Baggage Allowance
Enter your itinerary below or select the "View All" tab to determine checked bag charges. You may also find Important Travel Information and information regarding transportation of the deceased.
Dimensions, Weight and Number of Bags
The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height.
Carry-on roller board bags, duffle bags, large backpacks, or other personal items that don't fit in the overhead bins or under the seat must be checked at the gate and placed in the cargo compartment on American Eagle planes.
Attention First and Business Class Customers
We are pleased to offer customers in First and Business Class the ability to check three bags at no charge when traveling on American or connecting with British Airways or Iberia.
Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada
Number of Bags Allowed*
One personal item: No charge
One bag carry-on: No charge
Checked bags. Charges may apply
Size and Weight Per Bag Allowed*
36 in/91 cm (total dimensions)
45 in/115 cm (carry-on) No larger than 22 in/56 cm long, 14 in/36 cm wide, and 9 in/23 cm high
62 in/158 cm (checked)
50 lbs/23 kgs (checked)
Travel to/through/from Europe
Number of Bags Allowed*
One personal item: No charge
One bag carry-on: No charge
One bag checked: No charge
Size and Weight Per Bag Allowed*
45 in/115 cm (carry-on)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
50 lbs./23 kgs (checked)
Charges may apply for additional bags. Exceptions apply
Maximum number of 10 checked bags allowed per passenger.
View European Union rules on Restricted Items related to animal products.
Travel to/through/from Japan or China
Number of Bags Allowed*
One personal item: No charge
One bag carry-on: No charge
Two bags checked. No charge
Size and Weight Per Bag Allowed*
45 in/115 cm (carry-on)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
50 lbs./23 kgs (checked)
Maximum number of 10 checked bags allowed per passenger.
Travel to/from Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central And South America
See rules for Brazil.
Number of Bags Allowed*
One personal item: No charge
One bag carry-on: No charge
One bag checked: No charge
Size and Weight Per Bag Allowed*
45 in/115 cm (carry-on)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
50 lbs./23 kgs (checked)
Charges may apply for additional bags. Exceptions apply
Maximum number of 5 checked bags allowed per passenger.
Note: There are year-round limitations on boxes and baggage when traveling to Bolivia and some cities in Brazil.
Travel to/from Brazil
Number of Bags Allowed*
One personal item: No charge
One bag carry-on: No charge
Two bags checked. No charge
Size and Weight Per Bag Allowed*
45 in/115 cm (carry-on)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
70lbs./32kg (checked)
Charges may apply for additional bags. Exceptions apply
Maximum number of 5 checked bags allowed per passenger.
Note: There are year-round limitations on boxes and baggage when traveling to Bolivia and some cities in Brazil.
Other International Travel
Varies by destination. Contact Reservations for charges or seasonal restrictions.
*Bags over the size or weight allowance will incur additional charges. See below for specialty items.
Baggage Charges
Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico
- $25 for the first checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
- $35 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
- $150 for any additional pieces
THE UNITED STATES, THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, OR PUERTO RICO TO/THROUGH/FROM EUROPE
- $60 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
- Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags.
Canada to/from the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands and
Puerto Rico
- $25 for the first checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
- $35 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
- $150 for any additional pieces
Canada to/through/from Europe
For tickets purchased on or after August 30, 2011:
- $60 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
For tickets purchased before August 30, 2011:
- Two bags checked - No charge
- Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags.
Mexico to/from the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Canada or Europe
For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012
- $40 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
For tickets purchased before February 8, 2012
- $30 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
- Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags.
BETWEEN MEXICO, THE CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012
- $40 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
For tickets purchased before February 8, 2012
- $30 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
- Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags.
The Caribbean and Central America to/from the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Canada or Europe
For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012
- $40 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
For tickets purchased before February 8, 2012
- $30 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
- Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags.
South America (except Brazil) to/from the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada
For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012
- $70 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
For tickets purchased between August 30, 2011, and February 7, 2012
- $30 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
For tickets purchased before August 30, 2011:
- Two bags checked - No charge
- Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags.
South America (EXCEPT BRAZIL) TO/THROUGH/FROM EUROPE
For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012
- $60 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
For tickets purchased between August 30, 2011, and February 7, 2012
- $30 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.
For tickets purchased before August 30, 2011:
- Two bags checked - No charge
- Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags.
All other itineraries
Vary by destination. Contact Reservations for charges or seasonal restrictions.
Overweight/Oversize Baggage Charges
Additional charges apply to this type of baggage and are collected at the airport ticket counter.
Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada
Overweight Baggage Charges
Checked baggage weighing over 50 lbs./23 kgs but not more than 70 lbs./32 kgs will be charged at the rate of $100 per piece.
