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

American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). ITA: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb). ITA allows the larger bag.

Do American and ITA include a carry-on on basic economy?

American: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra. ITA: Economy Light includes the carry-on and a personal item but no checked bag, and boards last.

Are American and ITA partners?

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

AA vs AZ · 2026 comparison

American vs ITA

American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; ITA 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

Wins 2 categories

A more generous carry-on weight limit
A bigger personal item

ITA

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; ITA wins on a bigger carry-on. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · ITA: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: American: Included on every fare · ITA: Included on every fare

Side by side

	American	ITA
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	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Personal item	18 × 14 × 8 in	40 × 30 × 15 cm
Network
Alliance	oneworld	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	AAdvantage	Miles & More
Main hubs	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL	FCO

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 ITA up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), so ITA's is roomier.

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

ITA caps carry-ons at 8 kg (17.6 lb); American publishes no limit.

Personal items: 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm) on American, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on ITA.

Basic economy

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

ITA (Economy Light): Economy Light includes the carry-on and a personal item but no checked bag, and boards last.

Loyalty and where they fly

American is in oneworld and ITA is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and Miles & More (ITA).

American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). ITA's are FCO. 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
a bigger personal item
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DFW, CLT, ORD

Choose ITA if you want…

a bigger carry-on
to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from FCO

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 ITA FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; ITA wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Keep comparing

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

Deals on American, ITA and more

Whichever airline you prefer, we'll email you when fares from your home airports drop well below normal.

Get flight deals free See Premium+ plans

Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime