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

American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). TAP: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb). American allows the larger bag.

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

American: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra. TAP: Discount fares include the carry-on and a personal item but no checked bag.

Are American and TAP partners?

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

AA vs TP · 2026 comparison

American vs TAP

American wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; TAP 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 3 categories

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

TAP

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

American wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; TAP doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · TAP: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: American: Included on every fare · TAP: Included on every fare

Side by side

	American	TAP
Bags
Carry-on size	22 × 14 × 9 in	55 × 40 × 20 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	TAP Miles&Go
Main hubs	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL	LIS, OPO

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 TAP up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), so American's is roomier.

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

TAP 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 TAP.

Basic economy

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

TAP (Discount): Discount fares include the carry-on and a personal item but no checked bag.

Loyalty and where they fly

American is in oneworld and TAP is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and TAP Miles&Go (TAP).

American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). TAP's are LIS, OPO. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose American if you want…

a bigger carry-on
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 TAP if you want…

to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from LIS, OPO

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 TAP FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. American wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; TAP doesn't clearly win any category. 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.

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