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

American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb).

Are American and Qantas partners?

Yes. Both belong to oneworld, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

AA vs QF · 2026 comparison

American vs Qantas

Q: Do American and Qantas include a carry-on on basic economy?

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

American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Qantas doesn't clearly win any category. 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 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

Qantas

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: American: Included on every fare · Qantas: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): American: $45 · Qantas: 1 free bag

Side by side

	American	Qantas
Bags
Carry-on size	22 × 14 × 9 in	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	None published	7 kg (15.4 lb)
Personal item	18 × 14 × 8 in	Must fit under the seat
First checked bag (regular economy)	$45	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	oneworld	oneworld
Loyalty program	AAdvantage	Qantas Frequent Flyer
Main hubs	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL	SYD, MEL

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 Qantas up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Qantas caps carry-ons at 7 kg (15.4 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 Qantas.

A first checked bag on American costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, and Qantas includes one bag with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Australia.

Basic economy

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

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

Loyalty and where they fly

Both are oneworld members, so status and miles can work across the two.

Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and Qantas Frequent Flyer (Qantas).

American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). Qantas's are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL). 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 Qantas if you want…

to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from SYD, MEL

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.