AA vs LO · 2026 comparison
American vs LOT
American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; LOT 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
LOT
LOWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; LOT wins on a bigger carry-on. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · LOT: 55 × 40 × 23 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- American: Included on every fare · LOT: Included on every fare
Side by side
| American | LOT | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 9 in | 55 × 40 × 23 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 | Must fit under the seat |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | oneworld | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty program | AAdvantage | Miles & More |
| Main hubs | DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL | WAW |
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 LOT up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), so LOT's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
LOT 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 anything that fits under the seat on LOT.
Basic economy
American (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.
LOT (Economy Saver): Economy Saver includes the 8 kg carry-on but no checked bag; Standard and Flex include one 23 kg bag on most routes.
Loyalty and where they fly
American is in oneworld and LOT is in Star Alliance.
Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and Miles & More (LOT).
American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). LOT's are WAW. 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 LOT if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from WAW
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 LOT FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; LOT 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
- LOT Polish 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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