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American Airlines Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

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American Airlines baggage fees are pretty consistent with the average when it comes to larger U.S.-based carriers.

If you’re flying economy, you’ll pay for all checked baggage on domestic flights and routes to/from Canada and Mexico (excluding some status and credit cardholders). For most transpacific and transatlantic routes, your first checked bag is included, providing you haven’t booked a Basic Economy fare.

Where you’ll want to be careful is in the excess department of American Airlines’ baggage policy — if your luggage is both overweight and oversize, American will charge you fees for both.

American Carry-on Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on: FREE

Size Restrictions

  • Personal: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
  • Standard: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)

Passengers may also take a soft-sided garment bag in place of their carry-on that can measure up to 51 inches (130 cm). Bags that require gate-checking may incur a fee.

Lap Infant Carry-On Policy

  • 1 diaper bag per child is permitted in addition to the adult’s carry-on allowance

Stroller Check Policy

  • Each customer is allowed 1 stroller and/or 1 car seat to be checked free of charge (only 1 item can be checked at the gate)
  • Strollers over 20 pounds (9 kg) must be checked at the ticket counter

American Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first class fares (complimentary bags only). The only exclusion is economy and premium economy passengers flying to Australia or New Zealand, where a single checked bag can weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kg) for complimentary baggage and 50 pounds (25 kg) for excess charged bags. Checked bags must adhere to maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

Seasonal Baggage Restrictions

Oversize, overweight and excess bag limitations apply for select cities during select times of the year. Visit American’s Baggage Limitations page for more details.

Economy Checked Baggage Fees:

RouteFirst BagSecond BagThird Bag4+ Bags
U.S. Domestic
(up to 10 bags)
$30$40$150$200
Mexico
(up to 5 bags)
$30$40$200$200
Haiti$0/$30$65$200$200
Cuba
(only 2 bags permitted at present due to COVID-19)
$0/$30*$0/$200$200$200
Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti)
(up to 5 bags)
$30$40$200$200
Central America (except Panama)
(up to 5 bags)
$30$40/$65**$200$200
Guyana and Suriname$30$40$200$200
Panama and South America (except Guyana, and Suriname)
(up to 5 bags)
$0/$45$65$200$200
Transatlantic
(up to 10 bags)
$0/$75$100$200$200
Transpacific
(up to 10 bags)
$0/$75$100$200$200

* First and second bags are free when departing Cuba for the U.S. or Canada. When departing the U.S. or Canada for Cuba, baggage fees apply.
** For travel to/from Honduras, a $65 fee applies seasonally for the second bag.

Hot Tip: All Basic Economy tickets are excluded from complimentary checked bags, even on international flights.

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees (Per One-way)

Overweight Fee 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg): $100 ($200 for Cuba)
Overweight Fee 71 to 100 pounds (32 to 45 kg): $200* (not accepted to/from Europe, Israel, and Qatar or to/from Cuba)

* Flights to/from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, and Australia will cost $450. Additionally, baggage over 71 pounds is not permitted on transatlantic flights or flights to/from Australia.

Oversized Fees

RegionLarger Than 62 Inches (158 cm)
Between the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada$200
Mexico, Caribbean, Central America (except Panama), Guyana, and Suriname*$200
South America (except Guyana and Suriname) and Panama$150
Europe (transatlantic), Israel, and Qatar$150
China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand and Australia (transpacific)$200

*Seasonal and/or year-round checked bag limitations apply to some cities in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

More than 1 fee may apply per bag — for example, the checked bag fee + oversize fee + overweight fee.

Excess Baggage Seasonal Restrictions

Seasonally, only 2 bags are permitted for select cities in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You can view the applicable cities with seasonal limitations.

Excess Baggage Year-round Restrictions

Only 2 bags are permitted for select cities in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. You can view the applicable cities with year-round limitations.

Sporting Equipment and Musical Instruments

Hot Tip: American Airlines accepts oversized sporting equipment and musical instruments within the checked luggage allowance, provided the item weighs less than 50 pounds and does not exceed 126 linear inches. This includes equipment such as skis/snowboards and surfboards that can now be checked as the first bag from $0 to $75 (fee is route dependent).

Oversized items such as hang gliders, windsurfing equipment, or scuba tanks will still incur the $150 fee due to their specific handling requirements. You can find more information on specific items.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

American Airlines does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online or via the mobile app for selected domestic and Caribbean flights. This can be done when you check-in and up to 4 hours before departure.

Here are the ways to prepay:

When logging in, if the option is not available to add baggage then this must be done at the airport check-in desk.

