2026 checked bag fees
American Airlines baggage fees
On U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, the first checked bag on American costs $45 if you pay online ($50 at the airport) and the second $55.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
$50 at the airport
$60 at the airport
Up to 62 in (158 cm) in total
Basic Economy: $50 for the first
Quick answer
On U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, the first checked bag on American costs $45 if you pay online ($50 at the airport) and the second $55. A carry-on and personal item are free on every American fare.
- 1st checked bag
- $45 ($50 at the airport)
- 2nd checked bag
- $55 ($60 at the airport)
- Weight limit
- 50 lb (Up to 62 in (158 cm) in total)
- Cheapest fare
- No free bags (Basic Economy: $50 for the first)
What will my bags cost on American?
- 1st bag on Main Cabin$45
- Each way, per traveler$45
American checked bag fees
Prices one way, per traveler, on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights.
On Main Cabin
| Bag | Paid online | At the airport |
|---|---|---|
| 1st bag | $45 | $50 |
| 2nd bag | $55 | $60 |
| 3rd bag and up | $200 | $200 |
On Basic Economy
| Bag | Paid online | At the airport |
|---|---|---|
| 1st bag | $50 | $55 |
| 2nd bag | $60 | $65 |
| 3rd bag and up | $200 | $200 |
Free checked bags by fare
- Basic EconomyBags cost $5 more than on Main Cabin for tickets bought from May 18, 2026None
- Main CabinNone
- First and Business2 bags
Each bag up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 in (158 cm) in total.
Overweight and oversize bags
Charged per bag, each way, on top of any bag fee.
- Overweight: 51–53 lb$30
- Overweight: 54–70 lb$100
- Overweight: 71–100 lb$200
- Oversize: 63–65 in (length + width + height)$30
- Oversize: 66–115 in (length + width + height)$200
Other routes
Main Cabin includes a free checked bag on most transatlantic, transpacific and long-haul South America flights. Basic Economy pays $75 for the first bag and $100 for the second to Europe, and $70 and $100 to most of South America.
How to avoid American bag fees
Who checks bags free
- AAdvantage status members
- Citi / AAdvantage cardmembers: first bag free on domestic itineraries for you and up to 4 companions (up to 8 on premium cards)
- First and Business passengers
- Active-duty U.S. military
Ways to pay less
- • Pay ahead online when the airline charges more at the airport.
- • Weigh your bag at home: going over 50 lb can cost more than a second bag.
- • Travel carry-on only: check the American carry-on size.
American vs. other U.S. airlines
On regular economy fares, one way, in U.S. dollars.
| Airline | 1st bag | 2nd bag | Free bags (regular fare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain Cabin |
| Delta Air Lines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain |
| United Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneEconomy |
| Southwest Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneChoice |
| Alaska Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain |
| JetBlue | $39–$49 | $59–$69 | NoneMain (formerly Blue) |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain Cabin |
| Frontier Airlines | $29–$63 | $59–$86 | NoneStandard fare |
| Allegiant Air | $20–$50 | $20–$50 | NoneStandard fare |
| Sun Country Airlines | $34–$45 | $40–$45 | NoneStandard fare |
| Breeze Airways | $35–$41 | $45 | NoneNice (standard fare) |
| Avelo Airlines | $40–$45 | $40–$45 | NoneStandard fare |
- American Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main Cabin
- Delta Air Lines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main
- United Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Economy
- Southwest Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Choice
- Alaska Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main
- JetBlue
- 1st bag
- $39–$49
- 2nd bag
- $59–$69
- Free bags
- None · Main (formerly Blue)
- Hawaiian Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main Cabin
- Frontier Airlines
- 1st bag
- $29–$63
- 2nd bag
- $59–$86
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Allegiant Air
- 1st bag
- $20–$50
- 2nd bag
- $20–$50
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Sun Country Airlines
- 1st bag
- $34–$45
- 2nd bag
- $40–$45
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Breeze Airways
- 1st bag
- $35–$41
- 2nd bag
- $45
- Free bags
- None · Nice (standard fare)
- Avelo Airlines
- 1st bag
- $40–$45
- 2nd bag
- $40–$45
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
Compare American with another airline
American baggage FAQ
On U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, the first checked bag on American costs $45 if you pay online ($50 at the airport) and the second $55.
Airports American flies from
Airport guides with transit, terminals, lounges and parking.
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fees as published for tickets bought from April 9, 2026. Airlines change bag fees often, so confirm the price for your trip when you book.
- American Airlines: official baggage information
- American Airlines newsroom: bag fee and Basic Economy update (Apr 9, 2026)
- Upgraded Points: American Airlines baggage fees (updated Aug 13, 2026)
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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