Travel is easier when you know what to expect and plan ahead. Pack like a pro with information regarding the size, weight and number of bags you can check or carry on, the applicable charges and exceptions, charges for additional checked baggage, waivers for military personnel, guidelines for sports and specialty items and more.
Exceptions to charges for the first and second bag include customers who purchase First or Business Class tickets, AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum® and AAdvantage Gold® members as well as customers who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class. View a complete list of exceptions.
Dimensions, Weight and Number of Bags
Itinerary
Number of Bags Allowed*
Size and Weight Per Bag Allowed*
Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada
Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs - is subject to a $50 USD overweight baggage charge (Maximum of three excess bags will be accepted.)
Over 70 lbs/32 kgs - will not be accepted
Travel to/through/from Asia
One bag carry-on: No charge
Two bags checked: No charge
45 in/114 cm (carry-on)
62 in/157 cm (checked) 50 lbs/23 kgs (checked)
Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs - is subject to a $50 USD overweight baggage charge (Maximum of three excess bags will be accepted.)
71 lbs/32 kgs - 100 lbs/45.5 kg is subject to a $450 USD charge.
Other International Travel
Varies 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.
Note: 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.
*Bags over the size or weight allowance will incur additional charges.
See below for Specialty Items.
$100 per piece for the 3rd, 4th and 5th checked bags
$200 per piece for the 6th checked bag and any additional pieces
From Mexico to the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Canada, Europe and India
OR To Mexico from the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Canada, Europe and India
The U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to or from
Europe and India
OR
The U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Connecting through
Europe and India to another destination.
For tickets purchased on or after September 14, 2009:
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.
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 an American Airlines representative
at 1-800-433-7300.
Infant Seats or Child Restraint Devices
Learn about devices that can be brought on board, information regarding checking strollers or car sears as well as other helpful information on our Traveling With Children And Infants page.
Audio/Visual Equipment
Camera, film, lighting, and sound equipment will be charged a rate
of $50.00 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 flight. 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 coach cabin and are only accepted on certain aircraft
types, please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300.
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 three pieces of baggage free of charge.
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 bag in the
free allowance up to 100 lbs. and 115
inches. The second and third bags are
free of charge up to 50lbs. and 62 inches.
Travel orders must be presented when
checking the 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 Dependents
U.S. Military dependents traveling on orders are allowed to check two bags free of charge.
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.
If more than two bags are checked, excess charges apply. Oversize and overweight charges apply if applicable.
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 at 1-800-433-7300 for detailed information.
The following guidelines for sports equipment being transported on American are
effective for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
Maximum Size and Weight
Items that exceed the maximum allowable size and/or weight will be subject
to applicable oversize and/or overweight charges.
Items that are larger than 115 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)
Charges
Charges listed are in U.S. Dollars
For information related to travel outside of United States, Puerto Rico and USVI, please contact Reservations.
Liability
AA/American Eagle/AmericanConnection® carrier 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.
Item
Allowance/Requirements
Cost
Maximum Size and Weight
Additional Information
Antlers
Must be as free of residue as possible. The skull must be wrapped and tips protected.
$100 in addition to the applicable checked baggage charge, based on the number of checked bags.
70 lbs
115 inches
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
- 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
One bow, one quiver, arrows and maintenance kit
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
Backpack/ Knapsack/
One Backpack/knapsack with or without frame
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
Bicycles
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.
$100 in addition to the applicable checked baggage charge, based on 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 baggage charge for the 1st checked bag.
70 lbs
115 inches
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
- Exception: If a bike is less than 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs., the above conditions do not apply
Boogie / Skim / Speed Boards
One boogie, skim or speed board
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
Bowling Balls
Bowling case with bowling balls and shoes
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
- 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
One piece of camping equipment
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
- Camping stove fuels, Sterno, matches, lighters and flares are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Fishing
Two rods and one reel
contained in a case and one bag with
fishing tackle, landing net and fishing
boots.
Two pieces - Fishing
rod case and fishing equipment bag
are charged the applicable checked
bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked
bag. When in excess, each item will
be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Fishing rod case 50 lbs.