Exclusions and Waivers

First checked bag is complimentary for:

  • Eligible AAdvantage Aviator and Citi/AAdvantage cardmembers (on domestic American Airlines-operated flights)
  • AAdvantage Gold
  • Oneworld Ruby (includes Alaska MVP)

First and second checked bags are complimentary for:

  • AAdvantage Platinum Pro
  • AAdvantage Platinum
  • Oneworld Sapphire (includes Alaska MVP Gold)
  • TrueBlue Mosaic members
  • Confirmed domestic first customers
  • Confirmed business class customers
  • Confirmed premium economy customers

First, second, and third checked bags are complimentary for:

*Executive Platinum and Oneworld Emerald members traveling in first on 3-cabin aircraft may check a fourth bag at no charge.

Active U.S. military and/or dependents with ID traveling 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

Hot Tip: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elites enjoy baggage benefits when flying on American Airlines.

Credit Cards That Give You a Free Checked Bag With American Airlines

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

Check out the details of each card’s checked bag benefit below:

CardBaggage Benefit
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 traveling companions
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 8 traveling companions
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 traveling companions
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 traveling companions
AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver World Elite Mastercard®Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 8 traveling companions
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®Free checked bag on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 traveling companions

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

The information regarding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 
The information regarding AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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254 comments

Marie Mc Entee

October 10, 2019

Is it more expensive to pay for a checked bag at the airport rather than online for a transatlantic flight?

Jarrod West

October 11, 2019

Hi Marie,

Generally, yes it can be more expensive to pay for your bag at the airport as opposed to paying in advance.

Thanks for reading!

VALERIE JIMENEZ

October 15, 2019

Hi,
I will be flying on an American Airlines flight soon and I had purchased a carry on bag. I know the requirements are 22x14x9, but I measured my bag and it’s 23x12x9. Will I be charged for this bag?

Catherine Luther

October 17, 2019

Hi Valerie,

There is always a risk of being asked to check the bag if it exceeds the maximum size stated by the airline.

Nancy R

October 23, 2019

I am traveling with a basic economy ticket in US to get to Dallas and from there premium economy to France. Will I have to pay $30 for my 45 min domestic flight even though the bulk of my travel is via premium economy?

Stephen Au

October 23, 2019

Hi Nancy,

Yes, you will need to pay $30, unless you have one of the American Airlines credit cards. In that case, you can get 1 checked bag for free.

Zelda

October 25, 2019

Hi

I am flying from SA to San Pedro Sula return in December. I have to change to American Airlines in Miami as Qatar does not fly to San Pedro Sula. Are we still liable to pay baggage fees for the trip to Honduras?
We are flying Standard Economy on AA.

Thanks

Stephen Au

October 28, 2019

Hi Zelda,

Please check directly with American Airlines, but you should be able to take 2 checked bags, as you’re flying from Miami to Honduras, which is an international flight to South America.

Athena S

November 09, 2019

I recently acquired an American Airlines CITI Bank Platinum Select credit card. I had already booked a roundtrip ticket for next week using another credit card. Am I still eligible for a free checked bag since I am a current cardholder (even if I didn’t use to purchase the airline ticket).. Thanks

Catherine Luther

November 10, 2019

Hi Athena,

American Airlines don’t require you to book with the credit card to be eligible for the free checked bag but you do need to make sure your AAdvantage account number is on your reservation.

HANIFA

November 27, 2019

I will be flying from Shanghai to Los Angeles. Please let me know what my baggage allowance is.

Jarrod West

November 27, 2019

Hi Hanifa,

You should be permitted to bring 1 personal item, 1 carry-on item, and 1 checked bag weighing no more than 50 lbs (23kgs).

Thanks for reading!

Kenny & Jackie

November 30, 2019

We are booked in AA premium economy from DFW to HNL. Our first bag each is comped in prem econ on AA. I also have an Advantage Mastercard. Will I be allowed a third bag using the credit card benefit on this flight?
Thanks

Catherine Luther

December 05, 2019

Hi Kenny & Jackie,

I don’t believe you would receive a third bag as free luggage is already included in your fare type and free luggage with a credit card is not usually counted in addition to your ticketed luggage. There is also a note on their baggage policy stating “$0 2nd bag fee excludes Alaska and Hawaii” that applies to Premium Economy passengers, so it’s advisable you contact AA to confirm your situation.

Abe Saad

January 04, 2020

I am using a return ticket from the US to Europe and I have an AAdvantage Platinum card but I haven’t used it to purchase my ticket. What is my baggage allowance and is there a fee to pay for it?

