Baggage Allowance
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Baggage Allowance


Dimensions, Weight and Number of Pieces | Excess, Oversize and Overweight Baggage and Fees | Embargoes | Aircraft Dimensional Limitations | Specialty Items | Sports Equipment |
Transportation of the Deceased


All customers may check at least one bag at no charge. A second checked bag may incur a fee of $25 depending on your AAdvantage status and/or the type of ticket purchased. Exceptions may apply. Current policies for free baggage allowance as well as fees for additional checked baggage can be found below.

NOTE: The following applies only to travel within or between the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada unless otherwise stated. Please check with our Reservations personnel for International policies or information not covered below.		 Man With Baggage

IMPORTANT: Please refer to recent updates to carry-on baggage restrictions for the most current information regarding carry-on liquids.


Dimensions, Weight and Number of Pieces

Itinerary Number of Bags Allowed Free Of Charge Size Per Piece Allowed Free Of Charge Maximum Weight Per Piece Free Of Charge
Flights wholly within the U.S.

Flights between the U.S. and Canada

Flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands		 One piece carry-on
One piece checked
Additional pieces may incur a fee. Exceptions may apply 		62 in/157 cm (checked)
45 in/114 cm (carry-on)		 50 lbs/23 kgs. (checked)
40 lbs/18 kgs. (carry-on)
Travel to/from Brazil Two pieces checked
One piece carry-on		 62 in/157 cm (checked)
45 in/114 cm (carry-on)		 70lbs/32kg (checked)
40 lbs/18 kgs. (carry-on)
Other International Travel Two pieces checked
One piece carry-on		 62 in/157 cm (checked)
45 in/114 cm (carry-on)		 50 lbs/23 kgs. (checked)
40 lbs/18 kgs. (carry-on)

Please note that one carry-on personal item (see "Carry-on Allowance") does not count toward the free bag allowance.

The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height.

Baggage checked to London
Passengers connecting between London Gatwick and London Heathrow are required to claim their checked baggage upon arrival in London, clear Customs with checked and hand baggage, and proceed directly to the connecting airport.

Baggage checked to/through/from Europe and Asia
The following is in conjunction with mandates regarding baggage checked to/through/from any destination in Europe and Asia.
  • 50 lbs/23 kgs or less - two pieces weighing no more than 50 lbs/23 kgs each will be accepted free of charge
  • Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs - is subject to a $50 USD overweight baggage fee (Maximum of three excess pieces will be accepted.)
  • 70 lbs/32 kgs - will not be accepted
This policy only applies to passengers traveling on American to/through/from any destination in Europe or Asia. If you have baggage weighing over this limits, please repack or redistribute the weight into other baggage.

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Excess, Oversize and Overweight Baggage and Fees

We realize that at times it may be necessary to travel with an item that exceeds the size or weight limitations or is in excess of the free allowance. Additional charges apply to this type of baggage.

Baggage connecting to other airlines will also be subject to the connecting airline's excess charges and/or oversize, overweight charges in addition to American Airlines charges.

All charges are calculated on a one-way basis and are collected at the airport ticket counter.

Excess Baggage
Itinerary Excess Baggage Fees
Flights within the United States, the U.S. virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada $25 for the second checked piece. Exceptions may apply.
$100 per piece for the 3rd, 4th and 5th checked bags
$200 per piece for the 6th checked bag and any additional pieces
All other itineraries Contact Reservations for fees

Overweight Baggage
Itinerary Overweight Baggage Fees
Travel within the 50 United States and between the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada Checked baggage weighing over 50 lbs/23 kgs but not more than 70 lbs/32 kgs will be charged at the rate of $50 per piece.

Checked baggage weighing over 70lbs/32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will be charged at the rate of $100 per piece.
Travel to all other destinations Contact Reservations for fees

Also note the following:
  • Baggage weighing more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will not be accepted as checked baggage.
  • These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or oversized baggage.
  • No piece of baggage checked to/through/from any destination in Europe may weigh more than 70 lbs/32 kgs.
Oversized Baggage
Oversized Baggage does not include transatlantic or transpacific flights
  • Checked baggage which is larger than American Airlines stated size limits will be charged at the rate of $100 per piece.
  • These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or overweight baggage.
  • Baggage measuring more than 115 in/292 cm (total outside dimensions; length + width + height) will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Note: Bicycle boxes purchased from American Airlines which measure 118 in/300cm will be accepted.

Oversized and Overweight Baggage
The charge for oversized baggage and the charge for overweight baggage will be added together.

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Embargoes

Some destinations outside of the continental U.S. have additional limitations on checked baggage at specific times of the year. This is called an "embargo".

