Have you flown with US Airlines before? If not, learn everything about baggage, fees, and restrictions for American Airlines right here.
The baggage allowance depends on fare class, ticket type, and route, and may vary daily.
The maximum dimensions for baggage are 56 cm by 36 cm by 23 cm, excluding handles and wheels. Passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage and one personal item, which should fit comfortably under the seat in front of them. Examples of acceptable items include a laptop bag, briefcase, purse, or tote bag.
Note: Items such as strollers, child safety seats, soft-sided cooler bags for breast milk, diaper bags (one per child), and medical or mobility devices are not considered personal or carry-on items.
Passengers in Basic Economy are now allowed to bring one complimentary carry-on bag to all destinations, in addition to a personal item.
Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item at no additional cost. However, the following guidelines must be followed.
Make sure to check your bag's size before heading to the airport to ensure it complies with our size restrictions.
Carry-on bags must not exceed 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm) to fit in the overhead compartment. Be sure to include handles and wheels in your measurements.
Personal items must be 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) to fit beneath the seat in front of you. Acceptable items include laptop bags, backpacks, and purses.
If you’re unsure about your bag’s size at the airport, you can use our luggage sizers to confirm.
On most Basic Economy flights, only one personal item is permitted. Carry-on bags are restricted unless traveling to South America, across the Atlantic, or across the Pacific. Additional bags must be checked, and a $25 surcharge applies if a carry-on is checked at the gate, in addition to the standard bag fee.
Passengers with Premier status on MileagePlus, those traveling with a Premier member, primary holders of qualifying MileagePlus credit cards, or Star Alliance Gold members are allowed one complimentary carry-on bag.
Occasionally, a plane may have insufficient overhead space for carry-on luggage, requiring bags to be gate-checked. Gate-checked bags are returned to passengers upon arrival, not at baggage claim. This is common on United Express flights.
On CommutAir flights, only one personal item is allowed. Carry-on luggage is permitted on other United Express flights, but space may be limited. Check your itinerary in My Trips to determine whether your flight is operated by United Express. You will be notified in each segment of your flight if a different carrier is operating.
If your carry-on exceeds size restrictions or ticket limits, it will be available for collection at baggage claim upon arrival.
As of February 20, 2024, changes have been made to baggage fees and allowances.
Traveling between the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands? The first checked bag costs $40 (or $35 if purchased online), and the second bag is $45.
For Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag fee is $35, with the second bag costing $45.
All baggage fees are non-refundable and apply per passenger at each check-in location, even if upgrades offer complimentary checked baggage. Refund claims must be submitted within 45 days if overcharged for baggage.
On American Airlines flights, up to ten bags may be checked for transatlantic, transpacific, or domestic routes.
For travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Brazil, or Mexico, you may check up to five bags on U.S. air flights.
Fees depend on ticket type, destination, active U.S. military dependency status, airline status, United Airlines card ownership, or frequent flyer program membership.
The standard domestic U.S. baggage fees are:
For international flights to/from the U.S., typical checked baggage fees on United Airlines (UA) include $60 for the first bag and $100 for the second. Basic economy fares allow one free checked bag, with the second costing $100. Certain routes include two checked bags as standard, which can be verified using United’s "Baggage Calculator."
Excess luggage fees begin at $150 depending on the route. Check specific charges via United’s "Baggage Calculator" on their website.
Note: Temporary and permanent excess baggage embargoes exist for select destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and South America. Check "Baggage Embargoes" on United.com for details.
For domestic flights within the U.S., overweight luggage fees are as follows:
51–70 lbs (24–32 kg): $100–200 per bag
71–100 lbs (33–46 kg): $400 per bag
Bags over 100 lbs (46 kg) are not accepted.
Flight charges to/from the U.S. range from $200–400. Confirm costs via United’s "Baggage Calculator."
Bags measuring 160–292 cm (63–115 inches linear) incur a $200 fee. Larger bags cannot be checked or held.
Charges vary by type of sports equipment. Larger items start at $150. Visit the United Airlines baggage information page for more details.
1. Destination-Based Waivers
Many international main cabin fares include one complimentary checked bag, except basic economy tickets. American Airlines provides free checked baggage for select U.S. itineraries to:
2. Credit Card Waivers
Holders of U.S. credit cards issued by American Airlines or partners may enjoy waived baggage fees. Check with your bank for applicable cards.
3. Elite Status Waivers
AAdvantage members with Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum status receive complimentary checked bags. Benefits vary by status level.
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