All bags are subject to inspection. We will not accept checked or carry-on bags we think are unsuitable for transportation for reasons like size, weight or character.

Before you go to the airport, be sure to check our baggage page for information on all our checked and carry-on baggage policies.

Baggage

Checking your bag

You can only check bags on the day you travel, and your bags must travel to the same ticketed final destination as you. Be sure your name is on all bags before you check them.

If you're flying from one of these airports, you can't check bags more than 4 hours before departure:

Denver (DEN)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Las Vegas (LAS)

Orlando (MCO)

Portland (PDX)

Salt Lake City (SLC)

Seattle (SEA)

Baggage limits and fees

The number of bags you can check depends on your destination. Checked bag fees apply with some exceptions. All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way. Additional fees may apply for overweight / oversize bags or specialty items.

Also, you may have to pay bag fees again if:

You are connecting on another airline

Your connection on American is more than 12 hours later

Claiming your bag

Hang on to your baggage claim tickets; you may have to show your ticket to claim your bags. The airport baggage office will release bags to the person with the baggage claim ticket that matches. If you lose your ticket, we may ask for ID.

When you arrive in the U.S. from an international city, you will claim your checked bags before going through Customs.

Delayed bags

If you arrive on American at your final destination and your bags have not arrived with you, our goal is to return them within 24 hours (for flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Some of the reasons it may take us longer to get you your delayed bags include if:

We don't have a local name, address or phone number for you

You're on a cruise, in remote camp site or somewhere we can't reasonably reach you

You changed your delivery address

We have limited flights to your destination

Weather or other operational issues get in the way

If you arrive at your final destination on another airline, please check with that airline for information.

Carry-on bags

In general, you're allowed 1 bag and 1 personal item:

Your bag must fit in the sizer at the airport.

Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

All bags must be stowed before takeoff.

Diaper bags, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don’t count as your bag or personal item. You may carry on a fully collapsible stroller if it's under 20 lbs. and fits in an overhead bin. All other strollers must be checked at a ticket counter.

We always reserve the right to decide if your carry-on items are suitable to bring on board and if there is enough space in the overhead bins.

If you need to check your carry-on bags, be sure to take any fragile or valuable items like your keys, medication or computers with you on board. Also remove and carry on any e-cigarettes and spare batteries for laptops, cameras or other mobile devices.

There are additional carry-on restrictions for certain fares, aircraft and airports. We may have to check your bag at the gate if the overhead bins are full or if there are restrictions. Overhead bin size varies, and some planes and American Eagle flights have smaller bins.

Carry-on baggage policy

Restricted items

For everyone's safety on board, some common items are restricted by the TSA and FAA. Be sure you know what you can carry on and what you can check in your bags before you go to the airport.

Hazardous materials

We don't transport hazardous materials, except for small amounts of dry ice, and we may remove and dispose of any hazardous material in your bags.

Restricted items

Firearms

You can travel with firearms in checked baggage only. Firearms must be declared to an agent at check-in. There are other rules that apply; be sure you understand the rules before you go to the airport.

Firearms

Pets and service animals

Depending on the animals' breed, size and requirements, pets can travel as a carry-on, be checked or transported with American Airlines Cargo. We only allow you to travel with your pet cats and dogs.

Service animals are welcome at no charge if they meet the requirements. The animal must fit on your lap, at your feet or under your seat, and cannot block the aisle. Dogs trained to detect explosives/drugs or trained for search and rescue (documentation required) are also welcome at no charge.

Emotional support animals require specific documentation; please review the requirements before travel.