How Much Can Your Suitcase Weigh On American Airlines?

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Are you planning to take a trip with American Airlines and wondering how much your suitcase can weigh? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the weight limit for checked and carry-on luggage on American Airlines flights.

Whether you are a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, it’s crucial to be aware of the baggage allowance policy of the airline you are flying with. Exceeding the baggage limit can result in additional fees, causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience. So, let’s dive into the details of how much your suitcase can weigh on American Airlines.

How Much Can Your Suitcase Weigh on American Airlines?

How Much Can Your Suitcase Weigh on American Airlines?

Are you planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering how much your suitcase can weigh? It’s important to know the baggage allowance before you pack, as excess baggage fees can be costly. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about American Airlines baggage allowances.

Carry-On Baggage Allowances

Carry-on baggage is the luggage that you keep with you in the cabin of the plane. American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board. The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin.

The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The maximum weight for a carry-on bag is 40 pounds (18 kg). If your carry-on bag exceeds these dimensions or weight limits, you may be asked to check it in.

Checked Baggage Allowances

Checked baggage is the luggage that you hand over to the airline at check-in and collect at your destination. American Airlines allows passengers to check up to 10 bags on most flights. However, the number of bags you can check may vary depending on your destination, fare class, and frequent flyer status.

The maximum weight for a checked bag is 50 pounds (23 kg) for most routes. If your bag weighs more than 50 pounds but less than 100 pounds (45 kg), you’ll need to pay an overweight baggage fee. Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kg) are not accepted as checked baggage.

Additional Baggage Fees

If you exceed the baggage allowances for carry-on or checked baggage, you’ll need to pay additional fees. The fees vary depending on your destination, fare class, and frequent flyer status. Here are some examples of additional baggage fees for American Airlines:

– First checked bag: $30-$60
– Second checked bag: $40-$100
– Third to tenth checked bag: $150 per bag
– Overweight bag (51-70 pounds): $100
– Overweight bag (71-100 pounds): $200
– Oversized bag (63-126 inches): $200

It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change. Always check the American Airlines website for the most up-to-date baggage fees.

Benefits of American Airlines Baggage Allowances

While baggage fees can be a pain for travelers, American Airlines’ baggage allowances do come with some benefits. For example, the airline allows passengers to check up to 10 bags on most flights, which is more than many other airlines. Additionally, American Airlines offers discounts on baggage fees for passengers who pay for their bags online before arriving at the airport.

American Airlines Baggage Allowances vs. Other Airlines

When it comes to baggage allowances, American Airlines is fairly standard compared to other major airlines. For example, Delta and United Airlines also allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board, with similar size restrictions. However, some airlines have more generous baggage allowances. For example, Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check up to two bags for free, while JetBlue allows passengers to check one bag for free.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s important to know the baggage allowances for American Airlines before you pack for your trip. The maximum weight for a carry-on bag is 40 pounds, while the maximum weight for a checked bag is 50 pounds. If you exceed these limits, you’ll need to pay additional baggage fees. However, American Airlines does offer some benefits, such as allowing passengers to check up to 10 bags on most flights. Always check the airline’s website for the most up-to-date baggage allowances and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the weight limit for suitcases on American Airlines:

What is the weight limit for suitcases on American Airlines?

The weight limit for checked bags on American Airlines is 50 pounds (23 kilograms) per bag. Any bags that exceed this limit will be subject to additional fees or may need to be shipped separately. It’s important to weigh your bags before arriving at the airport to avoid any surprises at check-in.

If you need to bring more than 50 pounds with you, you can purchase additional baggage allowances or consider shipping some items to your destination ahead of time.

What happens if my suitcase exceeds the weight limit?

If your suitcase exceeds the weight limit for American Airlines, you will be subject to additional fees. The fees vary depending on the weight and size of the bag, as well as your destination and fare class. It’s always a good idea to check the airline’s baggage policy before you pack to avoid any surprises at the airport.

In some cases, you may need to remove items from your suitcase in order to meet the weight limit. Alternatively, you can purchase additional baggage allowances or consider shipping some items to your destination ahead of time.

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

The maximum weight for carry-on bags on American Airlines is 40 pounds (18 kilograms). In addition to the weight limit, your carry-on bag must also fit within certain size restrictions, which vary depending on your destination and fare class.

It’s important to note that if your carry-on bag exceeds the weight or size limit, you may be required to check it at the gate or pay additional fees. To avoid any issues, make sure to check the airline’s baggage policy before you pack.

Can I bring a second suitcase on American Airlines?

Yes, you can bring a second suitcase on American Airlines, but you will be subject to additional fees. The fees vary depending on your destination and fare class, and can be quite expensive if you’re traveling internationally.

It’s always a good idea to check the airline’s baggage policy before you pack to avoid any surprises at the airport. If you need to bring more than two suitcases, you may want to consider shipping some items to your destination ahead of time.

What is the fee for overweight suitcases on American Airlines?

The fee for overweight suitcases on American Airlines varies depending on the weight and size of the bag, as well as your destination and fare class. In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per overweight bag.

To avoid any fees, make sure to weigh your bags before arriving at the airport and purchase additional baggage allowances if necessary. If you need to bring more than the allotted weight, you may want to consider shipping some items to your destination ahead of time.

Is there a weight limit for carry on bags American Airlines?


In conclusion, when traveling with American Airlines, it’s important to know the weight limit for your luggage. The maximum weight allowed for a checked bag is 50 pounds, and for a carry-on bag, it’s 40 pounds. It’s essential to consider the weight of your luggage before heading to the airport to avoid any extra fees or delays.

Moreover, American Airlines offers various options to upgrade your baggage allowance, such as purchasing additional bags or increasing the weight limit for your luggage. You can also save money by prepaying for your baggage online before your flight.

Finally, packing light is always a good idea to avoid any hassle with luggage weight restrictions. Consider bringing only the essentials and wearing your heaviest clothes and shoes to lighten your suitcase’s load. And remember, when it comes to traveling with American Airlines, knowing the weight limit for your luggage can make your trip stress-free and enjoyable.

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