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 the 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

Now, let's take a more detailed look at American Airlines' policies for checked baggage:Now, let's take a more detailed look at American Airlines' policies for checked baggage:

Carry-On Baggage Allowance: Passengers are allowed to carry 1 small bag, which includes a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack, in addition to 1 full-size carry-on with them on American Airlines flights. As you know, there are some rules of the dimension of the hand luggage and the weight of the hand luggage, and if your carry-on items are not greater than those rules, there are no extra fees.

First Checked Bag: With most of its economy class tickets, the airline permits one checked bag at no extra cost for baggage that is both not more than 50 pounds and measures 62 inches in total dimensions. There are circumstances in which your first checked bag would not be free, such as checking in to a flight that originated in South America, Europe, or Asia, as well as if you are travelling with Delta’s basic economy fare.

Second Checked Bag: This is where American is in contrast to some of the other US airlines. ” If the passenger is not a loyalty program member or has booked a business class ticket, American will still make them pay a fee when they want to check-in a second bag on a domestic or short international flight. Depending on your destination, the fee could range from $60 for a second bag each way within North America and up to $200 within Europe.

Free First and Second Bag Exceptions: It is also important to note that some passengers of the elite level flying frequently on American or those passengers who are flying first class or business class are allowed 2 free checked bags, even if it is a domestic flight. This involves the AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum membership levels, as well as customers who have purchased full fare or premium cabin ticket. However, those who did not buy a ticket with a high price should not demand that two bags be carried for free.

International Luggage Allowances: When flying to other destinations outside Mexico, Caribbean, Canada, and the United States of America, the free checked baggage policies vary depending on the route, travel class, and membership level of the passenger. Some of the international routes have incorporated 2 bags free of charge, irrespective of the ticket, while others offer additional baggage privileges to only elite and business-class travelers. When planning an international trip, you should ensure you read through the international baggage check on AA’s website very carefully.

Other Factors that Impact Checked Bag Allowances: Other factors that determine if American will allow one or two checked bags include: Your frequent flyer tier, your destination, type of economy you purchased (basic economy has none), if you are traveling in premium economy, first-class or business class or if you purchased a more expensive ticket. It is also important for you to know that active-duty U. S. military personnel and their dependents get 2 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 at 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 the 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 oversize 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!

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