How Much Does American Airlines Charge for International Baggage?
Contents
- The American Airlines Charge for International Baggage Table.
- Does American Airlines Charge for Checked Bags?
- Be Aware of The Limitations to Skip Additional Charges.
- Be Careful About Things You Can’t Bring.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a backpack considered a carry-on or not?
- How can I avoid paying for checked baggage?
- Is it cheaper to pay for checked bags online?
- Wrap Up
- Sources
There are usually quite a few rules that you must follow with baggage when traveling with a certain airline. And American Airlines is known for having their consistent charges for carriers. If you are carrying a lot of stuff for the trip then knowing the airlines charge for overweight bags becomes important. So, this time I’ll give you some insight on the American airlines charge for international baggage with other information that hopefully will help.
The American Airlines Charge for International Baggage Table.
You can refer to the table given below for a rough idea on how much do American airlines charge for baggage.
The figures below are the Main Cabin base fees American listed on its checked bag policy page at the time of writing. Fees change often, so confirm yours before you fly.
| Baggage Type | U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America (USD) | Trans-Atlantic (USD) | Maximum Size (L+W+H) | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checked bag (1st) | 50 (45 online) | 0 (85 in Basic Economy) | 62 in | 50 lbs |
| Checked bag (2nd) | 60 (55 online) | 100 | 62 in | 50 lbs |
| Checked bag (3rd) | 200 | 200 | 62 in | 50 lbs |
| Checked bag (4th+) | 200 | 200 | 62 in | 50 lbs |
| Overweight, 51-53 lbs | 30 | 30 | 62 in | 53 lbs |
| Overweight, 54-70 lbs | 100 | 100 | 62 in | 70 lbs |
| Overweight, 71-100 lbs | 200 | Not accepted | 62 in | 100 lbs |
| Oversize, 63-65 in | 30 | 30 | 65 in | 50 lbs |
| Oversize, 66-115 in | 200 | 150 | 115 in | 50 lbs |
Does American Airlines Charge for Checked Bags?
Yes, on many routes. Within and between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti), Central America (except Panama) and Guyana, the first bag costs $50, or $45 if you pay online.
On trans-Atlantic flights, most trans-Pacific flights and most South America flights, the first bag is free in Main Cabin. Basic Economy fares usually pay for it, for example $85 on trans-Atlantic trips.
Some passengers check bags for free. Premium Economy, Business and Domestic First customers get their first 2 bags free, and Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus customers get 3.
Be Aware of The Limitations to Skip Additional Charges.
The number of bags you can check depends on your route and the season. American-operated flights to, through or from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America allow up to 5 bags, with seasonal limits on some cities.
The entire outside dimension of each and every bag is taken into account for having the size calculated. And then the sum of length, width, and height get compared to the standard allowed dimension to decide if it’s permissible or not.
For all regions except Australia and New Zealand, each checked bag can be up to 62 inches (158 cm) and 50 lbs (23 kg). First and Business passengers can check free bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg), while extra paid bags stay at 50 lbs (23 kg).
For flights to or from Australia and New Zealand, the size limit is still 62 inches. Free bags can weigh up to 70 lbs (32 kg), and excess paid bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
American does not accept checked bags over 100 lbs or over 115 inches in total dimensions on its own flights.
Be Careful About Things You Can’t Bring.
Matters such as can you take edibles on a plane or other questionable items need a clear understanding from your side. So that you don’t pack items that would make your journey troubled.
Also, paying attention to dimension rulings is also important. If you have an idea of how strict is delta with carry on size and think that’s irritating, then American Airlines could have the same impression or perhaps worse. Because this Airlines also has a reputation of being very strict with sizes and what things they allow.
So, check properly about what items are not allowed to bring onboard and make sure your packing plans come after that research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a backpack considered a carry-on or not?
It depends on its size. American’s personal item limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches, and it must fit under the seat in front of you. A larger backpack up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches counts as your carry-on bag.
How can I avoid paying for checked baggage?
There are a few ways to avoid the extra charges. AAdvantage and oneworld elite members can check 1 to 3 bags free, depending on their status level.
Eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders get their first bag free on domestic American itineraries. You can also buy a Premium Economy, Business or First ticket, which includes free bags.
Is it cheaper to pay for checked bags online?
Yes, on many routes. American takes $5 off the first and second bag fees when you pay online for travel within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti), Central America (except Panama) and Guyana.
Wrap Up
So now you know the necessary details on American airlines charge for international baggage. Sit down and figure out the charges that would be applicable to you by considering your expected baggage. And be prepared for the charges (if any) earlier. It does feel upsetting to discover that you need to pay extra money at the airport all of a sudden. At least now, you know what to expect. Have a nice day ahead.
Sources
- Checked bag policy, American Airlines
- Oversize and overweight bags, American Airlines
- Carry-on bags, American Airlines
