How Much Does American Airlines Charge For Overweight Bags?

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Are you planning a trip with American Airlines and worried about the baggage fees? One of the most common concerns among travelers is the cost of overweight bags. Understanding the fees and policies can save you time, money, and stress at the airport. In this article, we will dive into American Airlines’ overweight baggage fees and provide you with essential information to help you plan your next trip hassle-free. So, let’s get started!

How Much Does American Airlines Charge for Overweight Bags?

How Much Does American Airlines Charge for Overweight Bags?

American Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the United States. They operate flights to over 350 destinations worldwide. As a passenger, it is important to know the baggage policy of the airline you are traveling with. In this article, we will discuss the overweight baggage fees charged by American Airlines.

Checked Baggage Weight Limits

American Airlines allows passengers to check up to 10 bags per person on domestic and international flights. However, the weight limit for each checked bag is 50 pounds or 23 kilograms. Any bag that exceeds this weight limit will be considered overweight.

If your bag weighs over 70 pounds or 32 kilograms, it will not be accepted as checked baggage. You may have to either remove some items from your bag or pay for an additional bag if you have more items to transport.

Overweight Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights

If your checked bag weighs between 51 to 70 pounds or 24 to 32 kilograms, you will have to pay an overweight baggage fee of $100. This fee is in addition to the standard checked baggage fee, which varies based on the route, class of service, and frequent flyer status.

For bags that weigh over 70 pounds or 32 kilograms, you will have to pay a fee of $200 per bag. This fee is also in addition to the standard checked baggage fee.

Overweight Baggage Fees for International Flights

If you are traveling internationally with American Airlines, the overweight baggage fees are different from domestic flights. For bags that weigh between 51 to 70 pounds or 24 to 32 kilograms, you will have to pay a fee of $100 to $150 depending on the destination.

For bags that weigh over 70 pounds or 32 kilograms, the fee can range from $200 to $450 depending on the destination. It is important to note that some destinations may have different fees, so it is best to check with American Airlines before your flight.

Benefits of Paying for Overweight Baggage

If you have to pay for overweight baggage, it may seem like an inconvenience. However, there are some benefits to paying the fee instead of removing items from your bag:

  • You can transport all of your items without having to leave anything behind.
  • You can avoid the hassle of repacking your bag at the airport.
  • You can save time by checking in your bag without having to remove items.

Overweight Baggage vs. Additional Baggage

If you have more items to transport, you may be wondering if it is better to pay for an additional bag instead of an overweight bag. Here are some things to consider:

Overweight Baggage Additional Baggage
Less expensive than an additional bag More expensive than overweight baggage
May not be accepted if over 70 pounds or 32 kilograms Accepted up to 50 pounds or 23 kilograms
Can transport more items in one bag May require multiple bags to transport items

Ultimately, the decision to pay for overweight baggage or an additional bag depends on your specific travel needs.

Conclusion

In summary, American Airlines charges a fee for overweight baggage on domestic and international flights. The fee varies based on the weight of the bag and the destination. Before your flight, it is important to check the baggage policy of the airline to avoid any surprises at the airport. If you have to pay for overweight baggage, remember that it may be more convenient than removing items from your bag or paying for an additional bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveling with American Airlines can be a great experience, but it’s important to know the fees and charges associated with your trip. Here are some answers to common questions about overweight baggage fees.

What is the weight limit for checked baggage on American Airlines?

The weight limit for checked baggage on American Airlines is 50 pounds or 23 kilograms. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you will be charged an overweight fee. It’s important to weigh your baggage before arriving at the airport to avoid any surprises.

If you know that your baggage will exceed the weight limit, you can purchase additional baggage allowances in advance to save money. American Airlines offers a pre-pay option for baggage fees on their website.

How much does American Airlines charge for overweight baggage?

If your baggage exceeds the weight limit of 50 pounds, you will be charged an overweight fee. The fee depends on the weight of your baggage and your destination. For domestic flights within the United States, the overweight fee is $100 per bag. For international flights, the fee can range from $100 to $450 per bag.

It’s important to note that overweight fees are in addition to any standard baggage fees that may apply. If you know that your baggage will be overweight, it’s best to purchase additional baggage allowances in advance to save money.

What is the maximum weight for carry-on baggage on American Airlines?

The maximum weight for carry-on baggage on American Airlines is 40 pounds or 18 kilograms. In addition to weight restrictions, there are also size restrictions for carry-on baggage. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters.

It’s important to follow these restrictions to ensure that your carry-on baggage will fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. If your carry-on baggage exceeds these restrictions, you may be asked to check it at the gate.

Does American Airlines charge for carry-on baggage?

No, American Airlines does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage. However, if your carry-on baggage exceeds the size or weight restrictions, you may be asked to check it at the gate. In this case, you may be charged a checked baggage fee.

If you’re unsure about the size or weight of your carry-on baggage, it’s best to check with American Airlines before you arrive at the airport to avoid any surprises.

Can I purchase additional baggage allowances on American Airlines?

Yes, you can purchase additional baggage allowances on American Airlines. If you know that your baggage will exceed the weight or size restrictions, it’s best to purchase additional allowances in advance to save money.

American Airlines offers a pre-pay option for baggage fees on their website. You can purchase additional allowances up to 24 hours before your flight. It’s important to note that fees for additional allowances are non-refundable, so be sure to purchase only what you need.

American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, American Airlines charges a fee for overweight bags that exceed the weight limit of 50 pounds. If your bag weighs between 51-70 pounds, you will be charged $100 for domestic flights and $200 for international flights. For bags weighing between 71-100 pounds, you will be charged $200 for domestic flights and $400 for international flights.

It is important to note that these fees are in addition to any other fees that may apply, such as checked baggage fees or oversized baggage fees. It is always a good idea to check the airline’s website or contact customer service to confirm the current fees and policies before you travel.

To avoid these fees, it is recommended that you pack light and weigh your bags before arriving at the airport. You can also consider shipping your luggage ahead of time or using a luggage delivery service to avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with overweight bags at the airport. By planning ahead and being mindful of the weight of your luggage, you can save yourself time and money on your next trip with American Airlines.

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