Is A Carry On Bag Free On American Airlines?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Are you planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering if you can bring a carry on bag for free? Well, you’re not alone. With so many airlines and different baggage policies, it’s easy to get confused. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

In this article, we’ll explore whether a carry on bag is free on American Airlines, what the size and weight restrictions are, and any other important details you need to know before your next flight. So, let’s get started and make sure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming trip!

Is a Carry on Bag Free on American Airlines?

Is a Carry on Bag Free on American Airlines?

If you are planning to travel with American Airlines, you might be wondering if you can bring a carry-on bag with you for free. The answer is, it depends on the type of ticket you purchased and the size of your bag. In this article, we will discuss the carry-on policy of American Airlines and what you need to know before packing your bags.

Carry-on Baggage Allowance for American Airlines

American Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on all domestic and international flights. The maximum dimensions of the carry-on bag should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, should fit under the seat in front of you.

If you are traveling in Basic Economy, you are only allowed to bring one personal item on board, and you will have to pay extra for a carry-on bag. However, if you have purchased a Main Cabin, Premium Economy, or First/Business Class ticket, you can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item for free.

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Excess Carry-on Baggage Fees

If your carry-on bag exceeds the maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, you will have to check it in and pay the applicable baggage fees. The fees for checked baggage vary depending on the route, the weight, and the number of bags you are checking.

If you are traveling in Basic Economy and want to bring a carry-on bag, you will have to pay an additional fee. The fee varies depending on the route and can range from $25 to $100 per bag. If you have purchased a Main Cabin, Premium Economy, or First/Business Class ticket, you can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item for free.

Benefits of Bringing a Carry-on Bag

Bringing a carry-on bag can save you time and money in several ways. First, you can avoid the long lines and waiting times at the baggage claim area. Second, you don’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost or damaged during the flight. Third, you can save money on baggage fees, especially if you are traveling on a budget.

Moreover, bringing a carry-on bag allows you to pack your essentials and valuables, such as medications, documents, electronics, and clothes, in one place. You can also have easy access to your items during the flight, without having to wait for the overhead compartments to open.

Carry-on Bag vs. Checked Bag

While bringing a carry-on bag has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. A carry-on bag might not fit all your belongings, especially if you are traveling for a long period or with multiple people. You also have to be mindful of the weight and size restrictions, as well as the TSA regulations regarding liquids, gels, and other items.

On the other hand, checking your baggage allows you to bring more items and pack more comfortably. You can also avoid the hassle of carrying your bags around the airport and on board the plane. However, you have to pay extra fees for checked baggage, and you are not guaranteed that your luggage will arrive at your destination on time and intact.

Conclusion

In summary, American Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on all flights, except for Basic Economy. If you want to bring a carry-on bag in Basic Economy, you will have to pay an additional fee. The maximum dimensions of the carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and the personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. Bringing a carry-on bag has its benefits, such as saving time and money, but also has some drawbacks, such as size and weight restrictions. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs and preferences as a traveler.

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Type of Ticket Carry-on Bag Allowance Personal Item Allowance
Basic Economy Pay extra fee One personal item only
Main Cabin, Premium Economy, First/Business Class One carry-on bag One personal item
  • Always check the baggage policy of the airline before booking your ticket.
  • Consider your travel needs and preferences when deciding whether to bring a carry-on bag or not.
  • Make sure your carry-on bag and personal item fit the size and weight restrictions of the airline.
  • Label your bags with your name, address, and contact information in case they get lost or misplaced.
  • Arrive at the airport early to avoid delays and make sure you have enough time to check in and go through security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about American Airlines baggage policies.

What is American Airlines’ carry-on policy?

American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard for free. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin, while the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. If your carry-on bag is too large, it may need to be checked and additional fees may apply.

Additionally, American Airlines has specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags and personal items. Your carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters), while your personal item cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 centimeters).

Can I bring a carry-on bag and a personal item on board without any additional fees?

Yes, American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard for free. However, if your carry-on bag is too large or you have additional bags that need to be checked, additional fees may apply.

It’s important to note that American Airlines has specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags and personal items. Your carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters), while your personal item cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 centimeters).

What are the fees for checked bags on American Airlines?

The fees for checked bags on American Airlines vary depending on your destination, fare type, and frequent flyer status. Generally, the first checked bag will cost $30-35 for domestic flights and $60-100 for international flights. The second checked bag will cost $40-45 for domestic flights and $100-200 for international flights. Additional bags may cost even more.

If you want to avoid checked bag fees altogether, consider packing light and only bringing a carry-on bag and personal item onboard with you.

How can I pay for my checked bags on American Airlines?

You can pay for your checked bags on American Airlines’ website, mobile app, or at the airport kiosk. You can also pay at the airport ticket counter or self-service bag drop kiosk. American Airlines accepts major credit cards and debit cards, as well as cash and traveler’s checks at some locations.

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If you want to save money on checked bag fees, consider purchasing a higher fare class or earning elite status through American Airlines’ frequent flyer program, which may give you free checked bags or waived fees.

What happens if my carry-on bag is too large to fit in the overhead bin?

If your carry-on bag is too large to fit in the overhead bin on American Airlines, you may need to check it at the gate or at the ticket counter. Additional fees may apply if you have already checked other bags or if you do not have a qualifying elite status or fare class.

It’s important to note that American Airlines has specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags and personal items. Your carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters), while your personal item cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 centimeters). If you’re unsure if your bag will fit, measure it before you travel or consider packing less to avoid any issues.

How many bags can you carry on American Airlines for free?


In conclusion, a carry-on bag is still free on American Airlines, but it depends on the type of ticket you purchased. If you bought a Basic Economy ticket, you’ll have to pay for a carry-on bag, but if you bought a Main Cabin or higher ticket, you can still bring a carry-on bag for free.

It’s important to remember that American Airlines has strict size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags, so make sure your bag meets their requirements before heading to the airport. Also, if you’re unsure about the type of ticket you purchased or have any questions about baggage fees, it’s always best to contact American Airlines directly or check their website for the latest information.

Overall, while there have been changes to American Airlines’ baggage policies in recent years, travelers can still bring a carry-on bag for free on certain types of tickets. Just be sure to double-check the rules and restrictions before your next flight to avoid any surprises or extra fees at the gate.

adminChief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

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