Jazmin Li
American Airlines allows you to check up to three bags per person online or at the airport. The first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four travel companions on the same reservation. You can pay for up to three checked bags per person before arriving at the airport. To check bags at the airport, you must arrive a certain amount of time before the scheduled departure: within the U.S., you must arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled departure, and for destinations outside the U.S., you must arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled departure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bags allowed | Up to 3 bags can be checked per person |
| Cost | First checked bag is free for domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 travel companions on the same reservation. |
| Save $5 on the 1st checked bag fee for travel within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands | |
| For travel to Cuba, a $35 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and there is no 1st bag fee for Main Cabin | |
| A $200 2nd bag fee applies seasonally for travel to Cuba from November 16 – January 15 | |
| Additional charges for overweight or oversized bags | |
| Time | Check-in at the airport at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure within the U.S. |
| Check-in at the airport at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure to or from destinations outside the U.S. | |
| Other | Passengers can add bags to their trip online or on the app during check-in |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Checked luggage fees
When flying with American Airlines, you can pay for up to three checked bags per person before arriving at the airport. You can pay for your checked bags online within 24 hours of departure and receive the best price available for travel on domestic flights within and between the US, including Hawaii and Alaska, and select markets in the Caribbean and Central America.
The fees for checked luggage on American Airlines vary depending on the origin and destination of your flight, as well as the number of bags you are checking. For flights within and between the US (including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska, and the US Virgin Islands), the first checked bag fee is $40 ($35 if paid online). For Basic Economy travel to/from Haiti, the first checked bag fee is $35, while for Basic Economy travel to/from Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru, the fee is $45. For Basic Economy travel to/from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname), the fee is $60, and for Transatlantic and Transpacific Basic Economy travel, the fee is $75.
If you are checking more than three bags per person, additional bags must be added at the airport, and oversize, overweight, and excess bag charges may apply. Charges are calculated based on standard bag sizes for flights, per person, each way. For flights to/from Cuba, each passenger is limited to checking up to two bags, with a maximum weight of 70 lbs/32 kg per bag, plus one carry-on bag and one personal item.
It's important to note that all bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you purchase an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you have been incorrectly charged for bag fees, you can contact an American Airlines representative or file a refund claim within 45 days. Additionally, if you take a different domestic flight than your original flight, you will need to pay for checked bags on your new trip.
To check bags at the airport, you must arrive a certain amount of time before the scheduled departure: within the US, you must check in at least 45 minutes before departure, and for destinations outside the US, you must check in at least 60 minutes before departure.
HKG Airport: Can I Use the Resident Arrival Line?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Weight and size restrictions
When flying with American Airlines, there are weight and size restrictions for checked bags, which vary depending on your destination and ticket type.
For all regions except Australia and New Zealand, the weight limit for checked bags in First/Business Class is 70 lbs/32 kgs for free bags and 50 lbs/23 kgs for excess charged bags. For flights to and from Australia and New Zealand, passengers with AAdvantage® or oneworld® status may be eligible for up to three free checked bags, with the exact number depending on their status level.
There is a general embargo on overweight and oversized bags, with bags over 100 lbs/45 kgs not accepted on American Airlines flights. Additionally, checked bags over 115 inches/292 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) are not accepted.
When travelling to Cuba, passengers can check up to two bags, each with a maximum weight of 70 lbs/32 kgs, in addition to a carry-on bag and a personal item. It is important to note that there are seasonal weight restrictions for travel to Cuba from November 16 to January 15, with a $200 fee for a second bag during this period.
For those travelling with multiple bags, additional charges may apply for the third and subsequent bags, with the option to pay for bags online ahead of time for eligible American Airlines flights. Combined bag fees for multiple passengers travelling together on a single reservation will be calculated across all passengers.
American Airlines also offers specific benefits for eligible AAdvantage® credit cardholders, active U.S. military personnel, and AAdvantage Executive Platinum® status members, among others, which may include free checked bags for certain itineraries.
Denture-wearers' Guide to Airport Security
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Checking in online
Step 1: Log in to Your Account
Visit the American Airlines website and log in to your account using your reservation details. You can also access your reservation through the American Airlines mobile app.
