American Airlines Baggage Policies, Fleet & Booking (2024)

American Airlines is one of the major air carriers in the United States. The airline conducts scheduled commercial flights to domestic and international destinations across the globe.

In this article, we will explore all the details related to American Airlines Baggage Policies, Tickets, Bookings, Flight Tracking, and much more. We have already published the baggage policies of other carriers including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and so on.

Stay till the end to grab every piece of information about American Airlines.

American Airlines Introduction

American Airlines is one of the major airlines in the United States headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The airline is known as the world’s largest in terms of revenue passenger mile, scheduled passengers carried, and fleet size.

The airline in coordination with regional partners conducts domestic and international flights to almost 350 destinations around the world. Almost 6,800 flights are operated by American Airlines in over 50 countries.

The airline is also a founder of the world’s third-largest airline alliance known as the Oneworld Alliance. American Eagle is the subsidiary carrier that operates regional service on behalf of American Airlines. A total of 10 hub airports are utilized by American Airlines and American Eagle to operate flights.

Learn to track a flight on American Airlines.

History

American Airlines has a strong history of over 90 years as an American Aviator Charles Lindbergh flew for the first time with American Airlines. He flew from St. Louis, Missouri to Chicago, Illinois on April 15, 1926, carrying U.S. mail.

The airline continued mail route service for 8 years and then initiated a new journey to reach new heights. 

American Airlines founder C.R. Smith worked in collaboration with Donald Douglas to manufacture the Douglas DC-3. With that collaboration, the airline became the first to operate DC-3 for commercial service on June 25, 1936. DC-3 used to fly from New York to Chicago at that time. This aircraft became successful in transforming the airline industry by converting revenue sources from mail to passengers.

The airline began operation nonstop transcontinental service in 1953 with Douglas DC-7 aircraft across the United States. Likewise, the first U.S.-designed turboprop plane Lockheed Electra was introduced by America Airlines in January 1959.

The airline celebrated its 1 billionth customer on March 27, 1991. The new era of fleet entered into the airlines’ hangar on May 7, 2015, as the airline started operation with the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner. 

American Airlines was named the 2017 Airline of the year by Air Transport World.

American Airlines Fleet Details

American Airlines is the world’s largest fleet operator with 891 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. Narrow-body aircraft including Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320 series accumulate over 80 percent of the airline’s fleet.

The airline is the largest operator of Airbus A320 series aircraft in the world and also the largest operator of the Airbus A319 and Airbus A321 variants. In the case of Boeing, the airline is the fourth largest operator of Boeing 737 family jets. Talking about the Boeing 737-800 variant, it is the second-largest operator in the world.

Not only that, American Airlines is the sixth-largest operator of the Boeing 777 series and the third-largest operator of the Boeing 787 series.

AIRBUS
MODEL	SEAT CAPACITY
A319	128
A320	150
A321	181
A321 Transcon	102
A321neo	196

BOEING
MODELS	SEAT CAPACITY
Boeing 737 MAX	172
Boeing 737-800	160 to 172
Boeing 777-200	23
Boeing 777-300ER	304
Boeing 787-8	226 to 234
Boeing 787-9	285

CRJ
MODELS	SEAT CAPACITY
CRJ-700	65-76
CRJ-900	76-79

ERJ
MODELS	SEAT CAPACITY
ERJ-140	44
ERJ-145	50
ERJ-175	76

American Airlines Hub

American Airlines currently operates ten hubs across the United States.

HUB	LOCATION
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport	Phoenix
Los Angeles International Airport	Los Angeles
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport	Washington D.C.
Miami International Airport	Miami
Chicago O’Hare International Airport	Chicago
John F. Kennedy International Airport	New York City
LaGuardia Airport	New York City
Charlotte Douglas International Airport	Charlotte
Philadelphia International Airport	Philadelphia
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport	Dallas

American Airlines Flight Destination

As per the latest statistics, American Airlines operate scheduled flights to 95 domestic and 95 international destinations covering almost 55 countries on 5 continents.

