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Flying can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to packing. The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport and find out that your airline charges for checked bags. This begs the question: Does American Airlines charge for bags? Let’s explore the baggage policies of one of America’s major airlines to help ease your travel worries.
American Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. However, when it comes to checked bags, the policy depends on your flight route and fare class. Keep reading to find out if you’ll need to budget extra for your luggage on your next American Airlines flight.
Contents
- Does American Airlines Charge for Bags?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is American Airlines’ baggage policy?
- How much does American Airlines charge for checked bags?
- What are the fees for oversized and overweight bags on American Airlines?
- Is there a way to avoid baggage fees on American Airlines?
- What should I do if my baggage is lost or damaged on American Airlines?
- How To Print A Boarding Pass For United Airlines?
- Are American Airline Tickets Cheaper At The Airport?
- How To Sign Up For American Airlines Frequent Flyer?
Does American Airlines Charge for Bags?
When planning a trip, it’s important to consider all the expenses involved, including baggage fees. American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world and offers a variety of services to its passengers. But do they charge for bags? Let’s take a closer look.
Carry-on Baggage
When flying with American Airlines, you are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin. American Airlines does not charge for carry-on baggage, as long as it meets the size and weight requirements.
If your carry-on bag exceeds the size or weight limit, you may be required to check it and pay a fee. American Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy is as follows:
| Baggage | Size Restrictions | Weight Restrictions | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | 18 x 14 x 8 inches | N/A | N/A |
| Carry-on Bag | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 40 pounds | N/A |
Checked Baggage
American Airlines charges for checked baggage on most domestic and international flights. The fees vary depending on your destination, ticket type, and frequent flyer status. However, some passengers may be eligible for free checked bags, such as those flying in first or business class or those with elite status in the AAdvantage program.
The fees for checked baggage on American Airlines are as follows:
| Destination | Fee for 1st Bag | Fee for 2nd Bag | Additional Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | $30 | $40 | $150 each |
| International Flights (to/from the US) | $0-$75 | $0-$100 | $200 each |
Exemptions and Waivers
American Airlines offers exemptions and waivers for baggage fees in certain situations. These include:
- Military personnel and their dependents
- Passengers with disabilities or medical conditions
- Passengers traveling to certain destinations, such as Cuba or Haiti
In some cases, you may also be able to waive baggage fees by using certain credit cards or booking your flight with certain travel partners. It’s always a good idea to check with American Airlines or your travel agent for any available exemptions or waivers.
Benefits of American Airlines Baggage Policy
While American Airlines does charge for checked baggage on most flights, there are some benefits to its baggage policy. For example, passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free, which can save money compared to other airlines that charge for carry-on baggage.
Additionally, American Airlines offers discounts on baggage fees for passengers who prepay online or through the mobile app before arriving at the airport. This can save you up to $5 per bag, depending on your destination and the number of bags you are checking.
American Airlines vs. Other Airlines
When it comes to baggage fees, American Airlines is fairly competitive with other major airlines. For example, Delta and United also charge for checked baggage on most flights, with similar fees and exemptions.
However, some budget airlines, such as Spirit and Frontier, charge for carry-on baggage as well as checked bags, which can add up quickly. It’s important to compare baggage fees and policies when choosing an airline for your trip.
Conclusion
Overall, American Airlines charges for checked baggage on most flights, but offers exemptions and waivers in certain situations. Passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free, which can be a cost savings compared to other airlines. By understanding American Airlines’ baggage policy and fees, you can plan your trip and budget accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about American Airlines baggage fees.
What is American Airlines’ baggage policy?
American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. Checked bags are subject to fees based on the destination and fare class. The maximum weight per bag is 50 pounds and the maximum size is 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
If you have elite status or are traveling in First or Business class, you may be eligible for waived baggage fees or additional baggage allowances. Additionally, active military personnel and their dependents may be eligible for waived fees.
How much does American Airlines charge for checked bags?
The fee for the first checked bag on American Airlines varies depending on the destination and fare class. For domestic flights within the United States, the fee ranges from $30 to $35. For international flights, the fee can range from $0 to $200. The second checked bag fee is generally higher than the first bag fee.
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary based on factors such as frequent flyer status and the type of ticket purchased.
What are the fees for oversized and overweight bags on American Airlines?
For bags that exceed the size limit of 62 linear inches, American Airlines charges a fee of $200 per bag. For bags that exceed the weight limit of 50 pounds, the fee ranges from $100 to $450 depending on the destination and fare class.
If your bag exceeds both the size and weight limits, you will be charged both fees. It’s important to check the baggage policy before you travel to avoid unexpected fees.
Is there a way to avoid baggage fees on American Airlines?
There are a few ways to potentially avoid baggage fees on American Airlines. One option is to fly First or Business class, as these fares often include waived baggage fees or additional baggage allowances. Another option is to have elite status in American Airlines’ frequent flyer program, as this may also include waived fees.
You can also try to pack light and bring only a personal item and carry-on bag, as these are allowed for free. Additionally, some credit cards offer benefits such as waived baggage fees as a perk, so it may be worth checking if your card offers this benefit.
What should I do if my baggage is lost or damaged on American Airlines?
If your baggage is lost or damaged on American Airlines, you should report it to a baggage service agent as soon as possible. You can do this at the airport or by phone. American Airlines has a liability limit for lost or damaged baggage, which varies depending on the fare class and destination.
If your baggage is lost, American Airlines will make reasonable efforts to locate and return it to you. If it is not found within a certain time frame, you may be eligible for compensation. If your baggage is damaged, American Airlines may offer to repair or replace it, depending on the extent of the damage.
In conclusion, American Airlines does charge for bags, but the policy can vary depending on several factors. It is important to carefully review the airline’s baggage policy before booking a flight to avoid any surprises or unexpected fees at the airport.
However, there are ways to save money on baggage fees with American Airlines. For example, if you are a member of the airline’s loyalty program or have an eligible credit card, you may be able to receive free checked bags or discounted fees.
Overall, while baggage fees can be an inconvenience for travelers, it is important to understand the policies and take advantage of any opportunities to save money. With a little planning and research, you can ensure a stress-free travel experience with American Airlines.