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Aircraft Dimensional Limitations

Certain aircraft types cannot accept some oversized articles due to the dimensions of the cargo doors. If you are traveling with an oversized article, please contact an American Airlines representative to ensure your destination is typically served by an aircraft that can accommodate your article. In the event we have to change the aircraft type the day of departure, please let an airport agent know that you have checked an oversized article.

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Specialty Items

There are exceptions, special rules, and/or packing instructions that apply to some specialty items. Examples of these include duffel bags used by military personnel and certain musical instruments. To determine if your item has special excess charges (or is free in place of a 62 in/157 cm bag within the free baggage allowance), please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300.

Audio/Visual Equipment
Camera, film, lighting, and sound equipment (up to a maximum of 115 in/292 cm and 100 lbs/45 kgs) will be charged an excess rate of $50.00 per piece when tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies, commercial film-making companies, the federal government, Department of Defense or the American Society of Media Photographers.

Firearms/Ammunition
View the rules and regulations for transporting firearms and ammunition on flights within the U.S. For information on transporting these items internationally, please contact Reservations.

Musical Instruments
Small musical instruments may be carried onboard the aircraft providing they meet existing carry-on size requirements and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Case dimensions may not exceed 45 linear inches (width + length + height), except for guitars which may be brought on board only if they can be safely stowed in an overhead bin or approved stowage location in the cabin. The instrument is considered the passenger's one allowed carry-on bag. A personal item is allowed in addition to the instrument. See Carry-On Allowance for more information.

If an instrument is too large to fit in the carry-on baggage space, an additional seat may be purchased. In this case, an instrument must travel in a window, bulkhead seat, with the customer in the adjoining seat. Due to their size Bass Fiddles are not accepted in the coach cabin and are only accepted on certain aircraft types, please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300.

Instruments may also be transported as checked baggage, however, due to their fragile nature AA does not accept liability for damages and has limited liability for loss. AA is also not liable for any damage to checked musical instruments not presented in a hard-sided case. If the outside of the hard-sided case does not have visible damage, AA is not liable for any damage to the musical instrument inside the case.
Violin

Military Baggage
U.S. military personnel may substitute a duffel bag, sea bag, B-4 bag, or any other baggage checked by active military personnel traveling to or from duty stations.
 
U.S. "military personnel" are defined as active United States of America military personnel traveling to or from duty stations. Military identification and travel orders must be presented. Traveling in uniform is not required.

Exceptions to the free baggage allowance for military personnel are as follows:
  • One bag up to 100 lbs. and 115 total linear inches may be substituted for one 62 linear inch bag in the free baggage allowance
  • The second checked bag (up to 50 lbs) is not subject to the second bag service fee.
  • The 70 lb. maximum bag weight limit for Europe and Asia does not apply for U.S. military baggage.
Mobility Devices
Wheelchairs/scooters, braces or other assistive devices are accepted free of charge as checked baggage and are in addition to the normal checked baggage allowance. There are special handling procedures for motorized equipment. Please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300 for detailed information.

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Sports Equipment

The following guidelines for sports equipment being transported on American are effective for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Maximum Size and Weight
Golf Clubs
  • Items that exceed the maximum allowable size and/or weight will be subject to applicable oversize and/or overweight charges.
  • Items that are larger than 115 inches and 100 lbs. will not be accepted as checked baggage. Contact a freight forwarder for assistance with these items.
  • Additional items not included in the item description below must not be packed inside the sports case and are subject to overweight and/or oversize charges.
  • All inches are dimensional inches (length + width + height)
Charges
  • Charges listed are in U.S. Dollars
  • For information related to travel outside of United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and USVI, please contact Reservations.
Liability
  • AA/American Eagle/AmericanConnection® carrier are not liable for any damage to sports items not presented in a hard-sided case. If the outside of the hard-sided case does not have visible damage, AA/American Eagle/AmericanConnection® carrier are not liable for any damage to the sports item inside the case.
  • Sports cases designed for specific items such as golf bags, boot bags and bike cases are intended to carry only that sports item.