Major Domestic Destinations

CITY	Airport
Chicago	O’Hare International Airport
Dallas	Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Kansas	Kansas City International Airport
Las Vegas	McCarran International Airport
Los Angeles	Los Angeles International Airport
New York	John F. Kennedy International Airport
Oklahoma	Will Rogers World Airport
Panama	Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Philadelphia	Philadelphia International Airport
Phoenix	Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Salt Lake City	Salt Lake City International Airport
Dan Diego	San Diego International Airport
San Francisco	San Francisco International Airport
San Jose	San Jose International Airport
Washington D.C.	Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Some major international destinations 

COUNTRY	LOCATION
Argentina	Buenos Aires
Australia	Sydney
Brazil	Rio de Janeiro
Canada	Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver
Chile	Santiago de Chile
China	Beijing, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai
France	Paris
Germany	Frankfurt, Munich
Hong Kong	Hong Kong
India	Bengaluru, New Delhi
Ireland	Dublin, Shannon
Israel	Tel Aviv
Italy	Milan, Rome, Venice Marco Polo
Japan	Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda
Mexico	Acapulco, Aguascalientes, Cancún, Chetumal, Cozumel,…
Netherlands	Amsterdam
Panama	Panama City
Peru	Lima
Portugal	Lisbon
Puerto Rico	San Juan
South Korea	Seoul
Spain	Barcelona, Madrid
Switzerland	Zurich
United Kingdom	Edinburgh, London Heathrow
Uruguay	Montevideo

First Class on American Airlines

American Airlines offers the first-class, business class, premium economy, and basic economy classes.

First Class tickets offer special privileges and five-star service on the ground. Your check-in, security, and boarding processes expedite at the origin and your checked bags get unloaded first when you land. 

While in the air, you will feel comfortable with comfy seats which are wider and offer more legroom. American Airlines has partnered with Dallas restaurateur Julian Barsotti and experienced chef to offer delicious menus and premium dining.

Talking about entertainment, you will get to enjoy a free library of movies, TV shows, music, and Wi-Fi.

American Airlines Baggage Policies

American Airlines Baggage Policies keep on changing as the airline updates seasonal limitations and year-round limitations for checked bags. Besides, the policies also get updated during busy travel seasons.

Checked Bag Policies (American Airlines Baggage Policies)

CHECKED BAG LIMITATIONS
CLASS	NUMBER OF BAGS
First Class	3 complimentary bags on 3-cabin aircraft; 2 on 2-cabin aircraft
Business Class	2 complimentary bags
Premium Economy	2 complimentary bags (excludes flights to/from Alaska and Hawaii for tickets issued on/before February 22, 2021)
Main Cabin	2 bags (charges may apply)

Checked Bag Weight and Size (American Airlines Baggage Policies)

American Airlines calculates the size limitations of bags by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag (length + width + height). This calculation is based on the American Airlines Baggage Policies.

CHECKED BAG ALLOWANCE (Except to/from Australia or New Zealand)
Dimension	62 in / 158 cm
Weight	50 lbs / 23 kgs
CHECKED BAG ALLOWANCE (Flight to/from Australia or New Zealand)
Dimension	62 in / 158 cm
Weight	70 lbs / 32kgs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags

In the case of overweight and oversize bags, passengers need to pay an extra fee. You need to keep in mind that the airline doesn’t accept checked bags over 126 inches or 320 cm which is in accordance with American Airlines Baggage Policies.

Oversized Baggage Fees American Airlines Rate 

The fees for oversized bags as per American Airlines Baggage Policies depend upon the region and the price is non-refundable charged per person each way.

REGION	Price for BAG SIZE: 62 in / 158 cm – 126 in / 320 cm
Between U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada	$200
Mexico / Caribbean / Central America / Guyana / Suriname	$200
South America (except Guyana / Suriname)	$150
Europe (transatlantic)	$150
China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Australia (transpacific)	$200

Note: The prices listed above are subject to change and are for reference purposes only. Please check the official website for updated pricing as per American Airlines Baggage Policies.

Overweight Baggage Fees American Airlines Rate 

If you are carrying checked bags weighing over 100lbs or 45 kgs, American Airlines won’t accept it. 

Passengers can check 2 bags up to 70 lbs or 32 kgs at no extra cost if they hold business and domestic 2-cabin first confirmed tickets. Likewise, Oneworld Emerald members, AAdvantage Executive Platinum members, Platinum Pro members, and 3-cabin First confirmed passengers can check 3 bags weighing up to 70 lbs or 32 kgs at no extra cost.

Fees for overweight checked bags

REGION	51 lbs / 23 kgs – 70 lbs / 32 kgs	71 lbs / 32 kgs – 100 lbs / 45 kgs
Between U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada	$100	$200
Mexico / Caribbean / Central and South America	$100	$200 (Not accepted to/from Cuba)
Europe (Transatlantic)	$100	Not Accepted
China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia (transpacific)	$100	$450 (Not accepted to/from Australia)

Note: The prices listed above are subject to change and are for reference purposes only. Please check the official website for updated pricing as per American Airlines Baggage Policies.

Carry-on Bags & Personal Item Policy (American Airlines Baggage Policies)

You can carry one personal item and one carry-on in accordance with American Airlines Baggage Policies. The requirements include the following.

