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American Airlines allows passengers to pay for their checked bags online within 24 hours of departure, with a $5 discount on the first checked bag fee for travel within and between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. However, passengers can also pay for their bags at the airport. This can be done at a kiosk or by using the app at check-in. American Airlines also offers various cards that provide benefits such as a free first checked bag for domestic flights. Additionally, certain customers may qualify for free checked bags, including members of AA's loyalty program, active-duty military personnel, and first and business-class customers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bags allowed | Up to 3 bags |
| Bag dimensions | 62-115 inches (length + width + height) |
| Bag weight | Up to 50 lbs for standard bag fees |
| Payment methods | Online, AA app, at the airport counter, or at a kiosk |
| Bag fees for travel within/between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands | 1st checked bag: $40 ($35 online), 2nd checked bag: $45 |
| Bag fees for travel to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana | 1st checked bag: $35, 2nd checked bag: $45 |
| Bag fees for travel to/from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname) | 1st checked bag: $60, 2nd checked bag: $100, 3rd bag: $200 |
| Bag fees for travel to/from Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru | 1st checked bag: $45, 2nd checked bag: $100, 3rd bag: $200 |
| Bag fees for travel to/from Guyana and Suriname | 1st checked bag: $35, 2nd checked bag: $45, 3rd bag: $200 |
| Free baggage allowance | AAdvantage® status or oneworld® status members, active U.S. military with ID, eligible credit cardholders |
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What You'll Learn
Paying for American Airlines baggage at the airport is possible
Firstly, you can pay at the counter. This is the usual method for those travelling in First or Business Class. You can pay with your credit card or passport, or provide your AA record locator. Secondly, you can pay at a kiosk. This is a self-service option where you can pay with your credit card. Thirdly, you can pay at the curbside check-in, which is available at some airports. This option is often quieter and more convenient.
If you are travelling with more than three bags, you will need to pay for additional bags at the airport. This is because you can only pay for up to three bags online or in the app. The price of the first checked bag is $40, or $35 if you pay online, and the second checked bag is $45. The price of additional bags varies depending on your destination. For example, for travel to or from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag is $35 and the second is $45. For flights beyond North America, you can expect to pay even more for your checked bags. For example, for basic economy fares to or from Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru, the first bag is $45, the second is $100, and the third and each additional bag is $200.
If you are an eligible AAdvantage credit cardholder, you may be entitled to free checked bags on domestic American Airlines-operated flights. This benefit also applies to active U.S. military members with ID. Additionally, all passengers are entitled to bring a full-size carry-on bag and a personal item onto every flight, even those who booked a basic economy fare.
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You can pay for up to three bags at the airport
American Airlines allows you to pay for up to three bags at the airport. However, it is recommended that you pay for your bags online or through the app to get the best price available and to save time. You can pay for your bags online starting 24 hours and up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
If you are checking in more than three bags per person, you will need to add the additional bags at the airport. You can pay for these at a kiosk or by using the app at check-in. The cost of checking bags at the airport is typically higher than paying for them online. For example, the first checked bag fee is $40 at the airport, but $35 if you pay online.
There are certain circumstances in which you may be exempt from paying for checked bags. These include if you are an active U.S. military member with ID, a member of AA's loyalty program with elite status, or a first or business class customer. Additionally, passengers travelling with specific credit cards or to particular destinations may also be exempt from checked bag fees.
It is important to note that American Airlines' baggage policies may change depending on your flight's origin and destination. For example, passengers travelling to Cuba may only check up to two bags, and those travelling from Spain's Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) must ensure that the maximum length of any side of a checked item does not exceed 43 inches.
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American Airlines baggage fees are non-refundable
Yes, you can pay for American Airlines baggage at the airport. However, it is recommended that you pay for your bags online within 24 hours of departure, as you will 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. You can also pay for your bags at a kiosk at the airport.
