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How many bags does American Airlines allow for free? [Baggage Policies]
How many bags does American Airlines allow for free? [Baggage Policies]

How many bags does American Airlines allow for free?

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Written by Kim Seon
Updated yesterday

American Airlines offers a variety of baggage policies depending on the fare class, membership status, and destination of your flight【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. Generally, for domestic flights within the U.S., the basic allowance for free checked bags is one per passenger【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. Passengers flying in first class or business class are allowed two free checked bags【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. This benefit also extends to passengers who hold elite status with American Airlines’ AAdvantage program, specifically those in the Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, or ConciergeKey tiers【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. These members receive additional benefits, including more checked bags free of charge【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】.

For international flights, the number of free checked bags varies based on the destination and the passenger's class of service【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. For most international routes, the allowance is typically one or two checked bags, depending on the specific route and ticket type【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. American Airlines allows passengers in business and first class on international flights to check two free bags【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. For flights to/from Europe, passengers on transatlantic economy fares are typically allowed one free checked bag【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】.

It is important to note that the airline's free baggage policy can be influenced by the type of ticket purchased【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. Basic Economy passengers, for example, do not get a free checked bag as part of their ticket. These travelers must pay for each checked bag【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. The Basic Economy class is a lower-cost option, but it comes with the trade-off of fewer perks, such as no free checked luggage【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】.

For carry-on luggage, American Airlines allows one free personal item, such as a small bag, backpack, or laptop case【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. Additionally, passengers are permitted one standard carry-on bag that must meet the size requirements for overhead bin storage【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. The dimensions for carry-on luggage are typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】.

Passengers can also purchase additional baggage allowance if they need to check more bags than the standard free allowance【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. These extra bags are subject to an additional fee, which can vary depending on the route, destination, and size of the bag【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】.

To summarize, American Airlines allows passengers one free checked bag for domestic flights or one or two for international routes, depending on the fare and class of service【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】. Frequent flyers with elite status may receive additional free bags, while Basic Economy passengers are generally required to pay for checked luggage【+1-866-327-6971 (US) or +44-808-196-9723 (UK) 】.

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