AA vs G3 · 2026 comparison
American vs GOL
American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; GOL wins on a bigger carry-on. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
American
AAWins 1 category
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
GOL
G3Wins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; GOL wins on a bigger carry-on. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · GOL: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- American: Included on every fare · GOL: Included on every fare
Side by side
| American | GOL | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | None published | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Personal item | 18 × 14 × 8 in | Must fit under the seat |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | oneworld | None |
| Loyalty program | AAdvantage | Smiles |
| Main hubs | DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL | GRU, GIG, BSB |
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
American allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and GOL up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), so GOL's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
GOL caps carry-ons at 10 kg (22 lb); American publishes no limit.
Personal items: 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm) on American, and anything that fits under the seat on GOL.
Loyalty and where they fly
American is in oneworld and GOL is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and Smiles (GOL).
American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). GOL's are São Paulo (GRU), GIG, BSB. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
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
Choose GOL if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- nonstops from GRU, GIG, BSB
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.
American vs GOL FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; GOL wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- American Airlines official baggage policy
- AirlineGeeks: American raises checked bag fees (Apr 9, 2026)
- Newsweek: American Airlines bag fee hike and Basic Economy update (2026)
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- U.S. DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2025 on-time performance by operating carrier (via AviationDB)
- Your Mileage May Vary: where every major U.S. airline stands on Wi-Fi (Oct 13, 2026)
- Simple Flying: how U.S. airline economy seat pitch compares in 2026
- GOL Linhas Aéreas official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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