Can You Have Two Carry On Bags American Airlines?

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If you’re planning to travel with American Airlines, you may be wondering about their carry-on baggage policy. Specifically, you may be wondering if you can bring two carry-on bags on your flight. In this article, we’ll explore American Airlines’ policy on carry-on bags and provide you with all the information you need to know before you take off.

Carry-on bags are an essential part of air travel, allowing passengers to keep important items close at hand during their journey. However, every airline has its own rules and regulations regarding the number, size, and weight of carry-on bags. Let’s take a closer look at American Airlines’ policy on carry-on bags and find out if you can bring two bags on your next flight.

Can You Have Two Carry on Bags American Airlines?

Can You Have Two Carry on Bags American Airlines?

American Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the world, serving millions of passengers every year. If you are planning to travel with this airline, you might be wondering if you can bring two carry-on bags with you. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at American Airlines’ policy regarding carry-on bags and answer this common question.

Carry-on Baggage Allowance on American Airlines

American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The carry-on bag should not exceed the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you and can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or similar item.

If you need to bring additional items with you, such as a coat, umbrella, or duty-free purchases, they must be placed in your carry-on bag or personal item.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are some exceptions to American Airlines’ carry-on bag policy. First and foremost, if you are traveling with an infant, you are allowed to bring a diaper bag in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item. The diaper bag should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

If you are a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you may be eligible for certain benefits that allow you to bring additional bags on board. For example, Executive Platinum members and oneworld Emerald members are allowed to bring two carry-on bags and one personal item with them.

Benefits of Bringing Two Carry-on Bags

If you are wondering why you might want to bring two carry-on bags with you on American Airlines, there are several benefits to consider. First, you can avoid checked baggage fees by packing everything you need in your carry-on bags. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you are traveling with a large group or for an extended period.

Additionally, having two carry-on bags can make it easier to keep your belongings organized and accessible during your flight. You can use one bag for essentials like your wallet, phone, and snacks, and the other for larger items like clothes and toiletries.

Carry-on Bags vs. Checked Bags

While bringing two carry-on bags can be convenient, there are some downsides to consider as well. For example, if your bags are too large or heavy, you may have trouble fitting them in the overhead bin or carrying them through the airport. Additionally, if you have to gate-check your bags due to limited space on the plane, you may have to wait longer to retrieve them after your flight.

On the other hand, checking your bags can also have its drawbacks. You may have to pay additional fees for checked baggage, and there is always the risk that your bags could be lost or delayed during transit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as traveling with an infant or having elite status with the airline. While bringing two carry-on bags can be convenient, it’s important to consider the potential downsides and weigh them against the benefits of avoiding checked baggage fees and having easy access to your belongings during your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about carry-on baggage on American Airlines:

What is American Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy?

American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, or small backpack that can fit under the seat in front of you. The carry-on bag should be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches and fit in the overhead bin.

If you’re flying Basic Economy, you’re only allowed a personal item, and your carry-on bag will be checked at the gate for free.

Can I bring two carry-on bags on American Airlines?

No, American Airlines only allows one carry-on bag per passenger. If you try to bring a second bag on board, you may be asked to check it at the gate or consolidate your items into one bag.

However, there are some exceptions for certain items like strollers, diaper bags, and medical devices. These can be brought on board in addition to your personal item and carry-on bag.

What happens if my carry-on bag is too big for American Airlines?

If your carry-on bag exceeds the size limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, you’ll have to check it at the gate or ticket counter. American Airlines charges a fee for checked bags, so make sure to check the size requirements before you pack to avoid any unexpected fees.

If your bag is slightly larger than the limit, you may be able to bring it on board if there’s space in the overhead bins. However, it’s always best to follow the guidelines to avoid any issues.

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on bag on American Airlines?

No, American Airlines only allows one personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger. If your backpack fits the size requirements of a personal item and can fit under the seat in front of you, you can bring it on board in addition to your carry-on bag.

However, if your backpack is too large to fit under the seat, you’ll have to check it at the gate or ticket counter.

What is considered a personal item on American Airlines?

A personal item on American Airlines can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack that can fit under the seat in front of you. It should be no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. If your personal item exceeds these dimensions, it will be considered a carry-on bag and may be subject to checked bag fees.

Make sure to check the size requirements before you pack to avoid any issues at the gate or ticket counter.

Can you take 2 carry on bags on American Airlines?


In conclusion, American Airlines allows passengers to bring two carry-on bags on their flights. However, it’s important to note that one of those bags must fit in the overhead bin and the other must fit under the seat in front of you. It’s also important to check the size and weight restrictions for both bags to avoid any extra fees or denied boarding.

Traveling with two carry-on bags can be convenient, as it allows you to have more of your belongings easily accessible during the flight. This can be especially helpful for longer flights or if you have important items you don’t want to check in.

Overall, it’s always a good idea to review the airline’s specific policies and guidelines before you pack for your trip. By doing so, you can ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free travel experience with American Airlines. Happy travels!

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