How Many Bags Does American Airlines Allow For Military?

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American Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the United States, and it has a long-standing commitment to supporting the military. If you’re a member of the military or a veteran, you may be wondering how many bags you are allowed to bring with you when you fly with American Airlines.

In this article, we will explore the baggage allowance for military personnel flying with American Airlines. We’ll also provide helpful tips to ensure a stress-free travel experience, so you can focus on your mission or vacation.

How Many Bags Does American Airlines Allow for Military?

How Many Bags Does American Airlines Allow for Military?

Baggage Allowance for Military Personnel

American Airlines understands the sacrifices that military personnel make for our country. That is why they offer special baggage allowances for active duty U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. The baggage allowance for military personnel is more generous than the standard allowance for other passengers.

If you are active duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders, you are allowed up to five free checked bags. Each bag can weigh up to 100 pounds and measure up to 126 inches in total dimensions (length + width + height). You are also allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag.

If you are a veteran or an active duty U.S. military member traveling for personal reasons, you are allowed up to three free checked bags. Each bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 62 inches in total dimensions (length + width + height). You are also allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item.

Baggage Allowance for Dependents of Military Personnel

Dependents of active duty U.S. military personnel are also eligible for special baggage allowances when traveling with their sponsor. Each dependent is allowed up to five free checked bags if traveling on orders, or up to three free checked bags if traveling for personal reasons. The weight and size restrictions are the same as for the military member.

Dependents of U.S. military personnel traveling without their sponsor are not eligible for the special baggage allowance. They must follow the standard baggage allowances for their fare class.

Benefits of the Military Baggage Allowance

The special baggage allowance for military personnel and their dependents is a way for American Airlines to show their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the military community. It allows military personnel to bring more of their personal belongings with them when they travel, which can be especially important when relocating to a new duty station.

The allowance also provides financial savings for military personnel and their families. Checked bag fees can add up quickly, especially when traveling with a family. The free baggage allowance allows military personnel to save money and use it for other important expenses.

How to Claim the Military Baggage Allowance

To claim the military baggage allowance, you must show proper military identification at the airport check-in counter. If you are traveling on orders, you will need to show your military ID and a copy of your travel orders. If you are traveling for personal reasons, you will need to show your military ID.

You can also claim the military baggage allowance when booking your flight online or over the phone. When making your reservation, select the option for military personnel and enter your military ID number.

Other Baggage Allowances and Fees

In addition to the special baggage allowance for military personnel, American Airlines offers different baggage allowances and fees for other passengers. The standard baggage allowance is one free carry-on bag and one free personal item for all passengers. Checked bag fees vary depending on the fare class and destination.

American Airlines also offers a checked baggage delivery service for an additional fee. With this service, your checked bags will be delivered to your final destination instead of being picked up at baggage claim. This can be especially helpful when traveling with a lot of luggage or when you have a tight connection.

Baggage Allowance Comparison: Military vs. Other Passengers

The special baggage allowance for military personnel is more generous than the standard allowance for other passengers. Military personnel are allowed up to five free checked bags when traveling on orders, while other passengers are only allowed one or two free checked bags depending on the fare class.

The weight and size restrictions are also more generous for military personnel. Each bag can weigh up to 100 pounds and measure up to 126 inches in total dimensions for military personnel, while other passengers are restricted to 50 pounds and 62 inches in total dimensions.

Conclusion

American Airlines offers a special baggage allowance for military personnel and their dependents as a way to show their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the military community. The allowance allows military personnel to bring more of their personal belongings with them when they travel, and it provides financial savings for military families. To claim the military baggage allowance, you must show proper military identification at the airport check-in counter or when booking your flight online or over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the baggage allowance for military personnel traveling with American Airlines:

What is the baggage allowance for active U.S. Military personnel traveling with American Airlines?

Active U.S. Military personnel traveling with American Airlines are allowed to check up to 5 bags for free. Each bag can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg) and can measure up to 126 inches (320 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).

In addition to the checked bags, active military personnel can also bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, for free.

What is the baggage allowance for U.S. Military dependents traveling with American Airlines?

U.S. Military dependents traveling with active U.S. Military personnel on orders can also check up to 5 bags for free. Each bag can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg) and can measure up to 126 inches (320 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).

In addition to the checked bags, U.S. Military dependents can also bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, for free.

Is there a fee for additional bags for U.S. Military personnel or dependents?

If U.S. Military personnel or dependents need to check more than 5 bags, they will be charged the applicable excess baggage fee for each additional bag. The fee varies depending on the destination and the weight of the bag, and it can be paid at the airport during check-in.

However, American Airlines may waive the excess baggage fee for U.S. Military personnel or dependents traveling on official orders, depending on the circumstances. It’s best to contact the airline directly for more information.

What documents do U.S. Military personnel or dependents need to show to qualify for the baggage allowance?

U.S. Military personnel or dependents traveling with active U.S. Military personnel on orders need to show their military ID and travel orders at check-in to qualify for the baggage allowance. The name on the ID must match the name on the travel orders.

If the U.S. Military personnel or dependents are not traveling on orders, they need to show their military ID and a copy of their leave orders or a letter from their commanding officer stating their status.

What if U.S. Military personnel or dependents are traveling on a codeshare flight with a partner airline of American Airlines?

The baggage allowance for U.S. Military personnel or dependents traveling on a codeshare flight with a partner airline of American Airlines may vary, depending on the airline’s policies. It’s best to check with the airline directly or with American Airlines before the flight to confirm the baggage allowance.

If the partner airline’s baggage allowance is lower than American Airlines’, U.S. Military personnel or dependents can still check up to 5 bags for free on the American Airlines portion of the itinerary, but they will need to pay the excess baggage fee for any additional bags on the partner airline’s portion.

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


In conclusion, American Airlines is proud to show their support for our military members. They offer special baggage allowances for active duty members, veterans, and their families. The amount of bags allowed varies based on the military member’s status, but they can check up to five bags for free when traveling on orders.

It’s important to note that anyone traveling with the military member can also benefit from these allowances. Spouses, dependents, and even pets can travel with the military member and receive the same baggage allowances. This is a great perk for military families who often have to move frequently.

Overall, American Airlines is committed to providing top-notch service to our military members and their families. By offering these special baggage allowances, they are showing their appreciation for the sacrifices that military members make every day. If you’re a military member or traveling with one, be sure to take advantage of these benefits and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

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