Personal Item Policy

• A purse, small handbag, or any other personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

• Allowed dimensions are 18 by 14 by 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

• Personal items or carry-on does not include Diaper bags, child safety seats, mobility devices, medical devices, strollers, and soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk.

Carry-on policy

• Dimensions should not exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)

• Size must fit in the sizer at the airport

• Carry-on bags need to be checked if they don’t fit in under the seat or overhead bin.

• Track your bags with American Airlines Website

• You can keep track of your bags with the bag tracker feature in American Airlines official website. Your bag is under the track from check-in to touchdown. 

• You need to enter your last name, and confirmation with a record locator, or confirmation code which can be found on your boarding pass and confirmation mail to track your bags.

Find out baggage policies of other airlines in the United States.
United Airlines Baggage Policy
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy
Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy

Restricted Items on American Airlines Flight (American Airlines Baggage Policies)

In accordance with the regulations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), American Airlines prohibits certain items that could pose threat to the flight operation. The rule is also administered by American Airlines Baggage Policies.

The restricted items as per American Airlines Baggage Policies include the following.

• Alcoholic beverages over 70 percent by volume

• Alcoholic beverages under 70 percent by volume ex. Beer, wine, etc.

• Animal Products or products of animal origin (EU destinations only)

• Batteries

• Cutting instruments

• Defense Sprays

• Drones

• Dry Ice

• Electronic Cigarettes including Vapor/E-cigarettes

• Explosives

• Firearms/ammunition

• Flammable liquids or solids

• Gasoline-powered tools

• Household items

• Hoverboards

• Lighters and Matches

• Marijuana and other drug-related items

• Mobility Devices

• Personal Care Items

• Pressurized Containers and Compressed gasses

• Recreational or full-body Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7

• Self-Heating meals

• Self-inflating life jackets

• Scissors and tools

• Smart Bags

To explore more about American Airlines Carry-on Size, and Policies, you can visit our detailed guide.

How to book a flight with American Airlines?

You can book a flight with American Airlines via a different medium that includes:

• Online booking via the airlines’ official website

• Booking via sales agent

• Confirmation at the airport

How to track a flight on American Airlines?

You can track a flight on American Airlines with various methods.

• You can use American Airlines Flight Status feature on the official website to find out the status of flight by providing the origin and destination or flight number.

• For live flight tracking, you can use flight tracking software like FlightAware, FlightRadar24, RadarBox, and others.

Airline partners with American Airlines

You can earn and redeem miles with American Airlines’ partners listed below.

ONEWORLD ALLIANCE PARTNERS	OTHER AIRLINE PARTNERS
Alaska Airlines	Air Tahiti Nui
British Airways	Cape Air
Cathay Pacific	China Southern Airlines
Finnair	Etihad Airways
Iberia	Etihad Airways
Japan Airlines	Fiji Airways
Malaysia Airlines	GOL Airlines
Qantas	Hawaiian Airlines
Qatar Airways	JetBlue
Royal Air Maroc	Seaborne Virgin Islands
S7 Airlines
SriLankan Airlines

You need to become a member of American Airlines’ AAdvantage program to earn miles, redeem, and elite status. For claiming these rewards, you are required to fly on American Airlines, American Eagle, Oneworld alliance airline, and American Airlines partners. Besides, you can increase your miles by booking cars, hotels, or vacation packages.

American Airlines Customer Service Phone

American Airlines provides customer service phone numbers available across the United States, Canada, Africa, Asia/South Pacific, Caribbean and Bermuda, Europe and Russian, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Middle East.

American Airlines Customer Service Phone numbers within the U.S. and Canada

Language	Phone Number	Hours (CT)
English	800-438-7300	24 hours
Spanish	800-633-3711	24 hours
French	800-756-8613	7 am to  6 pm
Portuguese	866-824-8717	6 am to 7 pm
Creole	800-833-5767	7 am to 4 pm
Japanese	800-237-0027	24 hours
Mandarin Chinese	800-492-8095	24 hours
Hearing and Speech impaired	Dial 711 to be connected through the National Relay Service	24 hours

Note: For phone numbers of other regions, please refer to American Airlines’ official website.

How many bags can you carry on American Airlines for free?

You can carry one personal item and one carry-on for free in accordance with American Airlines Baggage Policies.

Does American Airlines have free checked bags?

American Airlines offer free checked bags with elite status in AAdvantage or Oneworld and also by flying First Class, Premium Economy, or Business Class.

What is prohibited in checked baggage?

Alchohol, batteries, smart bags, explosives, dry ice, drones, flammable liquids or solids, animal products, defense sprays, and other harmful things are prohibited in checked baggage as per American Airlines Baggage Policies.