Anerican Airlines Baggage Rules: Cabin & Checked Luggage Guide
Everything you need to know about Anerican Airlines carry-on baggage, personal items, checked luggage, liquids and baggage allowances before you fly.
American Airlines allows passengers to bring both a full-size carry-on bag and a personal item on board, including passengers travelling on a Basic Economy ticket.
Your carry-on bag can measure up to 56 × 36 × 23cm, including handles and wheels, and must fit in the overhead bin or beneath the seat. You can also bring one personal item measuring up to 45 × 35 × 20cm, which must fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Unlike some airlines, American Airlines does not publish a standard weight limit for ordinary carry-on baggage. However, your bag must fit within the airline's permitted dimensions and airport baggage sizer, and additional restrictions can apply on certain aircraft and at some airports.
Checked baggage is more complicated because the allowance and fees depend on your fare, cabin, route and frequent-flyer status. Basic Economy generally does not include a free checked bag, although there are exceptions on some international routes. Main Cabin and premium-cabin allowances also vary according to the journey.
For standard checked baggage, American Airlines generally allows bags measuring up to 158cm when length, width and height are added together. The standard weight limit is usually 23kg, increasing to 32kg for complimentary checked bags in First and Business Class.
For UK travellers, the transatlantic distinction is particularly important. Main Cabin currently includes the first checked bag on applicable transatlantic journeys, while Basic Economy generally charges for the first checked bag, with some route-specific exceptions.
Liquids, aerosols and gels carried in cabin baggage are subject to airport security requirements. Where standard 100ml restrictions apply, CabinCleared's branded travel-size toiletries can help you pack everyday essentials while making efficient use of your American Airlines carry-on and personal-item allowance.
This guide explains American Airlines' carry-on and personal-item dimensions, Basic Economy and Main Cabin baggage rules, checked baggage allowances and charges, premium-cabin allowances, liquids and the common baggage mistakes that can lead to additional costs.
Cabin Baggage
1 carry-on bag
56 × 36 × 23cm
Including handles & wheels
Plus 1 personal item
45 × 35 × 20cm
Must fit under the seat
No standard weight limit published
Checked Baggage
Standard bag:
Up to 23kg
Maximum 158cm total dimensions
First & Business:
Free bags up to 32kg
Allowance varies by
fare, route and status
Checked Baggage Fees
Fees vary by
fare and route
Basic Economy may
charge for the first bag
Pay online before travel
where available to save
Key American Airlines Baggage Tips
American Airlines passengers can generally bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item, including passengers travelling on Basic Economy.
Your carry-on bag must not exceed 56 × 36 × 23cm, including handles and wheels, and must fit in the airport baggage sizer.
Your personal item must not exceed 45 × 35 × 20cm and must fit beneath the seat in front of you.
American Airlines does not publish a standard weight limit for ordinary carry-on baggage, but additional restrictions can apply on certain aircraft and at some airports.
Don't assume Basic Economy means you lose your carry-on allowance. You still receive one carry-on bag and one personal item.
Checked baggage allowances and charges vary considerably according to your fare, route, cabin and frequent-flyer status, so check your booking before travelling.
On transatlantic journeys, Main Cabin generally includes the first checked bag, while Basic Economy generally charges for the first bag. Exceptions can apply on particular routes.
Standard checked bags are generally limited to 23kg and 158cm in total dimensions. Complimentary First and Business Class checked bags can weigh up to 32kg.
Where American Airlines offers online prepayment for checked baggage, arranging it before travelling can be cheaper than paying at the airport.
Check the liquid-security rules at your departure and connecting airports. Where standard 100ml restrictions apply, CabinCleared travel-size toiletries can help you pack efficiently.
Keep passports, medication, valuables, power banks, spare batteries and other cabin-only essentials with you rather than placing them in checked baggage.
If your journey includes an American Eagle aircraft or another smaller aircraft, be prepared for your carry-on to be checked at the gate because overhead-bin space can be more limited.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid delays at the airport.
Anerican Airlines baggage allowance by fare type
Your Anerican Airlines ticket type determines how many bags you can bring in the cabin and in the hold. All fares include a cabin bag and a small personal item, while checked baggage depends on your fare.
Basic Economy
Main Cabin / Premium Economy
Cabin baggage
1 carry-on bag included
56 × 36 × 23cm
Plus 1 personal item
45 × 35 × 20cm
Checked baggage
Usually not included
Available for an additional fee
Some international route exceptions apply
Best for:
Price-conscious travellers packing light or travelling with cabin baggage only.
Cabin baggage
1 carry-on bag included
56 × 36 × 23cm
Plus 1 personal item
45 × 35 × 20cm
Checked baggage
Main Cabin:
Allowance varies by route
1 free bag on transatlantic routes
Premium Economy:
2 free checked bags
Up to 23kg each
Best for:
Travellers wanting greater flexibility or included checked baggage on eligible international journeys.
Business / First Class
Cabin baggage
1 carry-on bag included
56 × 36 × 23cm
Plus 1 personal item
45 × 35 × 20cm
Checked baggage
Business:
2 free checked bags
First:
Up to 3 free checked bags
Free premium-cabin bags:
Up to 32kg each
Best for:
Premium travellers wanting the most generous checked baggage allowances.
Checked baggage with American Airlines: what you need to know
American Airlines' checked baggage allowance depends on your fare, travel cabin, route and, in some cases, AAdvantage or oneworld status.
For most journeys, a standard checked bag can measure up to 158cm when its length, width and height are added together and can weigh up to 23kg.
Main Cabin checked baggage varies by route. On transatlantic journeys, including flights between the UK and United States, Main Cabin currently includes the first checked bag. Basic Economy generally does not: for tickets issued from 18 May 2026, the first checked bag on most transatlantic Basic Economy journeys currently costs £70 each way.
