Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Air NZ or American?

Air NZ: 118 cm total (46.5 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).

Do Air NZ and American include a carry-on on basic economy?

Air NZ: Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on. American: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.

Are Air NZ and American partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Air NZ: Star Alliance; American: oneworld), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

NZ vs AA · 2026 comparison

Air NZ vs American

Air NZ doesn't clearly win any category; American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Air NZ

No clear category wins

American

Wins 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

Quick verdict

Air NZ doesn't clearly win any category; American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: Air NZ: 118 cm total · American: 22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Air NZ: Included on every fare · American: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): Air NZ: 1 free bag · American: $45

Side by side

	Air NZ	American
Bags
Carry-on size	118 cm total	22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	7 kg (15.4 lb)	None published
Personal item	Must fit under the seat	18 × 14 × 8 in
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	$45
Network
Alliance	Star Alliance	oneworld
Loyalty program	Airpoints	AAdvantage
Main hubs	AKL	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Air NZ allows a carry-on up to 118 cm total (46.5 in), and American up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Air NZ caps carry-ons at 7 kg (15.4 lb); American publishes no limit.

Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Air NZ, and 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm) on American.

Air NZ includes one bag with Seat+Bag on flights between the U.S. and New Zealand, and a first checked bag on American costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights.

Basic economy

Air NZ (Economy): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.

American (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.

Loyalty and where they fly

Air NZ is in Star Alliance and American is in oneworld.

Loyalty programs: Airpoints (Air NZ) and AAdvantage (American).

Air NZ's main hubs are Auckland (AKL). American's are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Air NZ if you want…

to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from AKL

Choose American if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DFW, CLT, ORD

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.