Checked baggage weighing over 70lbs./32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs./45 kgs will be charged at the rate of $200 per piece.
Oversize Baggage Charges
Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/158 cm will be charged at the rate of $200 per piece.
Travel to/through/from Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central and South America
Overweight Baggage Charges
Over 50 lbs./23 kgs but less than 70 lbs./32 kgs is subject to a $100 USD overweight baggage charge.
Checked baggage weighing over 70lbs./32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs./45 kgs will be charged at the rate of $200 per piece.
Baggage weighing more than 100 lbs./45 kgs will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Oversize Baggage Charges
Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/158 cm will be charged at the rate of $200 per piece.
Baggage measuring more than 126 in/320 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Travel to/through/from Europe
Overweight Baggage Charges
Over 50 lbs./23 kgs but less than 70 lbs./32 kgs is subject to a $60 USD overweight baggage charge.
Over 70 lbs./32 kgs will not be accepted.
Oversize Baggage Charges
Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/158 cm will be charged at the rate of $150 per piece.
Baggage measuring more than 126 in/320 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Exception for U.K.: Baggage measuring more than 80 in/204 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Travel to/through/from Japan or China
Overweight Baggage Charges
Over 50 lbs./23 kgs but less than 70 lbs./32 kgs is subject to a $60 USD overweight baggage charge. (6,000JPY if originating in Japan)
Checked baggage weighing over 70lbs./32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs./45 kgs will be charged at the rate of $450 per piece. (45,000JPY if originating in Japan)
Oversize Baggage Charges
Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/158 cm will be charged at the rate of $150 per piece. (15,000JPY if originating in Japan)
Baggage measuring more than 126 in/320 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage.
All other itineraries
Vary by destination. Contact Reservations for charges or seasonal restrictions.
The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height.
Certain aircraft types cannot accept some oversized articles due to the dimensions of the cargo doors. If you are traveling with an oversized article, please contact an American Airlines representative to ensure your destination is typically served by an aircraft that can accommodate your article.
Specialty Items
There are exceptions, special rules, and/or packing instructions that apply to some specialty items. Examples of these include duffel bags used by military personnel and certain musical instruments. To determine if your item has special charges, please contact American Airlines Reservations
Infant Seats or Child Restraint Devices
Learn about devices that can be brought onboard, information regarding checking strollers or car seats as well as other helpful information on our Traveling With Children And Infants page.
Important Note: Effective June 1, 2011, acceptance of strollers as checked baggage changed. Please visit our Traveling with Children page for more information.
Audio/Visual Equipment
Camera, film, lighting, and sound equipment will be charged a rate of $50 USD per piece when tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies, commercial film-making companies, professional photographers, the federal government, Department of Defense or the American Society of Media Photographers. These rates apply to travel within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and international destinations. A maximum of 25 pieces is allowed per organization/company per American Eagle flight or 40 pieces for American Airlines flights. This policy is subject to seasonal and permanent baggage embargoes. The maximum size and weight allowances are subject to the policies in place for the destination.
Firearms/Ammunition
View the rules and regulations for transporting firearms and ammunition on flights within the U.S. For information on transporting these items internationally, please contact Reservations.
Musical Instruments
Small musical instruments may be carried onboard the aircraft providing they meet existing carry-on size requirements and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Case dimensions may not exceed 45 dimensional inches (width + length + height), except for guitars which may be brought on board only if they can be safely stowed in an overhead bin or approved stowage location in the cabin. The instrument is considered the passenger's one allowed carry-on bag. A personal item is allowed in addition to the instrument. See Carry-On Allowance for more information.If an instrument is too large to fit in the carry-on baggage space, an additional seat may be purchased. In this case, an instrument must travel in a window, bulkhead seat, with the customer in the adjoining seat. Due to their size Bass Fiddles are not accepted in the Main Cabin and are only accepted on certain aircraft types, please contact an American Airlines representative.
Instruments may also be transported as checked baggage, however, due to their fragile nature AA does not accept liability for damages and has limited liability for loss. AA is also not liable for any damage to checked musical instruments not presented in a hard-sided case. If the outside of the hard-sided case does not have visible damage, AA is not liable for any damage to the musical instrument inside the case.
Military Baggage
- Active U.S. military personnel are allowed to check five pieces of baggage free of charge when traveling on orders.
- Active U.S. military personnel are allowed to check three pieces of baggage free of charge when traveling on personal business or pleasure.
- Each checked bag in the free allowance may be up to 62 inches and weigh up to 50 lbs. The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height.
