Do You Get a Free Checked Bag with American Airlines?

March 23, 2023

American Airlines has precise and easy baggage rules and policies for passengers to understand. When traveling on an American Airlines flight, passengers usually ask, Do You Get a Free Checked Bag with American Airlines? On American Airlines, the checked baggage is usually free for most passengers, but a baggage fee is levied under specific conditions. Kindly go through the illustrations below to know the American Airlines baggage policy and relevant information to avoid inconvenience with the baggage at the airport.

The checked baggage should not exceed the maximum weight or dimension prescribed by American Airlines.
There should not be any sharp objects, weapons, or restricted items like drones, explosives, etc., in the checked baggage.
American Airlines suggests passengers not to keep cash, Jewellery, or precious and fragile items.
Business and first class passengers get free checked-in baggage.
Economy and main cabin passengers have to pay checked baggage fees on exceeding the free limit.
All checked baggage fees are non- refundable, and the charges will apply on per passenger each way.
The baby strollers or assistive devices can be checked in for free.
The claims on checked baggage fees must be made within 45 days of the trip.
If you are a member of AAdvantage, you can get complimentary baggage on the ticket.
If you are traveling with sports or musical equipment and exceed the maximum weight, an additional baggage fee will be charged to check in the additional baggage.
Free checked baggage may not be available on connecting flights of other airlines.
The number of baggage and maximum weight will be according to the destination, fare type, and other conditions of American Airlines.
The maximum weight and permitted number of baggage can change according to selected cities.
One carry on and checked baggage is free on all fares of American Airlines flights.

Checked baggage limitations on American Airlines:

According to the American Airlines baggage policy, a passenger is requested to adhere to the baggage limitations and restrictions as discussed below:

For checked baggage:

Main cabin and Economy: Baggage fees from $30 - $150 can be charged on the basis of the number of baggage.
Business and First class: no baggage fees are charged up to the first 2 baggage, and $150-$200 will be payable as baggage fees on third and fourth baggage.
For AAdvantage members: free checked in baggage up to the mentioned limit on the ticket.

To check in overweight baggage:

Basic and Main Economy: $100 - $200 can be charged to check in each overweight baggage.
Business and first class: $100 will be charged on overweight baggage.

To check in additional baggage:

If you are traveling with sports types of equipment on an American Airlines flight:

You must reach the airport early for the check in of the sports time.
The items should not exceed 50 lbs or 23 kg in weight.
An additional fee of $150 will be charged from each passenger carrying the item.