American Airlines Baggage Fees: How Much Does It Cost?
American Airlines updated its baggage policy in 2024, raising checked bag fees on domestic flights. While carry-on bags are still free for all passengers (including Basic Economy), checking a bag now costs $40 at the airport and $35 online. If you're traveling internationally or have elite status, your baggage allowance and fees may be different.
Get Free QuoteREADY TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHT?
Tell us your route and dates and we'll find the best available fare for your trip — and explain exactly what it includes.
+1 (877) 370-5301Already know your travel details?
Let's check your exact baggage fees before you head to the airport.
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
Checked Baggage Policy
1st checked bag: $50 at the airport, or $45 if you pay online in advance
2nd checked bag: $60 at the airport, or $55 if you pay online in advance
Basic Economy fares: add $5 to both the 1st and 2nd bag fees above
This pricing applies to travel within/between the U.S. (including Hawaii & Alaska), Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (except Cuba/Haiti), Central America (except Panama), and Guyana
CARRY-ON POLICY
How Many Bags Can I Check?
Domestic, Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific
Up to 10
Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, South America, Brazil
Up to 5
Good to know:
- Bag fees are charged per person, per direction (so a round trip means paying twice)
- Pay online up to 2 hours before your flight to lock in the lowest price and skip the airport line
- If you already paid for a bag and then get a free-bag upgrade, that earlier payment is not refunded
- Airport-paid bag fees are non-refundable, but if you think you were charged by mistake, you can request a refund online within 45 days
Free Checked Bags
Based on Status
If you have AAdvantage® or oneworld® status, your free bag allowance depends on your status level. Make sure your AAdvantage number is added to your booking before check-in.
1 free bag: AAdvantage Gold®, oneworld Ruby, or eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders (on domestic flights)
2 free bags: AAdvantage Platinum®, oneworld Sapphire, or confirmed Domestic First / Business / Premium Economy passengers
3 free bags: AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro®, oneworld Emerald, confirmed Flagship® First/ Business Plus passengers, or active U.S. military and dependents traveling on orders
Oversized or overweight bags will incur additional fees even if the first bag is free.
Bag Fees by Region
The American Airlines checked bag fee depends on your itinerary and when you pay. Purchasing baggage online or through the American Airlines app is generally less expensive than paying at the airport. International baggage fees may also differ depending on your destination.
Know Your Route and Dates?
Call +1 (877) 370-5301 and we'll check available American Airlines fares for your specific itinerary — explain what each fare class includes, and confirm the booking when you're ready.
How to Avoid American Airlines Baggage Fees
If you travel regularly, there are several ways to lower or avoid American Airlines baggage fees.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
The current American Airlines checked bag fee is $45 when paid online or through the app, or $50 when paid at the airport for the first checked bag on eligible domestic flights. The second checked bag costs $55 online/app or $60 at the airport, while the third checked bag costs $200.
Disclaimer: Airlines Manage is an independent travel service provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to American Airlines (AA) or its parent company. American Airlines®, AAdvantage®, and Flagship Business® are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. Fare rules, baggage policies, and cabin configurations described on this page are based on American Airlines' published policies and are subject to change. All fare quotes are subject to availability at time of booking. We do not guarantee specific fares or availability. Always confirm current terms directly at aa.com before completing a booking.