- Active U.S. military personnel traveling on orders are allowed one oversize / overweight bag in the free allowance up to 100 lbs. and 115 inches for no additional charge. Travel orders must be presented when checking the oversize / overweight bag.
- The 70 lb. maximum bag weight limit for Europe and Asia does not apply for U.S. military baggage if traveling on orders.
- Military ID must be presented. Traveling in uniform is not required.
Military Dependent Baggage
- U.S. military dependents traveling on orders are allowed to check two bags free of charge.
- If more than two bags are checked, excess charges apply. Oversize and overweight rates will be charged if applicable.
- Each checked bag in the free allowance may be up to 62 inches and weigh up to 50 lbs. The size limitation is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag; length + width + height.
- Military Dependent ID must be presented along with a copy of active orders to receive the free Military Dependent Baggage allowance.
Mobility Devices
Wheelchairs/scooters, braces or other assistive devices are accepted free of charge as checked baggage and are in addition to the normal checked baggage allowance. There are special handling procedures for motorized equipment. Please contact an American Airlines representative for detailed information.Sports Equipment
For information related to travel outside of United States, Puerto Rico and USVI, please contact Reservations to ensure your destination is typically served by an aircraft that can accommodate your article.
Maximum Size and Weight
- Items that are larger than 126 inches and 100 lbs. will not be accepted as checked baggage. Contact a freight forwarder for assistance with these items.
- Additional items not included in the item description below must not be packed inside the sports case and are subject to overweight and/or oversize charges.
- All inches are dimensional inches (length + width + height)
Liability
- AA/American Eagle/AmericanConnection® carriers are not liable for any damage to sports items not presented in a hard-sided case. If the outside of the hard-sided case does not have visible damage, AA/American Eagle/AmericanConnection carrier are not liable for any damage to the sports item inside the case.
- Sports cases designed for specific items such as golf bags, boot bags and bike cases are intended to carry only that sports item.
Charges
- Charges listed are in U.S. dollars
- For information related to travel outside of United States, Puerto Rico and USVI, please contact Reservations to verify currency.
Antlers
Allowance/Requirements
Must be as free of residue as possible. The skull must be wrapped and tips protected.
Cost
$150 regardless of the number of checked bags.
Maximum Weight and Size
70 lbs., 126 inches
Additional Information
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load factors
- Passengers must make all arrangements and assume full responsibility for complying with any applicable laws, customs, and/or other governmental regulations, requirements or restrictions of the county, state, or territory to/from which the antlers are being transported.
Archery
Allowance/Requirements
One bow, one quiver, arrows and maintenance kit
Cost
When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Backpack/Knapsack
Allowance/Requirements
One backpack/knapsack with or without frame
Cost
When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Bicycles
Allowance/Requirements
One non-motorized touring or racing bike
Handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed or pedals and handlebars must be enclosed in plastic foam or similar material. Bike must be in a hard-sided case built for bike transport or a bike bag or box. Bikes not in a hard-sided case are considered fragile.
Cost
$150 regardless of the number of checked bags.
Exception: If bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 lbs., the bike is charged the applicable 1st checked bag rate.
Maximum Weight and Size
70 lbs., 126 inches
Additional Information
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load factors
- Exception: If a bike is less than 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs., the above conditions do not apply
Boogie / Skim / Speed Boards
Allowance/Requirements
One boogie, skim or speed board
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Bowling Balls
Allowance/Requirements
Bowling case with bowling balls and shoes
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Additional Information
Bowling ball cleaners that contain high amounts of acetone or alcohol over 70% in volume are considered dangerous goods and will not be allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Camping Equipment
Allowance/Requirements
One piece of camping equipment
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Additional Information
Camping stove fuels, Sterno, matches, lighters and flares are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Fishing
Allowance/Requirements
Rods and reels contained in a case and one bag with fishing tackle, landing net and fishing boots
Cost
Two pieces - Fishing rod case and fishing equipment bag are charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
Fishing rod case: 126 inches
Equipment bag: 50 lbs., 62 inches
Additional Information
For purposes of excess baggage, two pieces count as one item
Golf Clubs
Allowance/Requirements
One golf bag containing no more than 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls and one pair of golf shoes
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
Maximum free weight on golf clubs is 70 lbs. Size is limited to the size of a hard-sided golf case.
Additional Information
Swingless Golf Club load strips are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Hang Gliders
Allowance/Requirements
One hang glider
Cost
$150 regardless of the number of checked bags.
Maximum Weight and Size
70 lbs., 126 inches
Additional Information
Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load factors
Hockey / Lacrosse
Allowance/Requirements
Hockey/lacrosse sticks and one equipment bag
Cost
Two pieces - Equipment bag plus Hockey/Lacrosse stick(s) are charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
Equipment bag up to 50 lbs. and 62 inches plus Hockey/lacrosse stick(s)
Additional Information
For purposes of excess baggage, two pieces count as one item
Javelin
Allowance/Requirements
One javelin
Cost
$150 regardless of the number of checked bags.
