American Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the United States, with millions of passengers traveling with them every year. As a frequent flyer, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether bags are included in the ticket price.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of American Airlines’ baggage policy, including what is included in the ticket price, what costs extra, and how to save money on baggage fees. So whether you’re planning a business trip or a family vacation, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about American Airlines’ baggage policy.
Are Bags Included With American Airlines?
If you’re planning to travel with American Airlines, one of the questions you might have is whether or not bags are included in your ticket price. The answer is not a straightforward one, as it depends on a few factors. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the baggage policies of American Airlines and help you understand what to expect.
Carry-On Baggage
American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board the plane. Personal items can include purses, briefcases, or small backpacks that fit under the seat in front of you. Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin and cannot exceed the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
It’s important to note that basic economy passengers are not allowed to bring a full-sized carry-on bag on board. Instead, they can only bring a personal item that fits under the seat. If you want to bring a carry-on bag, you’ll need to purchase a higher fare class or pay an additional fee.
Here’s a breakdown of carry-on baggage policies for American Airlines:
Fare Class | Personal Item | Carry-On Bag |
---|---|---|
Basic Economy | 1 | Not allowed |
Main Cabin | 1 | 1 |
Premium Economy | 1 | 2 |
Business Class | 1 | 2 |
First Class | 1 | 3 |
Checked Baggage
Unlike carry-on baggage, checked baggage is not included with all fares on American Airlines. This means that if you want to check a bag, you’ll need to pay an additional fee or purchase a fare class that includes checked baggage.
The fees for checked baggage vary depending on your destination, fare class, and whether or not you pay for your bags in advance or at the airport. In general, the fees for the first checked bag range from $30-$60, while the fees for the second checked bag range from $40-$100.
If you’re traveling internationally, the fees for checked baggage can be even higher. For example, the fee for the first checked bag on a flight from the US to Europe is $60, while the fee for the second checked bag is $100.
Here’s a breakdown of checked baggage policies for American Airlines:
Fare Class | First Checked Bag Fee | Second Checked Bag Fee |
---|---|---|
Basic Economy | $60 | $100 |
Main Cabin | $30-$60 | $40-$100 |
Premium Economy | Included (2 bags) | $40-$100 |
Business Class | Included (2 bags) | $40-$100 |
First Class | Included (3 bags) | $40-$100 |
Benefits of Paying for Bags in Advance
While it can be tempting to wait until you get to the airport to pay for your checked baggage, there are some benefits to paying in advance.
First, paying in advance can save you money. American Airlines offers a discount of $5-$10 per bag if you pay for your bags online before you get to the airport.
Second, paying in advance can save you time. If you pay for your bags in advance, you can use the self-service kiosks at the airport to print your bag tags and drop off your bags. This can save you time compared to waiting in line to pay for your bags at the check-in counter.
Baggage vs. No Baggage
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to pay for baggage on American Airlines, there are a few things to consider.
First, think about how many bags you’ll need to check. If you’re only bringing a carry-on bag, you won’t need to pay for baggage.
Second, consider the fare class you’re purchasing. If you’re buying a basic economy ticket, you’ll need to pay for a carry-on bag and checked baggage. If you’re purchasing a main cabin ticket or higher, you’ll likely have at least one checked bag included in your ticket price.
Finally, weigh the cost of baggage fees against the cost of purchasing a higher fare class. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a higher fare class that includes baggage rather than paying for bags separately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bags are not included with all fares on American Airlines. Passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board, but checked baggage is not included in all fares. If you’re planning to check a bag, be prepared to pay an additional fee or purchase a higher fare class. Consider the number of bags you’ll need to check, your fare class, and the cost of baggage fees when deciding whether or not to pay for bags on American Airlines.
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is American Airlines’ baggage policy?
- What is the size limit for carry-on bags?
- Does American Airlines offer a baggage delivery service?
- What is American Airlines’ policy for sports equipment?
- What happens if my baggage is lost or damaged?
- What Is United Airlines Slogan?
- The Top 5 Destinations To Explore With United Airlines
- What Are United Regional Airlines?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Airlines’ baggage policy?
American Airlines’ baggage policy allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, for free. Checked baggage fees vary depending on the flight and destination. Passengers can check their baggage allowance and fees on American Airlines’ website or by contacting customer service.
Passengers can also purchase additional baggage allowance online or at the airport. Oversized and overweight baggage fees may also apply, so it is important to review the baggage policy before traveling.
What is the size limit for carry-on bags?
The size limit for carry-on bags on American Airlines flights is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Any bags that exceed this size limit will need to be checked at the gate and may incur additional fees. It is important to measure your carry-on bag before arriving at the airport to avoid any issues.
Does American Airlines offer a baggage delivery service?
Yes, American Airlines offers a baggage delivery service called BagsVIP. This service allows passengers to have their checked bags delivered directly to their final destination, eliminating the need to wait at baggage claim. Fees for this service vary based on the destination and number of bags. Passengers can arrange for BagsVIP online or by contacting customer service.
What is American Airlines’ policy for sports equipment?
American Airlines allows passengers to bring sports equipment, such as golf clubs or skis, as checked baggage. Fees for this service vary based on the equipment and destination. It is recommended to pack sports equipment in a hard-shell case to prevent damage during transport. Passengers can review the specific policy for their equipment on American Airlines’ website or by contacting customer service.
What happens if my baggage is lost or damaged?
If your baggage is lost or damaged during your American Airlines flight, you should immediately report it to a customer service agent at the airport. American Airlines will work to locate and return any lost baggage as quickly as possible. If your baggage is damaged, American Airlines will provide compensation or repair the item if possible. Passengers should review the detailed policy on American Airlines’ website or by contacting customer service for more information.
In conclusion, American Airlines offers a variety of baggage options for their passengers. Basic Economy passengers are not entitled to a complimentary carry-on bag and must pay extra for checked bags. However, Main Cabin passengers can enjoy one free carry-on bag and a personal item.
It is important to note that American Airlines also offers additional baggage options for those who need to bring more items with them. This includes purchasing additional bags, upgrading to a higher fare class, or joining the airline’s loyalty program.
Overall, while bags are not always included with American Airlines, passengers have several options to choose from to meet their individual travel needs. By understanding the baggage rules and fees beforehand, travelers can avoid any surprises and enjoy a stress-free journey with American Airlines.