Stephen Au

January 04, 2020

Abe,

As long as the AAdvantage Platinum card shares the same AAdvantage number as the ticket holder, you’ll get your free bag. If not, you need to pay.

Kevin Poe

January 05, 2020

We recently booked a flight for 3 of us on economy from Orlando to Seattle with a layover in Phoenix. It appears we change planes in Phoenix, do we have to pay for our checked bags on each leg of the flights, or do the fees cover our entire trip?

Jarrod West

January 05, 2020

Hi Kevin,

Are you flying with American for the entire trip? If so, then yes your baggage fees will cover the entire trip.

Stephanie

January 12, 2020

I currently fly with AA and have and AAdvantage card. I know on domestic the first bag checked is free. I have a trip to Bonaire scheduled and wondered what the baggage fee would be. It isn’t clear for Bonaire.

Jarrod West

January 13, 2020

Hi Stephanie,

You should still receive 1 checked bag for free for being a cardholder, regardless of the destination.

Thanks for reading!

Kenneth Flyer

January 13, 2020

Quick question, I have a trip for 5 on hold with my wife’s aadvantage miles (non cardholder) I am waiting on MY aadvantage card to come in the mail, do I HAVE to use my Aadvantage card in order to get free baggage? Or just make sure my Aadvantage number is on the res. Miles value has already gone up (2x) so not wanting to wait until my card comes which is after the hold….will I have to pay for the bags?

Jarrod West

January 14, 2020

Hi Kenneth,

You do not need to pay with your AAdvantage card in order to get the free baggage as long as your loyalty number is attached to the reservation.

Thanks for reading!

Borut Doles

January 18, 2020

HI,

I am flying from Munich via London to Los Angeles, first leg with British Airways, then with AA. I only have a cabin bag, basic economy ticket.
I checked and my cabin bag measures 55cmx39cmx23cm – linearly 117cm (I think in inches are 46 inches).
While British Airways allows these sizes, then in London I am questioning myself what can happen with AA. Instead of 114cm my linear size is 117cm.
Is AA staff very strict even for a good inch difference? I wonder if may have issues.
If issues, what would be a cost?

Thank you.

Borut

Jarrod West

January 18, 2020

Hi Borut,

I think it is unlikely you will have issues with the size of your bag as they usually don’t measure them unless the expect that it is much larger than the size allowed.

Cheri

January 26, 2020

I am flying AA for the first time on Wednesday and am concerned about my Samsonite hardside luggage meeting the 62 linear inch requirement. How exactly do I measure my suitcase? (Include wheels and handle?) I’m measuring 63″ linear inches. How picky are they? Also, my carry on is 9 1/2″ Please advise. Thank you!

Catherine Luther

January 27, 2020

Hi Cheri,

Maximum linear size can be calculated by measuring the height + width + depth of the bag (including handles and wheels). Whether an oversized bag is permitted (for checked or carry-on luggage) can depend completely on the check-in agent on the day so it’s always advisable to stay within the restrictions to avoid unwanted fees.

Chris

February 11, 2020

Checked bag fees seem somewhat cryptic to me on the AA website. Can someone give me the quick and dirty on flying economy, not basic, but main cabin, and the fee for one checked bag? The website says $0/$60, but I’ve also seen straight up $60. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Catherine Luther

February 12, 2020

Hi Chris,

If you’re flying a transatlantic route standard economy, then your 1st checked bag is included in the ticket. The $60 fee is if a passenger has booked a basic economy fare on a transatlantic route. If you’re flying a domestic route, then no baggage is included and this can be purchased for £30. Hope that helps!

Adrian

February 23, 2020

I have a basic economy ticket booked from the UK to the Dominican Republic with a layover in Miami. Does anyone know how it works with checked luggage? I’m confused – does it count as 1 flight with a transfer or can I have 1 free checked luggage to Miami and then would I have to pay extra when flying to the Dominican Republic? If it counts as 1 flight (all flights booked with AA) – am I eligible to 1 free checked bag or not?

Jarrod West

February 23, 2020

Hi Adrian,

Basic economy tickets do not include a free checked bag, just a personal item, and a carry-on item. However, if you do opt to pay for a checked bag the fee will count for the entire duration of the trip – not just one leg.

Safe travels!

Mike

March 06, 2020

Are AA award flights subject to the same baggage fees? Also if the award flight is booked with a citi credit card will the baggage fees be waived?

