Do You Get A Free Carry On With American Airlines?

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If you’re planning to travel with American Airlines, you might be wondering if you’re allowed to bring a carry-on bag for free. After all, packing your essentials in a carry-on can save you money and time, and make your journey more comfortable. Fortunately, American Airlines does allow you to bring a carry-on bag on board, but there are some rules and restrictions you should know about.

In this article, we’ll guide you through American Airlines’ policies on carry-on luggage, including what size and weight restrictions apply, what you can bring on board, and how to avoid extra fees. So, if you want to make the most of your American Airlines flight and travel light, keep reading!

Do You Get a Free Carry on With American Airlines?

Do You Get a Free Carry on With American Airlines?

If you are planning a trip with American Airlines, it is important to know what their baggage policy is. One of the most common questions for travelers is whether or not American Airlines offers a free carry-on bag. This article will answer that question and provide you with all the information you need to know about American Airlines’ baggage policy.

Carry-On Baggage Policy

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

If you are traveling in Basic Economy, you will only be allowed to bring one personal item on board. Your carry-on bag will be checked at the gate for free. However, if you have elite status with American Airlines or are traveling on a qualifying international itinerary, you will be allowed to bring a full-size carry-on bag on board.

Size and Weight Restrictions

American Airlines has specific size and weight restrictions for both carry-on bags and personal items. Your carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels. Your personal item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Additionally, your carry-on bag and personal item must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If they do not fit, they will need to be checked and additional fees may apply.

The weight limit for both your carry-on bag and personal item is 40 pounds (18 kg). If they exceed this weight limit, additional fees will apply.

Benefits of Bringing a Carry-On Bag

Bringing a carry-on bag on your American Airlines flight can save you time and money. You won’t have to wait at the baggage claim for your luggage, and you won’t have to pay any additional baggage fees.

Additionally, you will have your important items with you at all times. This can be especially useful if you are traveling with valuable items or medications.

Checked Baggage Fees

If you need to check a bag on your American Airlines flight, fees will apply. The fees vary depending on your destination, the number of bags you are checking, and your fare class.

For domestic flights, the fees for the first checked bag start at $30 and increase for additional bags. For international flights, the fees for the first checked bag start at $0 and increase for additional bags.

Carry-On Bag Vs. Checked Bag

Deciding whether to bring a carry-on bag or check your luggage can be a difficult decision. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options.

If you bring a carry-on bag, you will save time and money. You won’t have to wait at the baggage claim or pay any additional fees. However, you will have to carry your luggage with you throughout the airport and on the plane.

If you check your luggage, you will have the convenience of not having to carry your bags with you. However, you will have to wait at the baggage claim and pay additional fees.

How to Avoid Baggage Fees

If you want to avoid baggage fees on your American Airlines flight, there are a few things you can do. The first is to only bring a carry-on bag and personal item with you. This will save you from having to pay any additional fees for checked luggage.

Another option is to have elite status with American Airlines. Elite members are often allowed to check bags for free or at a discounted rate.

Finally, you can also consider getting an American Airlines credit card. Many of these cards offer perks such as free checked bags or waived baggage fees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Airlines does offer a free carry-on bag and personal item for all passengers. However, there are specific size and weight restrictions that you must adhere to. If you need to check a bag, fees will apply. By understanding American Airlines’ baggage policy and following their guidelines, you can avoid additional fees and have a stress-free travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the baggage policies for American Airlines?

American Airlines allows one personal item and one carry-on bag for free per passenger. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin. Any additional bags or oversized bags may incur fees. It is recommended to check the airline’s website for specific restrictions and fees.

What is considered a personal item in American Airlines?

A personal item in American Airlines is a small bag, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, that must fit under the seat in front of you. The dimensions for a personal item should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels. If the personal item exceeds the size limit, it will be considered a carry-on bag and may incur fees.

Can I bring a carry-on bag for free with American Airlines?

Yes, American Airlines allows one carry-on bag for free per passenger. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and should not exceed the size limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. Any additional bags or oversized bags may incur fees. It is recommended to check the airline’s website for specific restrictions and fees.

What happens if my carry-on bag exceeds the size limit in American Airlines?

If your carry-on bag exceeds the size limit in American Airlines, it will not fit in the overhead bin and may incur fees. The fees vary depending on the destination and the type of fare purchased. It is recommended to check the airline’s website for specific restrictions and fees. Alternatively, you may consider checking the bag instead of carrying it on board.

Are there any exceptions to the carry-on bag policy in American Airlines?

American Airlines may make exceptions to the carry-on bag policy for certain items, such as assistive devices, strollers, and car seats. However, these items must still fit in the overhead bin or be stored in a designated area on the aircraft. It is recommended to check with the airline in advance if you need to bring any special items on board.

How many bags can you carry on American Airlines for free?


In conclusion, American Airlines does offer a free carry-on bag for all passengers, regardless of their ticket class. This means that you can bring a bag with you onboard the plane without having to pay any additional fees. However, it’s important to note that there are size and weight restrictions that you must adhere to, so be sure to check the airline’s website before packing your bags.

Having a free carry-on bag is not only convenient but also a great way to save money when flying. Instead of having to pay for checked baggage or additional fees, you can bring your essentials with you onboard the plane. This can be especially helpful if you’re traveling for a short period or don’t want to wait at baggage claim.

Overall, American Airlines provides a free carry-on bag for all passengers, making it easier and more cost-effective to travel. Just remember to check the size and weight restrictions beforehand to ensure that your bag is allowed onboard the plane. With this knowledge, you can now travel with ease and confidence on your next American Airlines flight.

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