AA vs JL · 2026 comparison
American vs JAL
American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; JAL 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
JAL
JLWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; JAL wins on a bigger carry-on. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- American: Included on every fare · JAL: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- American: $45 · JAL: 2 free bags
Side by side
| American | JAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 55 × 40 × 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 |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | $45 | 2 free bags |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | oneworld | oneworld |
| Loyalty program | AAdvantage | JAL Mileage Bank |
| Main hubs | DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL | HND, NRT |
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 JAL up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), so JAL's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
JAL 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 JAL.
A first checked bag on American costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, and JAL includes two bags with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Japan.
Basic economy
American (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.
JAL (Economy): Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined).
Loyalty and where they fly
Both are oneworld members, so status and miles can work across the two.
Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and JAL Mileage Bank (JAL).
American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). JAL's are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). 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 JAL if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from HND, NRT
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 JAL FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; JAL 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
- Japan Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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