Jarrod West

March 07, 2020

Hi Mike,

Yes, award flights are subject to the same baggage fees. If you have a Citi American Airlines card connected to your account then you will receive your first checked bag free.

shannon

April 15, 2020

Is the $30 checked bag each way or round trip? If round trip what is the baggage fee for a one way trip?

Catherine Luther

April 16, 2020

Hi Shannon, the $30 checked bag fee is each way.

meylin

April 20, 2020

I’m flying first class on airbus 321 aircraft. How many checked in bags am I allowed and what is their weight limits

Jarrod West

April 20, 2020

Hi Meylin,

You should be allowed to bring 2 checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each.

Thanks for reading!

Jodi

May 27, 2020

How do I receive my free checked baggage for myself and my family? I just signed up for the AA Citicard. I know it is one each, but do I do that at check in time via the app, or do I have to do it in person? I just want to be sure I do it correctly.

Also, I purchased a trip prior to getting the credit card through AA, obviously, I will have the card during my actual trip time so does that mean I can also get free baggage for that as well? Thank you!

Jarrod West

May 28, 2020

Hi Jodi,

As long as your credit card is attached to your AA account number, you will receive a free checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions on the same itinerary. There is no need for you to do anything extra. When you select that you will be checking bags, either during booking or at the airport, the system will know not to charge you for them.

As far as the trip you booked prior to opening the card, as long as your credit card account was opened 7 days prior to air travel, and your reservation includes your American Airlines AAdvantage, then you can still receive a free checked bag for the flight.

Kathy

June 14, 2020

I am an AA Member but used another credit card to purchase my ticket by mistake. Will I still get the free first checked bag?

Jarrod West

June 14, 2020

Hi Kathy,

If you have an American Airlines credit card that offers a free checked bag, you do not need to pay for your flight with the card in order to receive the benefit.

Brittany B

October 30, 2020

AA gives the option to pay for bags at check in. If I have an AA platinum should I check in at the airport to add the checked bags (I also paid with this card)? Doing it online it is saying I owe $60.

Jarrod West

October 30, 2020

Hi Brittany,

Yes, you can add your checked bags when you check in and the airport, and you should not be charged thanks to your AA Platinum card.

carlos

November 01, 2020

I am going from SFO to Cancun. Do I have to pay to check bags?

Jarrod West

November 02, 2020

Hi Carlos,

Yes, from the US to Mexico AA charges $30 for the first checked bag, $40 for the second checked bag, $150 for the third bag, and $200 for each bag after that.

Jaime

November 28, 2020

I will travel from San Antonio Texas to COSTA Rica. How much does American charge for the first and second baggage? Can I pay for the baggage with a prepaid debit card, the ones you buy at Walmart? I want to pay for my baggage with my Chase debit card from my house, can I do it?
If I pay my ticket at home online with my Chase debit card Can I pay my baggage as well?

Catherine Luther

December 03, 2020

Hi Jaime,

For this route, American would charge $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag. Prepaid luggage is only possible on domestic flights within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, and select markets in the Caribbean and Central America, so you will need to login to your booking to check whether you’re able to do this. Payment methods can vary between airports, so you should contact the airline to check this.

Have a good flight.

Al

December 12, 2020

Hi. Thanks for the info!
If I am travelling London to Lima, changing in Miami, and the ticket is marked ‘Economy’, am I correct that my first checked bag is included in the price (no additional charge), as it counts as Transatlantic? I can see the policy changed 1 Dec 2020.

At the link below under “Between Europe, Israel, Morocco and U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean (including Haiti), Central America, South America
Or connecting via Europe to another destination” it is $60 for Basic Economy and $0 for Main Cabin – no reference to ‘Economy’.

Thanks for your help.

https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/support/optional-service-fees.jsp

Catherine Luther

December 15, 2020

Hi Al,

Yes, if you have booked an economy/main cabin ticket (not a basic economy ticket), then your first bag should be free for the entire journey.

Lenn Rodriguez

December 13, 2020

I’m flying round trip from Cuba to the US and on my return I’m planning to bring 2 bags but the information given on the AA site is confusing. I’m traveling Basic economy, but in bag limitations, it doesn’t say anything about basic economy.
Does this mean I can only bring a carry-on and a personal item? Can’t I bring my 2 bags or may I do it if I pay for it?

Jarrod West

December 19, 2020

Hi Lenn,

In basic economy flights to Cuba you will be allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item, but checked baggage will cost you $30 for the first bag, and $40 for the second bag.

