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If you're flying on American Airlines, you may need to pay to check your bags — but you may not know how much. Though American Airlines publishes an outline of fees by destination, fare class and elite status, the policy can be complicated to navigate.
In this article, we demystify American Airlines bag fees and outline ways to avoid paying for bags on American, such as using the right credit card .
American Airlines checked bag fees policy
American Airlines luggage fees are based on factors like fare class, destination and number of bags.
Domestic economy passengers within the U.S. can expect to pay the following checked bag fees (assuming they don't have elite status or hold an American Airlines credit card that offers free checked bags):
- $35 for the first checked bag when prepaid online, or $40 at the airport.
- $45 for the second checked bag when prepaid online, or $50 at the airport.
Those fees could be higher if you check more bags or are traveling abroad. Baggage fees can really add up for families traveling together — or for anyone who's bringing a lot with them.
Here's a sampling of other checked bag fees you may encounter:
Extra bag fee
Extra bag fees vary depending on the region you’re traveling to. Your first bag can be checked for $35 to $75. A second bag can be checked for $45 to $100, whereas a third bag will cost between $150 and $200. Fourth bags are allowed on certain flights for a fee of $200 each way. See details here.
If you are flying in a premium cabin or have elite status, you may be able to check additional bags for free.
Oversize bag fee
Bags that are 62 inches to 115 inches if you add length, width, and height cost between $30 and $200 each way depending on where you’re traveling. The fees are nonrefundable and are charged per person. Bags over 115 inches are not accepted.
Overweight bag fee
Generally, the bag weight allowance is 50 pounds. For travel to Australia and New Zealand, the standard allowance is 70 pounds per bag.
Bags that weigh more than 50 pounds or up to 53 pounds incur a $30 fee. Bags that are more than 53 pounds but less than 70 pounds cost $100 (or $200 if you’re flying to Cuba). For bags that are over 70 pounds and up to 100 pounds, the fees range from $200 to $450. Cuba, Europe, Israel, Qatar and Australia do not accept overweight bags.
Overweight bag fees are nonrefundable and are charged per person, each way.
If you are flying in a premium cabin or have elite status, you may be able to check bags up to 70 pounds without paying an overweight fee.
Sports equipment
American Airlines also outlines fees for special items and sports equipment. For example, if you want to bring a golf bag with you, that piece will be treated as a standard checked bag. If your golf bag is overweight, the standard overweight bag fee will need to be paid.
Similarly, a pair of skis (or a single snowboard) and one equipment bag counts as one checked item. Standard bag fees apply for up to 50 pounds and 115 inches (length + width + height); otherwise, oversize fees will apply. If the total weight of all the items (skis, snowboard, equipment bag) is greater than 50 pounds, you’ll need to pay for two separate bags.
» Learn more: How to fly with skis, snowboards for cheap
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6 ways to avoid American Airlines baggage fees
Premium cabin passengers, elite members and even co-branded credit card holders get free checked bags on American Airlines. Checked bag fees are also waived for passengers traveling to certain destinations. Below is a break-down of your options for avoiding American bag fees.
1. Waived fees by destination
With the exception of basic economy fares, all long-haul international main cabin tickets on American include one free checked bag.
The following destinations offer one free checked bag (except on basic economy fares):
- Latin America: Cuba, Haiti, El Salvador, Panama.
- South America: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay.
- Transatlantic flights.
- Transpacific flights: China, Hong Kong, India, South Korea.
- Middle East: Israel and Qatar.
All travelers, including those flying in basic economy, get a free checked bag when traveling to Australia or New Zealand.
Your American AAdvantage number must be linked to your reservation. If you’re flying on a basic economy ticket, the baggage allowance may differ. Confirm with American the price of the checked bag.
» Learn more: A quick guide to airlines with free baggage
Though traveling in premium economy, business or first class costs more, it also includes additional free checked bags. Premium economy, business and domestic first class passengers get up to two free bags, while Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus passengers can check up to three, depending on destination.
3. Free checked bags for elite members
American Airlines has four elite tiers that offer myriad useful benefits, including free checked bags. The free checked bag benefit applies to elite members and guests traveling on the same reservation on American Airlines or American Eagle.
- AAdvantage Gold: One free checked bag.
- AAdvantage Platinum: Two free checked bags.
- AAdvantage Platinum Pro: Three free checked bags.
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum: Three free checked bags.
Oneworld elite members also qualify for free checked bags on American Airlines-operated flights:
- Oneworld Ruby: One free checked bag.
- Oneworld Sapphire: Two free checked bags.
- Oneworld Emerald: Three free checked bags.
» Learn more: Oneworld Alliance: What you need to know
4. American Airlines credit cards with free checked bags
If you don’t anticipate earning elite status or traveling in premium cabins, you can avoid bag fees by getting a co-branded American Airlines credit card.
The great thing about the free checked bag benefit from these co-branded credit cards is that it’s tied to your AAdvantage account number, so you don’t have to pay for your flights with these cards to get the free checked bag. All you have to do is add your AAdvantage number to your reservation.
However, beware that the benefit only applies to domestic itineraries.
American Airlines cards with free checked bags
Annual fee
$99, waived for the first 12 months.
$350.
$595.
Checked bag benefits
One free checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to four companions traveling on the same domestic itinerary.
One free checked bag for the primary cardholders and up to eight companions on the same domestic itinerary.
One free checked bag for the primary cardholders and up to eight companions on the same domestic itinerary.
Welcome offer
Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $7,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
Still not sure?
Other AAdvantage card with checked bag benefits:
- CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: One free checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to four companions traveling on the same domestic itinerary
» Learn more: Which American Airlines credit card should you choose?
5. Free checked bags for military members
Active duty U.S. military members and their dependents receive up to five free checked bags when traveling on orders. For personal travel, up to three bags can be checked free of charge.
» Learn more: Best credit cards for active-duty military
6. Cards that cover airline incidentals
Many premium cards offer annual credits toward airline incidental fees. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 annual travel credit that applies to all travel purchases, including checked bag fees.
Though these premium cards can carry higher annual fees than the American Airlines cards, they also offer more flexibility in terms of redeeming your points and using travel credits.
Does American Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
The short answer is no. American Airlines carry-on rules permit passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge to every destination. The rule also applies to customers flying on basic economy tickets.
American Airlines carry-on size restrictions
When flying American, your carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches and must fit in the sizer in the airport.
The personal item (i.e. purse) must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, with dimensions not exceeding 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
The information related to the has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Explore more on
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