How to hold a reservation on American Airlines?

  • Jul 31, 2024
How to hold a reservation on American Airlines?

One form of free service that passengers are accorded by American Airlines is the free baggage allowance, whereby passengers can take luggage of a certain weight and size onboard free of charge. It depends on the type of ticket you have booked, which may include economy class, business class, and first class, among others. In this current article, we will focus on the free checked baggage allowance for passengers in economy class on domestic American Airlines flights within the United States of America.

As for economy-class passengers who fly domestic American Airlines, they can check 1 bag that should not exceed 23 kg or 50 pounds. This means that you get to take one piece of checked baggage that should not exceed 23 kilograms or 50 pounds in weight for free. Luggage that exceeds the allowed 50 pounds will require the passenger to pay extra fees for the excess baggage. The following charges are imposed for excess baggage:

Baggage weighing between 51 and 100 pounds costs $100, while baggage weighing over 100 pounds costs $200.

American Airlines has other rules, like a size limit for check-in baggage, besides the weight limitation. The size of your bag should not exceed the size that can be measured in total length, width, and height; the measurement should be 62 inches at most. This is usually equivalent to normal checked luggage, which should measure no more than 26 x 18 x 10 inches. If your baggage is oversized and the linear dimension exceeds 62 inches, there are additional fees for oversized baggage regardless of its weight, which is under 50 pounds.

Therefore, to sum up, if you were an economy-class passenger traveling within the US on an American Airlines flight, you would be allowed to check in one piece of luggage of the standard size, not exceeding 50 pounds in weight, free of charge. If you go over either of the two limits in terms of weight or dimensions, then you will have to pay extra baggage charges.

Some things to note about checked baggage on American Airlines:

  • Nevertheless, the free allowance only allows for the first checked baggage of a passenger. Extra baggage, if you wish to carry a second bag, is charged at $30 one-way and can increase depending on the route.
  • Another thing you should know is that there is no free checked baggage allowance if you are traveling with a Basic Economy ticket. Even if you are taking your first suitcase, it will be considered that you need to pay for checked baggage fees.
  • If you have an AAdvantage frequent flyer account and you are a gold, platinum, or executive platinum status member, you might be allowed to check in up to two or more bags for free or have the airline allow the check-in of overweight or oversized bags for free.
  • The active-duty US military and their dependents also enjoy additional baggage allowances as per government order. While checking in for the flight, do not forget to tell the personnel that you are a disabled person.
  • It is advised that when you are traveling with such sensitive items as golfing equipment, surfboards, bicycles, etc., there are always additional baggage rules and charges. It is advisable to confirm with the airline whether they can be packed in the normal checked bags.
  • When it comes to fees for checked luggage, checking on the fees at the airport counter is expensive, but if you pre-purchase checked baggage fees while on the online check-in process with American Airlines, you will be given a discount on the fees. Go to your reservation sign-in, and then check whether you can add checked bags at a lower price.
  • Some of the rules that you should know include the following: if you are originating from certain countries like South America, Asia, Europe, or Australia, your first international checked bag may be allowed free on American Airlines flights to the US. However, this can only be true in most cases and does not apply when one is traveling between two points within the US.

Our understanding is that this breakdown will provide you with a clear picture of the actual number of kg or pounds that you are allowed to have in your checked baggage if you are traveling within the US in economy class on American Airlines. Due to a rise in the commercialization of baggage allowance, it is crucial to understand the free baggage allowance for each airline and the charges regarding the same to avert inconveniences during the check-in process. Following the permitted weight and dimensions of the luggage will help you plan your packing well ahead of the American Airlines trip.

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