Jin

February 21, 2021

There are a lot of credit cards that give the first bag free for domestic flights. Most international flights include the first bag free, but what about the Caribbean? (Specifically the Dominican Republic)

1st bags are not automatically included for free. Are there any credit cards that give the first bag free to the Caribbean?

Jarrod West

February 22, 2021

Hi Jin,

There are several American Airlines credit cards that offer a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, but that just includes Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, United States, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Flights to the Caribbean, and namely the Dominican Republic, would not receive a free checked bag even if you’re an AA credit cardholder.

Joan Madeus

April 05, 2021

So I am just doing a domestic flight from SEA to DSM. I was wondering if my boyfriend prepays for my baggage online, do I need his card when I go to the kiosk to print out my bag tags? Since he is going to be in DSM and not with me on the flight.

Jarrod West

April 06, 2021

Hi Joan,

No, you should not need to have his card with you when you print out your baggage tags. Safe travels!

Jane C.

April 26, 2021

I am traveling and my flight arrives in Chicago on Friday and leaves early on Saturday morning. If I pay for a checked bag on the Friday night flight, will I need to pay again on Saturday since I will have to stay in a hotel on Friday night?
Also, I am a AAdvantage member, but am flying with two other persons. As an AAdvantage member is my checked bag free? Theirs are not?

Jarrod West

April 26, 2021

Hi Jane,

If your flight is all under the same itinerary you should not have to pay twice for your checked bag. You’ll need to have AAdvantage Gold status in order to receive a free checked bag, as that perk is not included for base level members.

Andre

May 23, 2021

I am traveling to Jamaica in business class. How many checked bags do I get and what size can they be?

Jarrod West

May 24, 2021

Hi Andre,

For this route, you should be permitted to bring 2 checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each, plus one carry-on bag and a personal item.

Pauline Stieff

June 11, 2021

We are traveling from Seattle to Mazatlan, Mexico with a connection thru LAX. It is round trip on one ticket and they are American Airlines/American Eagle flights. I paid for it with an American Airline Aviator credit card which waives the first baggage fee for domestic flights on American. Is this considered a domestic flight due to the connections?

Will there be a baggage fee or is considered international?

Jarrod West

June 14, 2021

Hi Pauline,

This should be considered an international ticket so you should not be charged baggage fees.

Mary

June 12, 2021

If I am traveling economy class to Europe, can I pay for an extra carry on? Besides the 2 checked bags, how many extra bags am I allowed to pay for it? Thank you

Jarrod West

June 14, 2021

Hi Mary,

Yes, you can certainly pay for an extra bag. You should be permitted to purchase up to 8 pieces of extra luggage.

Mary

June 20, 2021

Thank you for your reply. Would you please let me know where I can find the fees for each checked bag? I only can find the price up to the 3rd checked bag. Or any extra checked luggage will be the same price of the 3rd bag, $200 each.
I appreciate your assistance

Jarrod West

June 21, 2021

Hi Mary,

We include the price chart for up to 4+ bags directly in our article. If you tell me where you are flying to and from, then I can help give you an idea of what you should expect to pay.

Mary

June 21, 2021

I am flying from US to Portugal. I would like to check in 6 to 7 bags/ boxes. Thank you so much for your assistance.

Jarrod West

June 22, 2021

Hi Mary,

For that route, your first checked bag should be free, your second checked bag should cost $100, and every checked bag after that should cost $200. So you would expect to pay $900 for 6 checked bags, and $1,100 for 7 checked bags.

Rana Ramay

June 18, 2021

Hi, I am active duty military travelling with dependents on orders. American Airlines booked my extra bags as per military baggage allowance at Tampa but the connecting Qatar Airlines at Philadelphia forced me to pay USD 2000 for extra bags moments before the departure threatening me to offload my bags and refusing to give me the fresh boarding passes. How can I address this issue and get a refund.

Jarrod West

June 21, 2021

Hi Rana,

Have you already tried contacting American Airlines about this – since you booked your tickets through them?

Samuel Hermanns

June 24, 2021

If you have first class for one of your flights and economy for your connecting flights do you get free bags or do you have to pay

Jarrod West

June 24, 2021

Hi Samuel,

If the tickets were booked under one itinerary, then you should get the first class baggage benefits for both flights.

Hala sayegh

June 27, 2021

I am flying from Phoenix to Amman, Jordan. I am trying to pay for a second checked bag online, however, it is not giving me an option to. What do I do? I fly tomorrow please help!

