American Airlines Luggage Policies for 2025: Size, Weight, and Fees

Flying American Airlines in 2025? Learn the latest baggage rules, size limits, weight restrictions, and fees so you can pack smart and avoid surprises at the airport.

If you’re flying American Airlines in 2025, packing your bags the right way can save you time, money, and stress. With ever-changing airline policies, knowing exactly what you’re allowed to bring—and what it’ll cost—is key. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or flying for the first time, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about American Airlines’ baggage rules in plain English.

Carry-On Baggage: What You Can Bring in the Cabin

Every passenger is allowed 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item—free of charge.

Carry-On Bag Size Limit:

• 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels

Personal Item Size Limit:

• 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag

Pro Tips:

• Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Carry-on bags go in the overhead bin.
• Gate agents often check carry-on sizes strictly during full flights.

Checked Baggage: What You Can Put in the Hold

Standard Checked Bag Dimensions:

• 62 linear inches max (length + width + height)
• Weight Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) for economy; 70 lbs (32 kg) for First/Business Class

Checked Bag Fees for 2025 (Economy Class):

Exemptions & Discounts:

• AAdvantage elite members often get 1–3 bags free.
• Certain credit cards (e.g., Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select®) include 1 free checked bag.
• Military personnel traveling on orders can check bags for free.

Oversized & Overweight Bags

Oversize Bag Fee (63–126 linear inches):

• $150–$200 per bag depending on route

Overweight Bag Fees:

Important: Oversized and overweight bags are not allowed to/from certain countries, so always double-check your route.

International Travel: Special Considerations

Fees and allowances vary widely by destination. A few things to note:

• Transatlantic Flights: Economy passengers get 1 checked bag, but may pay for the second.
• Flights to South America: 2 checked bags often included in the fare.
• Flights to Asia and Australia: Stricter policies; overweight fees apply quickly.

Always check your fare type—Basic Economy has different rules.

What’s Not Allowed in Checked or Carry-On Bags?

Prohibited Items Include:

• Explosives, flammable liquids
• E-cigarettes (carry-on only)
• Lithium batteries over 100Wh (check with airline)
• Self-heating meals or hand warmers
• Hoverboards or electric scooters

Special Items: Sports Gear, Musical Instruments & More

Sports Equipment:

• Bikes: $150 handling fee (boxed only)
• Skis/snowboards: Count as one checked bag
• Golf clubs: Accepted if within size/weight limits

Musical Instruments:

• Small instruments (like violins or guitars) can be carried on
• Larger ones must be checked or stored in-cabin with extra seat purchase

Strollers & Car Seats:

• Always fly free when accompanying a child
• Counted separately from other bags

Smart Tips to Avoid Extra Fees

• Weigh bags at home to avoid surprises.
• Use soft-sided luggage—it’s more forgiving on dimensions.
• Wear your heaviest items on the plane.
• Use packing cubes to maximize space.
• Sign up for airline emails—sometimes free bag promos pop up.

Luggage Policies by Fare Type (2025 Summary Table)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if my bag is a little over the limit?
You might be asked to repack or pay an overweight fee. Even 1–2 lbs over can trigger a charge.

Can I bring food in my carry-on?
Yes, solid food is fine. No liquids or gels over 3.4 oz.

Is my backpack a carry-on or personal item?
Depends on size. If it fits under the seat, it’s a personal item.

Can I pool baggage allowance with my travel companion?
Nope—each ticketed passenger has their own allowance.

What if my bag gets lost?
File a report immediately at the baggage desk. Compensation may be available for delayed or lost luggage.

What are the baggage policies for American Airlines’ Basic Economy fares in 2025?

American Airlines’ Basic Economy fares are designed to offer a lower-cost travel option with certain restrictions, particularly concerning baggage allowances.​

Carry-On Allowance:

• Personal Item: Passengers are permitted one personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack, which must fit under the seat in front of them.
• Carry-On Bag: In 2025, Basic Economy passengers are allowed one standard carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin. ​

Checked Baggage Fees:

• First Checked Bag: $40 if paid at the airport; a discounted rate of $35 applies if paid online in advance. ​
• Second Checked Bag: $45. ​

Additional Considerations:

• Overweight Bags: Bags weighing between 51-70 lbs incur a fee of $100, while those between 71-100 lbs are charged $200. ​
• Oversized Bags: Luggage exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height) may be subject to additional fees or may not be accepted. ​
• Special Items: Certain items like sports equipment or musical instruments may have specific policies or additional fees. ​

It’s advisable for travelers to review American Airlines’ official baggage policy before their trip to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected charges.​

How does American Airlines handle baggage fees for international flights in 2025?

American Airlines’ baggage fees for international flights in 2025 vary depending on the destination and fare class.​

Checked Baggage Fees:

• Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana:
  • First Checked Bag: $35.
  • Second Checked Bag: $45. ​
• Europe and Other Long-Haul International Destinations:
  • Fees can vary; it’s recommended to check the specific baggage policy for your destination.​

Additional Fees:

• Overweight Bags: Bags weighing between 51-70 lbs incur a fee of $100, while those between 71-100 lbs are charged $200. ​
• Oversized Bags: Luggage exceeding 62 linear inches may be subject to additional fees or may not be accepted. ​

Exemptions and Allowances:

• Premium Cabin Passengers: Travelers in Business or First Class may have higher baggage allowances, often including multiple checked bags without additional fees. ​
• AAdvantage Elite Members: Depending on status, members may be entitled to complimentary checked bags.​
• Military Personnel: Active U.S. military personnel traveling on orders may be eligible for additional baggage allowances.​

Given the variability in fees and allowances, it’s essential for passengers to consult American Airlines’ official baggage policy or contact customer service prior to international travel to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information.​

Are there any special baggage policies for American Airlines flights to specific destinations in 2025?

