Does American allow 2 free checked bags?

American Airlines is a global airline and an original member of the OneWorld Alliance. It serves a large domestic and international network from numerous global gateway hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C.

Indeed, the rules applied to checked baggage allowances are numerous, and they vary depending on the status of the passenger, the class of the ticket, the destination, and so on. With American Airlines, this is especially true. In this article, we will focus specifically on answering the question: Some other questions, like: Is there free checked baggage allowance on American Airlines where passengers can carry two bags?

The Short Answer

If one is not a member of the American Airlines Admirals Club or flying on a full-fare first class or business class, American Airlines permits passengers in economy class to check only one bag on flights originating from or heading to North America and on connecting flights between North America and the Caribbean. As for most flying economy class, you are allowed to carry only one piece of luggage, and having a second one will cost you a fee.

Pros and Cons of Checked Bags with American Airlines

Let us now examine American Airlines' checked luggage regulations more closely, paying particular attention to Let's now examine American Airlines' checked luggage regulations more closely:

On American Airlines, passengers are permitted to take one small bag—which might be a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack—along with one full-size carry-on. As you are aware, there are certain guidelines on the weight and size of the hand baggage; if your carry-on goods are not more than those guidelines, there are no extra charges.

With most of its economy class tickets, the airline allows one checked bag at no extra cost for luggage weighing less than 50 pounds and with total dimensions of 62 inches. There are situations in which your first checked bag would not be free, including checking in to a trip that started in South America, Europe, or Asia, or if you are flying with Delta's basic economy ticket.

If the passenger is not a loyalty program member or has booked a business class ticket, American will still charge them a fee when they wish to check in a second bag on a domestic or short international flight. This is where America stands different from some of the other US airlines. Your destination will determine the charge; it might be $60 for a second bag for each trip within North America and up to $200 in Europe.

Free First and Second Bag Exceptions: Although it is a domestic trip, certain high-level flying passengers—that is, those traveling first class or business class—are permitted to have two free checked bags. This covers consumers who bought full-fare or premium cabin tickets as well as the AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum membership levels. Those who paid a premium ticket should not, however, insist that two bags be carried for free.

International Luggage Allowances: The free checked luggage regulations differ based on the route, travel class, and passenger membership level when traveling to other locations outside Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States of America. While some of the foreign lines provide extra luggage benefits to only elite and business-class passengers, others have included 2 bags free of charge regardless of the ticket. Make sure you thoroughly review the international baggage check on AA's website before making travel plans abroad.

Other considerations influencing checked bag allowances: Your frequent flyer tier, your destination, the type of economy you bought—the basic economy has none—if you are traveling in premium economy, first-class, or business class, or if you bought a more expensive ticket will all help to determine whether America will allow one or two checked bags. Additionally crucial for you to know is that dependents of active-duty U. S. military members receive two free bags on American for personal travel.

Some of the things that one can do to increase the chances of getting a second bag free include the following:

As pointed out above, the basic fare when you fly economy on domestic or near-international flights only allows one checked bag for free on American Airlines if you are an elite member. But if you are hoping to avoid fees for a second checked bag, here are some money-saving tips: But if you are hoping to avoid fees for a second checked bag,

Here are some money-saving tips:

• Book a First or Business Class Ticket: Premium cabin tickets allow two free checked bags, which is a common policy for most airlines. Just a quick note on checking in at the airport: often you can upgrade at check-in or the gate, and bags are free of charge too!
• Obtain AAdvantage Elite Status: Getting to or past the Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Platinum tier moves you to 2 free checked bags like the big spenders up front. To qualify for most of these cards, though, one has to spend a lot of money or travel many miles in a year.
• Fly Internationally to Asia, Europe, or South America: American Airlines offers a free checked baggage allowance of 2 bags in economy class for international flight destinations excluding North America and the Caribbean. However, some fees are charged even on short international flights.
• Use an American Airlines Credit Card: Some AA co-branded credit cards, such as the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard, have free first-checked bag privileges that can actually add up to money, meaning you get to enjoy two free domestic flights after your allowable check-ins.

The Bottom Line

Of course, it would be great, but American Airlines’ policy does not allow two free checked pieces of luggage for most economy-class passengers during domestic flights and short international connections. While there are always a few exceptions that involve some of the privileged flyers as well as passengers who can afford first-class or business-class tickets, the ordinary economy ticket holder should expect to be allowed to check in only one free bag at most when traveling domestically. However, do ensure that American’s size and weight limitations are met; if they aren’t, some unpleasant surprises are waiting at the airport. Adding to the charges for overweight or oversized bags and the costs of a second piece of luggage makes the situation worse from the airline’s standpoint. Well, the hope is that the tips and information provided above on baggage allowances will assist you in packing appropriately for the next American Airlines vacation or trip!

Book your American Airlines ticket now and experience comfort and reliability. Call +1 833-902-2090 to speak with our travel experts.