Step 2: Select "Check-In"
Once you are logged in, navigate to the "Check-In" section. Here, you will be able to start the check-in process for your flight.
Step 3: Add Bags
During the online check-in process, you can add and pay for your checked bags. American Airlines allows you to pay for up to three checked bags per person in advance. Simply select the number of bags you wish to check and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Make Trip Updates
In addition to checking bags, you can also use the online check-in process to make any necessary trip updates. This includes requesting upgrades, standby, or making changes to your travel itinerary.
Step 5: Complete Check-In
After you have provided all the required information and made your selections, complete the check-in process. Make sure to note the deadline for online check-in, which is typically 45 minutes before your domestic flight.
Additional Information:
It's important to note that if you are checking more than three bags per person, you will need to add these additional bags at the airport. Additionally, certain items, such as cabin pets, must also be paid for at the airport. Remember to attach your bag tags to your checked bags before dropping them off at the designated baggage drop-off point at the airport.
Exploring Tokyo During a Haneda Layover
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Restrictions on items
When checking bags at the airport with American Airlines, there are several restrictions on items that you should be aware of. Firstly, there are weight and size restrictions for checked bags, and these may vary depending on your destination and class of travel. For example, for travel within and between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, the first checked bag fee is $40 ($35 if paid online) and the weight limit is 50 lbs/23 kgs.
Additionally, certain items are prohibited or restricted from being included in checked bags. American Airlines does not allow lithium-ion battery-powered personal transportation devices in checked bags. Batteries must be removed from devices in checked bags and carried separately in carry-on luggage. Spare lithium-ion batteries for personal devices are allowed in carry-on bags with airline approval, with a limit of two batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each.
Other restricted items include alcoholic beverages over 70% by volume, and you can carry a maximum of 5 liters per passenger for beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume in checked bags. Animal products or products of animal origin are also restricted for travel to EU destinations. Marijuana, including medical marijuana, is prohibited, and passengers travelling with marijuana will be referred to law enforcement authorities.
It is important to note that you must check in at the airport a certain amount of time before scheduled departure to check your bags. Within the US, the check-in time is 45 minutes, and for destinations outside the US, it is 60 minutes. You can also pay for your checked bags online ahead of time and add bags to your trip during check-in on the app. If you have AAdvantage® status or oneworld® status, you may be eligible for up to 3 free checked bags.
Haneda Airport: Where to Buy PASMO Cards?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lost luggage
Yes, you can check a bag at the airport with American Airlines. To do so, you must arrive at the airport a certain amount of time before the scheduled departure: within the US, this is 45 minutes, and for destinations outside the US, it is 60 minutes. You can also pay for up to three checked bags per person before arriving at the airport. If you are checking in more than three bags, you must add them at the airport.
If your luggage is lost, American Airlines offers assistance. If you've lost an item on a plane, in an American Airlines-operated area, at the airport, or at a security checkpoint, you can visit the lost and found page for guidance.
American Airlines has a liability limitation for lost, delayed, or damaged bags on domestic flights, which is limited to $4,700. This is governed by the Conditions of Carriage, which is available online. For international travel, including domestic legs of international itineraries, the liability for lost, delayed, or damaged bags is limited to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per ticketed passenger, as defined by the Montreal Convention and international tariffs. The SDR will be converted to US dollars using the exchange rate on the date the settlement occurs.
Suica Card Purchase at Narita Airport: Where to Buy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can check up to 3 bags at the airport with American Airlines. If you are checking in more than 3 bags per person, additional bags must be added at the airport.
You can get the best price for checking bags at the airport with American Airlines by checking in on aa.com or on the app. You can also save $5 on the first checked bag fee for travel within and between the US.
You can check your bags at the airport up to 4 hours before departure. However, you must check your bags a certain amount of time before scheduled departure, which is 45 minutes for flights within the US and 60 minutes for flights to or from destinations outside the US.
The cost of checking bags at the airport with American Airlines varies depending on your destination and travel dates. All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way. For travel to Cuba, the first bag fee is $35 for Basic Economy and there is no fee for Main Cabin.