Yes, American Airlines imposes specific baggage limitations for certain destinations, particularly during peak travel periods.​

Seasonal Baggage Restrictions:

• Effective Dates: November 21, 2024, through January 12, 2025.​
• Affected Destinations:
  • Colombia: Cali (CLO).​
  • Dominica: Dominica (DOM).​
  • Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo (SDQ), Santiago (STI).​
  • El Salvador: San Salvador (SAL).​
  • Grenada: Grenada (GND).​
• Limitation: Each passenger is allowed only two checked bags on flights to these destinations during the specified dates, regardless of AAdvantage status, oneworld Priority status, or cabin class.​

Additional Considerations:

• Overweight and Oversized Bags: Standard fees apply, but some destinations may have stricter limitations or prohibitions on overweight or oversized luggage.​
• Special Items: Certain items, such as sports equipment or musical instruments, may have additional restrictions or fees when traveling to specific countries.​

Travelers should review American Airlines’ official baggage policies and any destination-specific restrictions well in advance of their departure date to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected charges or issues at the airport.​

What are the fees for overweight and oversized baggage on American Airlines in 2025?

American Airlines has established fees for baggage that exceeds standard weight and size limits.​Reuters

Overweight Baggage Fees:

• 51-70 lbs (23.1-32 kg): $100 per bag. ​
• 71-100 lbs (32.1-45.4 kg): $200 per bag. ​CABINZERO+12My Baggage+12The Points Guy+12
  • Note: Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.​

Oversized Baggage Fees:

• 63-126 linear inches (160-320 cm): $150 per bag.

Over 126 linear inches (320 cm):
Not accepted as checked luggage. For items exceeding this limit, passengers must use American Airlines Cargo services. It’s strongly recommended to measure your bag at home, as dimensions include handles and wheels.

Combined Overweight and Oversized Bags:
If your bag is both oversized and overweight, you’ll be charged both fees separately. For example:

• A bag weighing 75 lbs and measuring 65 linear inches would incur:
  • $200 for being overweight (71–100 lbs)
  • $150 for being oversized (63–126 in)
  • Total: $350 one-way for that single bag

These fees apply per segment, so if you have connecting flights, charges may apply multiple times depending on how your trip is ticketed.

Tips to Avoid These Fees:

• Use a luggage scale to weigh bags before heading to the airport.
• Invest in lighter, soft-sided luggage.
• Pack heavy items in your carry-on if allowed and if within size/weight limits.
• Consider shipping items separately if traveling with bulky gear.

Sticking to standard baggage dimensions and weight limits can save hundreds of dollars. Be especially careful when returning from vacation—souvenirs and shopping can tip your bag over the limit quickly.

Can I bring a stroller or car seat on American Airlines for free in 2025?

Yes, American Airlines allows families traveling with children to bring one stroller and one car seat per child at no extra cost. These do not count toward your regular baggage allowance.

How It Works:

• Stroller: You can use it through the airport and check it at the gate or ticket counter.
• Car Seat: Can be checked for free or brought on board if you’ve purchased a seat for your child. It must be FAA-approved and fit within the aircraft seat dimensions.

Stroller Size Rules:

• Strollers weighing under 20 lbs can be checked at the gate.
• Larger or non-collapsible strollers must be checked at the ticket counter.

Travel Tips:

• Gate-check your stroller for convenience—it’ll be returned to you as you disembark.
• Tag your items with your name and contact info.
• Protect car seats with a bag or cover to avoid damage in the hold.

Traveling with kids can be stressful, but American Airlines aims to ease that by providing flexibility for essential baby gear. Just inform the airline staff at check-in or boarding so they can assist you properly.

Are there any benefits for AAdvantage Elite members when it comes to luggage?

Yes, AAdvantage Elite members enjoy enhanced baggage privileges that can lead to substantial savings.

Elite Tier Baggage Benefits (2025):

Details:

• These allowances apply on domestic and most international flights operated by American Airlines and oneworld partners.
• Priority baggage handling ensures your bags are among the first on the carousel.
• Benefits apply to you and passengers traveling on the same reservation (up to 8 companions, depending on status).

Other Perks:

• Waived oversized/overweight bag fees in some cases (especially for higher tiers).
• Complimentary access to preferred seating and earlier boarding groups.

For frequent flyers, these baggage benefits can save hundreds of dollars per year, especially on multi-city or international itineraries. Be sure your AAdvantage number is attached to your reservation before check-in to ensure benefits are applied.

Do American Airlines credit card holders get free checked bags in 2025?

Yes, several co-branded credit cards with American Airlines include a free checked bag benefit.

Eligible Cards Offering 1st Checked Bag Free (2025):

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

What You Get:

• 1 free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights.
• Applies to the primary cardholder and up to 4–8 companions on the same reservation (varies by card).

Conditions:

• Flight must be operated by American Airlines.
• Card must be open and in good standing.
• The AA frequent flyer number linked to the credit card must be on the booking.

Savings Example:

• Domestic flight, 2 people checking 1 bag each:
  • $40 x 2 = $80 saved per round trip.
  • A few round-trips a year easily offsets the card’s annual fee (usually $99).

If you fly AA a few times a year, carrying one of these cards can be a money-saving no-brainer. Just don’t forget to link your Advantage account when you book.

Conclusion: Pack Smart, Fly Smooth

American Airlines’ baggage policies for 2025 aren’t wildly different from recent years, but the fees add up fast if you’re not paying attention. By knowing your fare class, checking your route specifics, and understanding size/weight limits, you can sidestep those annoying charges and travel with confidence.

Whether you’re packing light or lugging sports gear across the globe, being informed is your best first-class upgrade. Now, go fill that suitcase—just not too full!