There are, however, certain scenarios in which you may be eligible for a refund. If you believe you have been incorrectly charged for baggage fees, you can contact an American Airlines representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days. You can also receive a refund for your ticket fare, including taxes and fees, if there is a cancellation or significant change to your trip and you decide not to rebook. Significant changes include changes to itineraries of 3 or more hours for domestic flights or 4 or more hours for international flights.
It is important to note that American Airlines baggage fees may vary depending on your destination and the type of fare you have purchased. For example, basic economy fares have different baggage fees than main cabin fares, and international flights beyond North America may have higher baggage fees. Additionally, certain credit cards and elite statuses may offer free checked bags on American Airlines.
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Baggage fees vary depending on the destination
Yes, you can pay for American Airlines baggage at the airport. However, you can save money by paying for your bags online ahead of time. This can be done within 24 hours of departure and will get you 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.
For example, the first checked bag fee is $40 at the airport ($35 if you pay online) and the second checked bag fee is $45. These fees apply to travel within/between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. If you are travelling to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag fee is $35 and the second is $45.
Checked bag fees can vary depending on the weight of your bag and where you are flying to and from. For example, if you are travelling to/from Mexico, boxes cannot exceed 80 inches in total dimensions, and standard bag fees apply for audiovisual equipment.
Baggage fees are not guaranteed and are subject to change at any time. It is recommended that you check the airline's website for the latest information.
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There are ways to avoid paying American Airlines baggage fees
Paying for baggage at the airport can be a frustrating and costly experience, especially with American Airlines, which has the highest checked bag fees of all major US network airlines. However, there are ways to avoid paying these fees and save some money on your trip. Here are some strategies to consider:
Credit Cards and Elite Status
American Airlines has two primary card issuers: Barclays and Citi. Depending on the credit card you hold, you may be eligible for a free first checked bag for yourself and even your travelling companions. For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers a free first checked bag for up to eight companions on domestic flights. The AAvantage® Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard and Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® provide a free first checked bag for up to four companions on domestic flights. Additionally, if you have AAdvantage® or oneworld® status, you may be eligible for up to three free checked bags on American Airlines itineraries.
Online Payment
You can save money by paying for your checked bags online within 24 hours of departure. American Airlines offers a discounted rate of $35 for the first checked bag when paid online, compared to $40 at the airport, for travel within and between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Similarly, for travel to and from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag fee is $35 when paid online, saving you money compared to paying at the airport.
Basic Economy Travel
While basic economy fares typically incur checked bag fees, there are some exceptions. For example, for basic economy travel to and from Australia and New Zealand, the first checked bag is free. Additionally, for basic economy travel to and from Haiti, the first bag fee is $35, which is the same as the online rate for other fare types.
Carry-on and Personal Items
All American Airlines tickets, including basic economy, allow passengers to bring a full-size carry-on bag and a personal item onboard. By utilising these allowances, you can avoid paying for checked baggage. Ensure you are aware of the size and weight restrictions to make the most of this option.
Connecting Flights
If your trip includes a connection to another American Airlines or oneworld® flight, and all your tickets are in the same reservation, you can through-check your bags at no additional cost. This can help you avoid paying separate checked bag fees for each flight segment.
By employing these strategies, you can effectively avoid paying American Airlines baggage fees. Remember to review the airline's baggage policy and stay updated with any changes to make informed decisions and maximise your savings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can pay for your baggage at the airport. However, it is recommended to pay for your bags online or on the app within 24 hours of departure to receive the best price available.
The cost of checking a bag depends on your destination and travel dates. For flights within the U.S., the first checked bag fee is $40 at the airport ($35 if paid online) and the second checked bag fee is $45. For flights to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana, the first checked bag fee is $35 and the second is $45.
The number of bags you can check depends on your destination. Each passenger travelling to Cuba, for example, can check up to 2 bags, while passengers travelling within the U.S. can check up to 3 bags.
Yes, there are weight and size restrictions for checked bags. Checked bags cannot exceed 115 inches in total dimensions (length + width + height) and must not weigh more than 50 pounds to avoid oversize fees.
