure. By doing so, you can receive the best price available and check up to 3 bags when checking in on the American Airlines website or mobile app.

Baggage fees for travel to/from Cuba

For travel to Cuba, a $30 fee applies to the first checked bag in Basic Economy, and there is no fee for the first checked bag in the Main Cabin. For tickets issued on or after February 20, 2024, a $35 fee applies to the first checked bag in Basic Economy, and there is still no fee for the first checked bag in the Main Cabin.

For travel to Cuba, a $200 fee applies to the second checked bag seasonally from November 16 to January 9. Outside of these dates, a $150 fee applies. This excludes Main Plus for tickets issued on or after September 20, 2023.

Each passenger travelling to Cuba may only check up to two bags, with a maximum weight of 70 lbs/32 kg per bag, plus one carry-on bag and one personal item. Seasonal exceptions apply to Havana, Cuba.

Baggage fees for travel to/from the Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti)

Baggage fees for travel to/from the Caribbean (excluding Cuba and Haiti) are as follows:

For travel to/from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag fee is $35 and the second checked bag fee is $45. These fees apply per person, each way, even if you purchase or receive an upgrade that includes free checked bags. The bag fees are non-refundable.

The size limits of your bag are calculated by adding the total outside dimensions (length + width + height), which should not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). The weight limit for checked bags is 50 lbs (23 kg). For First/Business class, the weight limit is 70 lbs (32 kg) for free bags and 50 lbs (23 kg) for excess charged bags.

If you are travelling on an American Airlines-operated flight, you can check up to 5 bags. However, there may be seasonal and year-round bag restrictions.

It is recommended that you check the airline's website for the most up-to-date information on baggage fees, as they are subject to change.

Baggage fees for travel to/from Central America (except Panama)

If you're travelling to/from Central America (excluding Panama), the first checked bag fee is $35 and the second checked bag fee is $45. These bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way. You can check up to 5 bags on American-operated flights if you're travelling to/from Central America.

The size and weight restrictions for your checked bags are as follows:

• Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm
• Weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs

For First/Business class, the weight limit is 70 lbs / 32 kgs for free bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags.

You can pay for up to 3 checked bags per person before arriving at the airport. If you're checking more than 3 bags per person, you must add the additional bags at the airport, and oversize, overweight, and excess bag charges may apply.

It's important to note that American Airlines reserves the right to change rates, terms, and conditions at any time before payment without notice. Therefore, it's recommended to check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions