Travel is easier when you know what to expect and plan ahead. Pack like a pro with information regarding the size, weight and number of bags you can check or carry on, the applicable charges and exceptions, charges for additional checked baggage, waivers for military personnel, guidelines for sports and specialty items and more.
Exceptions to charges for the first and second bag include customers who purchase First or Business Class tickets, AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum® and AAdvantage Gold® members as well as customers who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class. View a complete list of exceptions.
| Itinerary | Number of Bags Allowed* | Size and Weight Per Bag Allowed* |
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Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada |
One personal item: No charge One bag carry-on: No chargeChecked bags. Charges may apply. |
36 in/91 cm (total dimensions)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
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Travel to/from Brazil Note: There are year-round limitations on boxes and baggage when traveling to Bolivia and some cities in Brazil. |
One personal item: No charge One bag carry-on: No charge Two bags checked. No charge |
45 in/115 cm (carry-on)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
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Travel to/through/from Europe View European Union rules on Restricted Items related to animal products. |
One personal item: No charge One bag carry-on: No charge One bag checked: No charge Charges may apply for additional bags. Exceptions apply Maximum number of 10 checked bags allowed per passenger. |
45 in/115 cm (carry-on)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
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Travel to/through/from Japan or China |
One personal item: No charge One bag carry-on: No charge Two bags checked: No charge Maximum number of 10 checked bags allowed per passenger. |
45 in/115 cm (carry-on)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
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Travel to/from Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central and South America
See rules for Brazil. Note: There are year-round limitations on boxes and baggage when traveling to Bolivia and some cities in Brazil. |
One personal item: No charge One bag carry-on: No charge One bag checked: No charge Charges may apply for additional bags. Exceptions may apply Maximum number of 5 checked bags allowed per passenger. |
45 in/115 cm (carry-on)
62 in/158 cm (checked)
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Other International Travel |
Varies by destination. Contact Reservations for charges or seasonal restrictions. |
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The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height. Note: Carry-on roller board bags, duffle bags, large backpacks, or other personal items that don't fit in the overhead bins or under the seat must be checked at the gate and placed in the cargo compartment on American Eagle planes.
Attention First and Business Class Customers
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*Bags over the size or weight allowance will incur additional charges. See below for Specialty Items.
| Itinerary | Baggage Charges |
|---|---|
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Within the U.S.
OR The U.S. to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. OR Puerto Rico to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands 
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$25 for the first checked bag. Exceptions may apply. $35 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply. $150 for any additional pieces |
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From Canada to the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
OR To Canada from the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands 
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$25 for the first checked bag. Exceptions may apply. $35 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply. $150 for any additional pieces |
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FromCanada To/Through/From Europe
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For tickets purchased on or after August 30, 2011:$60 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply For tickets purchased before August 30, 2011:Two bags checked - No charge Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags |
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From Mexico to the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Canada and Europe OR To Mexico from the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada and Europe 
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For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012$40 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply. For tickets purchased before February 8, 2012$30 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply. Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags. |
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Between Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America
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For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012$40 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply. For tickets purchased before February 8, 2012$30 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply. Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags. |
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The Caribbean or Central America
to or from the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada and Europe OR From the Caribbean to Central America OR From the Central America to the Caribbean OR Between cities in the Caribbean or Central America 
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For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012
For tickets purchased before February 8, 2012 $40 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply.Please contact Reservations to determine charges for additional bags. |
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The U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
to or from Europe OR The U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Connecting through Europe to another destination. 
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$60 for the second checked bag. Exceptions may apply. |
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South America (except Brazil) to/from the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada
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For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012
For tickets purchased between August 30, 2011, and February 7, 2012
For tickets purchased before August 30, 2011:
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South America (except Brazil) to/through/from Europe
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For tickets purchased on or after February 8, 2012
For tickets purchased between August 30, 2011, and February 7, 2012
For tickets purchased before August 30, 2011:
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All other itineraries |
Vary by destination. Contact Reservations for charges or seasonal restrictions. |
Additional charges apply to this type of baggage and are collected at the airport ticket counter.
| Itinerary | Overweight Baggage Charges | Oversize Baggage Charges |
|---|---|---|
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Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico 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 $100 per piece. Checked baggage weighing over 70lbs/32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will be charged at the rate of $200 per piece. Baggage weighing more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will not be accepted as checked baggage. |
Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/157 cm will be charged at the rate of $200 per piece. Baggage measuring more than 126 in/320 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage. |
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Travel to/through/from Europe |
Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs is subject to a $60 USD overweight baggage charge. Over 70 lbs/32 kgs will not be accepted. |
Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/157 cm will be charged at the rate of $150 per piece. Baggage measuring more than 126 in/320 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage.Exception for U.K.: Baggage measuring more than 80 in/204 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage. |
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Travel to/through/from Japan or China |
Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs is subject to a $60 USD overweight baggage charge. (6,000JPY if originating in Japan). Checked baggage weighing over 70lbs/32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will be charged at the rate of $450 per piece. (45,000JPY if originating in Japan) |
Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/158 cm will be charged at the rate of $150 per piece. (15,000JPY if originating in Japan) Baggage measuring more than 126 in/320 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage. |
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Travel to/through/from Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central and South America |
Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs is subject to a $100 USD overweight baggage charge. Checked baggage weighing over 70lbs/32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will be charged at the rate of $200 per piece. Baggage weighing more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will not be accepted as checked baggage. |
Checked baggage which is larger than 62 in/158 cm will be charged at the rate of $200 per piece. Baggage measuring more than 126 in/320 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage. |
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All other itineraries |
Vary by destination. Contact Reservations for charges or seasonal restrictions |
Vary by destination. Contact Reservations for charges |
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The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height. 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. |
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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 charges, please contact American Airlines Reservations
Learn about devices that can be brought onboard, information regarding checking strollers or car seats as well as other helpful information on our Traveling With Children And Infants page.