Premium Economy passengers receive two free checked bags, generally weighing up to 23kg each.
Business Class passengers receive two free checked bags, while eligible Flagship Business Plus and Flagship First passengers can receive three. Complimentary checked bags in First and Business Class can weigh up to 32kg each.
Additional checked baggage can be purchased where permitted. American Airlines allows up to 10 checked bags on American-operated domestic, transatlantic and transpacific journeys, although route-specific and seasonal restrictions can reduce this number.
Overweight and oversized baggage can attract substantial additional charges. If you know you'll need checked baggage, check the allowance attached to your booking before travelling and prepay online where available. On some routes, American Airlines charges less for the first and second checked bags when they are paid for online rather than at the airport.
If your itinerary includes a flight operated by another airline, check that carrier's baggage rules as American Airlines' complimentary baggage allowances may not apply to codeshare flights.
American Airlines carry-on baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
American Airlines passengers can generally bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item, including passengers travelling on Basic Economy.
Your carry-on bag must not exceed 56 × 36 × 23cm, including handles and wheels. It must fit in the airport baggage sizer and be small enough to fit in the overhead bin or beneath the seat in front of you.
Your personal item must not exceed 45 × 35 × 20cm and must fit beneath the seat in front of you. Typical personal items include a small handbag, purse, backpack, laptop bag or briefcase.
Certain items do not count towards your normal carry-on or personal-item allowance. American Airlines lists items including one nappy bag per child, a breast pump, a small soft-sided cooler of breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices.
Smaller regional aircraft
Some American Eagle aircraft have limited overhead-bin space. If your carry-on is larger than American Airlines' personal-item dimensions, you may need to valet-check it at the gate at no additional charge. The bag is normally returned on the jet bridge after arrival.
If your carry-on is checked or valet-checked, remove power banks, spare batteries, electronic cigarettes and any other items that are not permitted in checked baggage.
Liquids, toiletries and airport security
Liquid-security rules are determined by the authorities at your departure and connecting airports rather than by American Airlines alone.
American Airlines states that personal care liquids carried in cabin baggage should be in travel-size containers of 3.4oz (approximately 100ml) or smaller and placed in a clear resealable liquids bag.
Airport procedures can vary, particularly on international journeys, so check the current security requirements at your departure and connecting airports before travelling. CabinCleared's branded travel-size toiletries can help you pack everyday essentials in convenient sizes while making efficient use of your carry-on allowance.
Power banks and batteries
American Airlines permits up to two portable chargers or power banks per passenger. Each must not exceed 100Wh and must travel in the cabin rather than in checked baggage.
Power banks should remain accessible during the flight and must not be stored in the overhead bin or another enclosed space. American Airlines also prohibits using an aircraft seat power outlet to recharge a power bank while onboard.
Spare lithium batteries are also subject to specific restrictions and must be carried in cabin baggage.
Common carry-on baggage mistakes to avoid
Exceeding the 56 × 36 × 23cm carry-on dimensions, including handles and wheels.
Bringing a personal item larger than 45 × 35 × 20cm or one that will not fit beneath the seat.
Assuming a compliant carry-on will always fit aboard smaller American Eagle aircraft.
Leaving power banks, spare batteries or electronic cigarettes inside a bag that is being checked or valet-checked.
Packing liquids in containers larger than 100ml where standard airport liquid restrictions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Airlines' carry-on baggage allowance?
American Airlines passengers can generally bring one carry-on bag measuring up to 56 × 36 × 23cm plus one personal item measuring up to 45 × 35 × 20cm. This allowance also applies to Basic Economy passengers.
Does American Airlines have a carry-on weight limit?
American Airlines does not publish a standard maximum weight for ordinary carry-on baggage. Your bag must fit within the permitted dimensions and be suitable for the overhead bin or beneath the seat.
What counts as a personal item on American Airlines?
A personal item can include a small handbag, purse, backpack, laptop bag or briefcase. It must measure no more than 45 × 35 × 20cm and fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Does American Airlines Basic Economy include a carry-on bag?
Yes. Basic Economy passengers receive the standard allowance of one carry-on bag plus one personal item. However, checked baggage is generally not included and may need to be purchased separately.
Does American Airlines include checked baggage on UK to USA flights?
On transatlantic journeys, Main Cabin currently includes the first checked bag. Basic Economy generally charges for the first checked bag, while Premium Economy, Business and First Class include more generous checked baggage allowances.
How heavy can a checked bag be on American Airlines?
Standard checked bags can generally weigh up to 23kg. Complimentary checked bags for eligible First and Business Class passengers can weigh up to 32kg. Additional charges can apply to overweight baggage.
What size can checked baggage be on American Airlines?
A standard checked bag can generally measure up to 158cm when its length, width and height are added together. Oversized baggage may be accepted subject to additional charges and route restrictions.
Can I take liquids and toiletries on American Airlines?
Yes. American Airlines permits travel-size personal care liquids in cabin baggage, but airport security rules also apply. Where standard restrictions are in force, containers should be no larger than approximately 100ml and placed in the required transparent resealable liquids bag.
Can I take a power bank on American Airlines?
Yes. American Airlines currently permits up to two power banks per passenger, with each limited to 100Wh. They must travel in the cabin, remain accessible during the flight and must not be placed in checked baggage or stored in the overhead bin.
What happens to my carry-on bag on a smaller American Eagle aircraft?
Some American Eagle aircraft have limited overhead-bin space. A carry-on that meets American Airlines' normal dimensions may therefore need to be valet-checked at the gate at no additional charge and is normally returned on the jet bridge after arrival.