Item Allowance/Requirements Cost Maximum Size and Weight Additional Information
Antlers Must be as free of residue as possible. The skull must be wrapped and tips protected. $100 70 lbs
115 inches		 - Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
- Passengers must make all arrangements and assume full responsibility for complying with any applicable laws, customs, and/or other governmental regulations, requirements or restrictions of the county, state, or territory to/from which the antlers are being transported.
- If this item is in excess of the number of pieces allowed in the free baggage allowance, excess baggage charges apply in addition to the $100 special items fee.
Archery One bow, one quiver, arrows and maintenance kit Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		  
Backpack/ Knapsack/ One Backpack/knapsack with or without frame Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		  
Bicycles One non-motorized touring or racing bike. Handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed. Or pedals and handlebars must be enclosed in plastic foam or similar material. $100
Exception: If bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 lbs., the bike is free in place of 62 inch bag in the free allowance.		 70 lbs
115 inches		 - Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
- Exception: If a bike is less than 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs., the above conditions do not apply
- If this item is in excess of the number of pieces allowed in the free baggage allowance, excess baggage charges apply in addition to the $100 special items fee.
Boogie Boards One boogie board Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		  
Bowling Balls Bowling case with bowling balls and shoes Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		 - Bowling ball cleaners that contain high amounts of Acetone or alcohol over 70% in volume are considered dangerous goods and will not be allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Camping Equipment One piece of camping equipment Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		 - Camping stove fuels, Sterno, matches, lighters and flares are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Golf Clubs One golf bag with golf clubs, golf balls and shoes Free in place of 62 inch bag Maximum free weight on golf clubs is 70 lbs. Size is limited to the size of a hard-sided golf case. - Swingless Golf Club load strips are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Fishing Rods and reels contained in a case and one bag with fishing tackle, landing net and fishing boots. Two pieces - Fishing rod case and fishing equipment bag are free in place of 62 inch bag Fishing rod case 50 lbs.
115 inches
Equipment bag 50 lbs.
62 inches
 For purposes of excess baggage, two pieces count as one item
Hangliders One hanglider $100 70 lbs
115 inches		 - Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
- If this item is in excess of the number of pieces allowed in the free baggage allowance, excess baggage charges apply in addition to the $100 special items fee.
Hockey/ Lacrosse Hockey/Lacrosse sticks and one equipment bag Two pieces - Equipment bag plus Hockey/Lacrosse stick(s) are free in place of 62 inch bag. Equipment bag up to 50 lbs. and 62 inches plus Hockey/Lacrosse stick(s) For purposes of excess baggage, two pieces count as one item
Javelin One javelin $100 70 lbs
115 inches		 - Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
- If this item is in excess of the number of pieces allowed in the free baggage allowance, excess baggage charges apply in addition to the $100 special items fee.
Kayak, Boats, Sculls, Canoes Not accepted.      
Oars One pair of oars Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		  
Pole Vault Not accepted.      
Scuba Gear (with tanks) One scuba tank, scuba regulator, tank harness and tank pressure gauge. $100 70 lbs Regulator valve must be completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside.
Scuba Gear (without tanks) Scuba regulator, tank harness and tank pressure gauge. Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches 		 
Skateboard One skateboard Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		  
Skis Water / Snow One pair of skis and one bag containing a pair of ski boots only Two pieces - Ski boot bag and one pair of skis are free in place of 62 inch bag. Ski boot bag up to 50 lbs. and 62 inches and one pair of skis - Lighters or torches for applying ski wax are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage
Snowboard One Snowboard with boots Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		  
Surfboards, Kiteboards, Wakeboards One surfboard, Kiteboard, or Wakeboard $100
Exception:
Kiteboards and wakeboards and containers that are less than 62 linear inches and under 50 lbs. are free in place of 62 inch bag in the free allowance.		 70 lbs
115 inches		 - Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
- Exception: If the Kiteboard/wakeboard is less than 62 linear inches and 50 lbs., the above conditions do not apply
- If this item is in excess of the number of pieces allowed in the free baggage allowance, excess baggage charges apply in addition to the $100 special items fee.
Tennis Rackets Tennis Rackets and tennis balls Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		  
Tent/Sleeping Bag One tent with frame or one sleeping bag Free in place of 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches		  
Windsurf, Kitesurf One board, one mast, boom and sail $100
Can be two pieces		 70 lbs. 115 inches each piece - Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions
- Up to three pieces (as described at left) count as one piece for excess baggage charges.
- If this item is in excess of the number of pieces allowed in the free baggage allowance, excess baggage charges apply in addition to the $100 special items fee.

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Transportation of the Deceased

The Jim Wilson Desk at AA Cargo (1-800-228-7878) handles the transportation of your deceased loved ones, in coordination with a funeral home/director. Our Passenger Reservations personnel (1-800-433-7300) will make travel arrangements for any escort accompanying uncremated remains.

Cremated Remains
Cremated remains traveling with a passenger are handled in the same manner as carry-on baggage. No special documents are required for travel within the United States. For international travel, refer to that country's consulate and/or burial advisor.

Crematory Containers
Certain crematory containers such as urns are unable to be screened at security checkpoints by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). An American Airlines airport agent may consult TSA personnel to determine if your container may be transported as carry-on or checked baggage. Please seek guidance from a funeral home to help determine if a particular crematory container will pose any difficulty at a TSA screening point.

  



 
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