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

American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Qatar: 50 × 37 × 25 cm (19.7 × 14.6 × 9.8 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb).

Are American and Qatar partners?

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

AA vs QR · 2026 comparison

American vs Qatar

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

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

American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Qatar 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

Qatar

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · Qatar: 50 × 37 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: American: Included on every fare · Qatar: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): American: $45 · Qatar: 2 free bags

Side by side

	American	Qatar
Bags
Carry-on size	22 × 14 × 9 in	50 × 37 × 25 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	2 free bags
Network
Alliance	oneworld	oneworld
Loyalty program	AAdvantage	Privilege Club
Main hubs	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL	DOH

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 Qatar up to 50 × 37 × 25 cm (19.7 × 14.6 × 9.8 in).

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Qatar 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 Qatar.

A first checked bag on American costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, and Qatar includes two bags with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Doha.

Basic economy

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

Qatar (Economy Lite): 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 Privilege Club (Qatar).

American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). Qatar's are Doha (DOH). 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 Qatar if you want…

to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DOH

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.