Maximum Weight and Size
70 lbs., 126 inches
Additional Information
Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
Kayaks, Boats, Sculls, Canoes
Allowance/Requirements
Not accepted.
Oars
Allowance/Requirements
One pair of oars
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Pole Vault
Allowance/Requirements
Not accepted.
Scuba Gear (with tanks)
Allowance/Requirements
One scuba tank, scuba regulator, tank harness and tank pressure gauge
Cost
$150 regardless of the number of checked bags.
Maximum Weight and Size
70 lbs.
Additional Information
Regulator valve must be completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside.
Scuba Gear (without tanks)
Allowance/Requirements
Scuba regulator, tank harness and tank pressure gauge
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Shooting Equipment
Allowance/Requirements
Maximum amount per case is three rifles/shotguns or five pistols/revolvers 11 lbs./5 kgs ammunition, shooting mat, noise suppressors and tools
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Additional Information
Please visit our Transporting Firearms And Ammunition page for more information.
Skateboard
Allowance/Requirements
One skateboard
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Skis: Water or Snow / Snowboards
Allowance/Requirements
One pair of skis/snowboard and one bag containing a pair of ski /board boots only
Cost
- One pair of skis/snowboard and one boot bag containing only boots/bindings will be treated as a single item with the applicable checked bag charge.
- Boot bag must not exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height) and must contain only boots/bindings. Boot bags that contain other articles will be subject to the excess baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
One pair of skis/snowboard up to 126 inches and one boot bag containing boots/bindings only and not to exceed 45 dimensional inches (length + width + height)
Additional Information
- Lighters or torches for applying ski wax are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage
Surfboards / Kiteboards / Wakeboards / Wave Ski
Allowance/Requirements
One surfboard, kiteboard, wakeboard or wave ski
Cost
$150 regardless of the number of checked bags.
Exception: Kiteboard/wakeboard/wave skis that are less than 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs. are only subject to the applicable checked baggage charge, based on the number of checked bags.
Lightweight surfboards packaged in a single bag that weighs less than 70 lbs. will be accepted as a single surfboard for charging purposes.
Maximum Weight and Size
70 lbs., 126 inches
Additional Information
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load factors
- Exception: If the kiteboard/wakeboard/wave ski is less than 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs., the above conditions do not apply
Tennis Rackets
Allowance/Requirements
Tennis rackets and tennis balls
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Tent / Sleeping Bag
Allowance/Requirements
One tent with frame or one sleeping bag
Cost
Charged the 1st or 2nd bag rate as applicable. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum Weight and Size
50 lbs., 62 inches
Windsurf, Kitesurf
Allowance/Requirements
One board, one mast, boom and sail
Cost
$150 regardless of the number of checked bags. Can be two pieces
Maximum Weight and Size
70 lbs., 126 inches each piece
Additional Information
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load factors
- Up to two pieces (as described) count as one piece for baggage charges.
Important Travel Information
Strollers that are large, non-collapsible or over 20 lbs. must be checked at the ticket counter. Learn more about traveling with infants or children.
Customers with pets traveling as checked baggage are required to present a valid health certificate. Learn more about traveling with pets.
Changes to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America checked bag charges for tickets purchased for the Main Cabin on or after February 8, 2012. Learn more about Baggage Charges.
Changes to bag charges when traveling Canada to, from or through Europe for tickets purchased for the Main Cabin on or after August 30, 2011. Learn more about Baggage Charges.
If you're checking a bag, be sure you are familiar with baggage cutoff times and check-in recommendations as well as security checkpoints, options for obtaining a boarding pass, premium security checkpoints and more. Learn more about Suggested Arrival Times.
Transportation of the Deceased
The Jim Wilson Desk (1-800-228-7878) handles the transportation of your deceased loved ones, in coordination with a funeral home/director. Our Reservations personnel will make travel arrangements for escorts accompanying uncremated remains.
Cremated Remains
Cremated remains traveling with a passenger are handled in the same manner as carry-on baggage. No special documents are required for travel within the United States. For international travel, refer to that country's consulate and/or burial advisor.
Crematory Containers
Certain crematory containers such as urns are unable to be screened at security checkpoints by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). An American Airlines airport agent may consult TSA personnel to determine if your container may be transported as carry-on or checked baggage. Please seek guidance from a funeral home to help determine if a particular crematory container will pose any difficulty at a TSA screening point.