115 inches
Equipment bag 50 lbs.
62 inches
For purposes of excess baggage, two pieces count as one item
Golf Clubs
One golf bag containing
no more than 14 golf clubs, 12 golf
balls and one pair of golf shoes
Charged the applicable
checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd
checked bag. When in excess, each item
will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Maximum free weight on golf clubs is 70 lbs. Size is limited
to the size of a hard-sided golf case.
- Swingless Golf Club load strips are considered dangerous
goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Hangliders
One hanglider
$100
in addition to the applicable checked baggage
charge, based on the number of checked bags.
70 lbs
115 inches
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
Hockey/ Lacrosse
Hockey/Lacrosse sticks and one equipment bag
Two pieces - Equipment
bag plus Hockey/Lacrosse stick(s) are
charged the applicable checked bag
charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag.
When in excess, each item will be subject
to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Equipment bag up to 50 lbs. and 62 inches plus Hockey/Lacrosse
stick(s)
For purposes of excess baggage, two pieces count as one item
Javelin
One javelin
$100
in addition to the applicable checked baggage
charge, based on the number of checked bags.
70 lbs
115 inches
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
Kayak, Boats, Sculls, Canoes
Not accepted.
Oars
One pair of oars
Charged the applicable
checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd
checked bag. When in excess, each item
will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
Pole Vault
Not accepted.
Scuba Gear (with tanks)
One scuba tank, scuba regulator, tank harness and tank pressure
gauge.
$100
in addition to the applicable checked baggage
charge, based on the number of checked bags.
70 lbs
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)
Scuba regulator, tank harness and tank pressure gauge.
Charged the applicable
checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd
checked bag. When in excess, each item
will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
Shooting Equipment
Maximum amount per
case is three rifles/shotguns or five
pistols/revolvers 11 lbs/5 kgs ammunition,
shooting mat, noise suppressors, and
tools.
Charged the applicable
checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd
checked bag. When in excess, each item
will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
Charged the applicable
checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd
checked bag. When in excess, each item
will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
Skis Water / Snow / Snowboards
One
pair of skis/snowboard and one bag
containing a pair of ski /board boots
only
Two pieces - Ski/board boot bag and one pair of skis/snowboard are charged the
applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece.
- Ski/board boot bag up to 50 lbs. and 62 inches
- One pair of skis/snowboard up to 115 inches
- 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
One surfboard, Kiteboard, Wakeboard, or Wave Ski
$100 in addition to
the applicable checked baggage charge,
based on 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.
70 lbs
115 inches
- Acceptance conditional
on aircraft size and load conditions
- Exception: If the Kiteboard/wakeboard/Wave ski is
less than 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs., the
above conditions do not apply
Tennis
Rackets
Tennis
Rackets and tennis balls
Charged the applicable
checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd
checked bag. When in excess, each item
will be subject to the baggage
charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
Tent/Sleeping
Bag
One
tent with frame or one sleeping bag
Charged the applicable
checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd
checked bag. When in excess, each item
will be subject to the baggage
charge for a single piece.
50 lbs
62 inches
Windsurf, Kitesurf
One board, one mast,
boom and sail
$100 in addition to
the applicable checked baggage charge,
based on the number of checked bags.
Can be two pieces
70 lbs.
115 inches each
piece
- Acceptance conditional
on aircraft size and load conditions
- Up to two pieces (as described at left)
count as one piece for baggage charges.
The Jim Wilson Desk at AA Cargo (1-800-228-7878) handles the transportation of your deceased loved ones, in coordination
with a funeral home/director. Our Passenger Reservations personnel (1-800-433-7300) will make travel arrangements for any
escort 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 .
See more travel information about our partner carriers within our oneworld alliance.
Reservations
Travel is easier when you know what to expect and plan ahead. Pack like a pro with information regarding the size, weight and number of bags you can check or carry on, the applicable charges and exceptions, charges for additional checked baggage, waivers for military personnel, guidelines for sports and specialty items and more.