Important Note: The policy for acceptance of strollers as checked baggage has changed. Please visit our Traveling with Children page for more information.
Camera, film, lighting, and sound equipment will be charged a rate of $50 USD per piece when tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies, commercial film-making companies, professional photographers, the federal government, Department of Defense or the American Society of Media Photographers. These rates apply to travel within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and international destinations. A maximum of 25 pieces is allowed per organization/company per American Eagle flight or 40 pieces for American Airlines flights. This policy is subject to seasonal and permanent baggage embargoes. The maximum size and weight allowances are subject to the policies in place for the destination.
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.
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 dimensional 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 Main Cabin and are only accepted on certain aircraft types, please contact an American Airlines representative.
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.
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 for detailed information.
For information related to travel outside of United States, Puerto Rico and USVI, please contact Reservations to ensure your destination is typically served by an aircraft that can accommodate your article.
| Item | Allowance/Requirements | Cost | Maximum Size and Weight | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Antlers |
Must be as free of residue as possible. The skull must be wrapped and tips protected. |
$150 charge, regardless of the number of checked bags. |
70 lbs 126 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. |
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Archery |
One bow, one quiver, arrows and maintenance kit |
When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
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Backpack/ Knapsack/ |
One Backpack/knapsack with or without frame |
When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
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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. Bike must be in a hard-sided case built for bike transport or a bike bag or box. Bikes not in a hard-sided case are considered fragile. |
$150 charge, regardless of the number of checked bags. Exception: If bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 lbs, the bike is charged the applicable baggage charge for the 1st checked bag. |
70 lbs 126 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 |
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Boogie / Skim / Speed Boards |
One boogie, skim or speed board |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
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Bowling Balls |
Bowling case with bowling balls and shoes |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
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. |
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Camping Equipment |
One piece of camping equipment |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
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. |
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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 charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
Fishing rod case 126 inches Equipment bag 50 lbs 62 inches |
For purposes of excess baggage, two pieces count as one item |
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Golf Clubs |
One golf bag containing no more than 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls and one pair of golf shoes |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
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. |
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Hang Gliders |
One hang glider |
$150 charge, regardless of the number of checked bags. |
70 lbs 126 inches |
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions |
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Hockey/ Lacrosse |
Hockey/Lacrosse sticks and one equipment bag |
Two pieces - Equipment bag plus Hockey/Lacrosse stick(s) are charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
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 |
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Javelin |
One javelin |
$150 charge, regardless of the number of checked bags. |
70 lbs 126 inches |
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions |
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Kayak, Boats, Sculls, Canoes |
Not accepted. |
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Oars |
One pair of oars |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
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Pole Vault |
Not accepted. |
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Scuba Gear (with tanks) |
One scuba tank, scuba regulator, tank harness and tank pressure gauge. |
$150 charge, regardless of the number of checked bags. |
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. |
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Scuba Gear (without tanks) |
Scuba regulator, tank harness and tank pressure gauge. |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
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Shooting Equipment |
Maximum amount per case is three rifles/shotguns or five pistols/revolvers 11 lbs/5 kgs ammunition, shooting mat, noise suppressors, and tools. |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
Please visit our Transporting Firearms And Ammunition page for more information. |
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Skateboard |
One skateboard |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
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Skis Water / Snow / Snowboards |
One pair of skis/snowboard and one bag containing a pair of ski /board boots only |
One pair of skis/snowboard and one boot bag containing only boots/bindings will be charged the applicable checked bag charge. Boot bag must not exceed 45 linear inches (L+W+H) and must contain only boots/bindings. Boot bags that contain other articles will be subject to the excess baggage charge for a single piece. |
- One pair of skis/snowboard up to 126 inches and one boot bag containing boots/bindings only and not to exceed 45 linear inches (L+W+H) |
- Lighters or torches for applying ski wax are considered dangerous goods and are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage |
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Surfboards, Kiteboards, Wakeboards, Wave Ski |
One surfboard, Kiteboard, Wakeboard, or Wave Ski |
$150 charge, regardless of the number of checked bags.
Exception:
- Lightweight surfboards packaged in a single bag that weighs less than 70 lbs will be accepted as a single surfboard for charging purposes. |
70 lbs 126 inches |
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions - Exception: If the Kiteboard/wakeboard/Wave ski is less than 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs, the above conditions do not apply |
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Tennis Rackets |
Tennis Rackets and tennis balls |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
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Tent/Sleeping Bag |
One tent with frame or one sleeping bag |
Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. |
50 lbs 62 inches |
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Windsurf, Kitesurf |
One board, one mast, boom and sail |
$150 charge, regardless of the number of checked bags. Can be two pieces |
70 lbs 126 inches each piece |
- Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load conditions - Up to two pieces (as described at left) count as one piece for baggage charges. |
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 Reservations personnel (1-800-433-7300) will make travel arrangements for any escort accompanying uncremated 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.
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.