Jarrod West

June 28, 2021

Hi Hala,

You can check and pay for the additional bag when you arrive at the airport. Just make sure you arrive early in case the check-in line is long.

Richard Chinn

July 11, 2021

American increased the baggage allowance for Platinum Pro to three 70 pound bags in 2021.

Jarrod West

July 14, 2021

Hi Richard,

Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the baggage weight limit depend on your cabin class and destination even if you’re Plat Pro?

Chris

July 19, 2021

I will be flying from the UK to Chicago so will (presumably) go through Immigration, Customs etc. there.
I then fly to Seattle (American Airlines as is the UK to US flight). From Seattle I will transfer to Alaska Airlines, all the flights will be on one booking/reservation number. Do I have to reclaim my baggage in Seattle or is it handed from AA to AS automatically?

Jarrod West

July 19, 2021

Hi Chris,

It is likely that your baggage should be able to be handed off to Alaska, but when you re-check your bags in Chicago they should be able to tell you exactly. Safe travels!

Christopher

July 27, 2021

If a party of three fly on one reservation with checked baggage included and they decide to take four bags (one more than included, between them), when paying/checking in, do they have to nominate one of them as the “owner” of the extra bag? Or, is just classed as an extra bag between them?

Jarrod West

July 30, 2021

Hi Christopher,

If you are all on the same itinerary then it should not make a difference. You can just tell the check-in desk that you have 4 bags to check. Safe Travels!

Edward

October 03, 2021

I booked a ticket via budget air flying from Melbourne, Australia to Tucson, Arizona. My flight to the US is with Etihad, then once I get to the States I have a domestic flight from Chicago to Tucson which is with American Airlines. My ticket says my bags are included on all my flights, but I’m wondering if I have a way to verify that? Is this true?

Jarrod West

October 04, 2021

Hi Edward,

If your ticket states that all of your bags are included then that is what it should be as those are your terms of carriage. If you want to verify you could call each airline individually to verify, though that would be quite time-consuming.

Penny Pugh

November 27, 2021

I just flew a domestic flight in the US and paid for my ticket with a Citi AAdvantage Mile Up credit card and had to pay $30 for my 1 checked bag! So please update your website because I was misled and could have had other options if I knew this before I got to the airport! Bummer for me.

Jarrod West

November 29, 2021

Hi Penny,

The Citi AAdvantage MileUp card does not offer a free checked bag on AA flights. The cards included in this piece are the Citi Platinum Select card and the Citi Executive World Elite card, both of which do offer a free checked bag on AA flights.

Alison Cope

January 26, 2022

We have booked basic economy ticket with BA, but are flying AA from Heathrow to Miami in February. Can I check in a bag online before? Maybe when I do the online check in? Or is it check-in when we arrive at the airport? If so, is it guaranteed we will be able to check it in? Thank you

Jarrod West

January 31, 2022

Hi Alison,

Yes, you can add a checked bag to your booking online in advance by managing your booking on the British Airways website or mobile app.

Bill M

March 09, 2022

I used AAdvantage miles and paid the taxes with my Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard which I know gets one free checked bag on domestic flights. However, this flight has 3 segments (MSY-ORD-SEA-ANC) – the first is an American Airlines flight but the last two are Alaska Airlines flights. Will my free checked bag benefit still apply? Second question – is the answer any different if all the segments booked through American were on Alaska Airlines flights?

Jarrod West

March 09, 2022

Hi Bill,

If you purchased all 3 flight segments through American, then yes you should receive your checked bag benefit on each flight leg.

Ana

May 19, 2022

Before I book a basic economy ticket from Lambert Saint Louis to Guayaquil Ecuador in August I would like to know how many bags I am allow to check-in.

Chris Hassan

May 23, 2022

Hi Ana,

A Basic Economy ticket does not come with any free checked bags unless you are an AAdvantage cardmember or have elite status. Checked bags start at $45.

Claudia

February 24, 2023

D you have to purchase your flights with the citi aadvantage platinum select card to get the benefit of the first check bag free? or just having your AAdvantage member number on the reservation is more than enough?

Jarrod West

February 24, 2023

Hi Claudia,

No, you do not have to pay with your card to receive the free checked bag.

Salvador

August 03, 2023

Hi! I am flying to Mexico from Chicago and bought a Basic Economy fare ticket. Apparently it says I cannot buy a checked bag when doing the check in. Could I do that at the airport? I saw their conditions and terms changed this June and I’ve never traveled with this airline before.

Jarrod West

August 03, 2023

Hi Salvador,

Yes, you should be able to buy a checked bag at the airport.

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