American Airlines allows one free carry-on bag and one free personal item on all fares, including Basic Economy. The standard American Airlines carry-on size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
The important 2026 update is this: American Airlines checked bag fees changed in April and May 2026, but the carry-on policy did not change. Basic Economy passengers still get one free carry-on bag and one personal item.
Sources reviewed:
Important note:
Baggage rules can vary by route, ticket issue date, fare type, loyalty status, credit card benefits, and partner-airline bookings. Always confirm your exact baggage allowance on aa.com before payment.
American Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance 2026
| tem | Maximum Size | Weight Limit | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles | No published weight limit | Free |
| Personal item | 18 x 14 x 8 inches | No published weight limit | Free |
| Soft-sided garment bag | Up to 51 linear inches | No published weight limit | Free, counts as carry-on |
American Airlines does not publish a standard carry-on weight limit for most routes. However, your bag should be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin without help from the cabin crew.
Did American Airlines Change Its Carry-On Policy in 2026?
No. American Airlines did not remove free carry-ons in 2026.
The 2026 changes mainly affected checked bag fees, not cabin baggage. Passengers on American Airlines can still bring:
- 1 carry-on bag for the overhead bin
- 1 personal item for under the seat
This applies to Main Cabin, Basic Economy, premium cabins, and most standard American Airlines tickets deals.
American Airlines Carry-On Size Limit
The American Airlines carry-on size limit is:
22 x 14 x 9 inches
This measurement includes:
- Wheels
- Handles
- Side pockets
- External attachments
- Any part of the bag that sticks out
A suitcase body that is 22 inches tall but has extra wheels or a handle extending beyond the limit may be considered oversized.
Soft-sided bags may compress slightly if they are close to the limit. Hard-shell suitcases should meet the size limit exactly because they cannot be squeezed into an overhead bin.
What Counts as a Personal Item on American Airlines?
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. American Airlines lists the personal item size as:
18 x 14 x 8 inches
Common personal items include:
- Purse
- Small handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
- Briefcase
- Camera bag
A backpack can count as a personal item if it fits under the seat and stays within the size limit. If it is too large, it may count as your carry-on bag instead.
Items That Do Not Count as Your Carry-On or Personal Item
American Airlines allows certain items without counting them as your carry-on or personal item.
These include:
- Diaper bag, one per child
- Breast pump
- Small soft-sided cooler of breast milk
- Child safety seat
- Stroller
- Medical device
- Mobility device
These items are separate from your standard carry-on allowance, but airport staff may still check size, safety, and storage requirements.
American Airlines Basic Economy Carry-On Rules 2026
American Airlines Basic Economy includes one free carry-on bag and one free personal item.
This is important because not every U.S. airline handles Basic Economy the same way. American Airlines and Delta generally include a standard carry-on with Basic Economy, while United Basic Economy usually includes only one personal item unless an exception applies.
| Airline | Basic Economy Carry-On Included? | Personal Item Included? | Notes |
| American Airlines | Yes | Yes | One carry-on and one personal item included |
| Delta Air Lines | Yes | Yes | One carry-on and one personal item included |
| United Airlines | Usually no | Yes | Standard carry-on restrictions may apply, with route exceptions |
For American Airlines, the key rule is simple: Basic Economy passengers can still bring a full-size carry-on bag.
American Eagle Regional Flights and Valet-Checked Bags
On some American Eagle regional flights, overhead bin space may be limited. If your carry-on bag fits American Airlines’ size rules but cannot fit in the smaller aircraft overhead bin, it may be valet-checked at the jet bridge for free.
In that case, you usually collect the bag planeside after landing, not at the regular baggage claim area.
However, if your bag is larger than the American Airlines carry-on size limit, it may need to be checked, and checked bag fees may apply depending on your route and fare.
American Airlines Checked Bag Fees in 2026
Carry-on bags are free. Checked bags are not always free.
American Airlines updated checked bag fees in 2026 for many domestic and short-haul international routes.
For many routes within or between the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guyana, Main Cabin checked bag fees are generally:
| Checked Bag | Pay Online | Pay at Airport |
| First checked bag | $45 | $50 |
| Second checked bag | $55 | $60 |
For Basic Economy tickets issued on or after May 18, 2026, American Airlines generally charges $5 more for the first and second checked bag.
| Basic Economy Checked Bag | Pay Online | Pay at Airport |
| First checked bag | $50 | $55 |
| Second checked bag | $60 | $65 |
The third checked bag fee is generally $200 on many U.S. and short-haul routes for tickets issued on or after April 9, 2026.
Baggage fees can vary by destination, ticket issue date, and fare type, so always check your exact trip before booking.
How to Save on American Airlines Checked Bag Fees
If you need to check a bag, prepaying online can usually save money on eligible routes.
American Airlines gives a $5 discount when you pay for eligible checked bags online through aa.com or the American Airlines app instead of paying at the airport.
For a round trip with one checked bag each way, that can save $10.
Need help comparing American Airlines fares, baggage costs, or Basic Economy restrictions? Call Flying Getaway at [tfn] to review available flight booking options before you confirm your trip.Who Gets Free Checked Bags on American Airlines?
Some passengers may receive free checked bags depending on their ticket, loyalty status, route, or benefits.
Free checked bags may apply to:
- AAdvantage elite members
- Eligible Citi/AAdvantage credit cardholders
- Eligible Barclays AAdvantage credit cardholders
- Premium cabin passengers
- Active duty U.S. military travelers
- Some long-haul international routes
- Some flights to Australia, New Zealand, Asia, India, and Qatar, depending on ticket issue date and fare rules
Always check your exact itinerary because free checked bag rules can vary by route and fare type.
What Can You Bring in an American Airlines Carry-On?
Most standard travel items are allowed in your carry-on, but TSA and airline safety rules still apply.
| Item | Allowed in Carry-On? | Notes |
| Liquids, gels, aerosols | Yes | Must follow TSA 3-1-1 rule unless exempt |
| Laptop and tablets | Yes | May need to be removed at security |
| Medications | Yes | Keep them accessible in your personal item |
| Solid food | Usually yes | Some destination restrictions may apply |
| Power banks | Yes | Must travel in carry-on, not checked bags |
| Spare lithium batteries | Yes | Must be protected and carried in cabin |
| Musical instruments | Sometimes | Must fit in overhead bin or require special handling |
| Pet carrier | Yes, if eligible | Counts under AA pet travel rules and must stay under the seat |
If you travel with a carry-on pet, American Airlines allows only one additional item on board with the pet carrier: either a personal item or a carry-on bag, not both.
If you are comparing baggage rules across airlines, you can also read our guides on Delta carry-on baggage rules, Southwest baggage rules before booking.
Before You Fly: Quick Carry-On Checklist
Before heading to the airport, check:
| Checkpoint | Why It Matters |
| Carry-on size | Must fit within 22 x 14 x 9 inches |
| Personal item size | Must fit under the seat |
| Wheels and handles | Included in carry-on dimensions |
| Liquids | Must follow TSA limits |
| Power banks | Must go in cabin baggage |
| Regional aircraft | Carry-on may be valet-checked |
| Basic Economy rules | Carry-on is included, but other restrictions may apply |
| Checked bag fees | Changed in 2026 and vary by route |
FlyingTip: If you are booking an American Airlines trip, do not compare fares by ticket price alone. A cheap Basic Economy fare may still become expensive after checked bags, seat selection, and change restrictions.
Before confirming your booking, compare the total trip cost, baggage rules, and fare flexibility. Flying Getaway can help you review available fare options and understand the baggage cost before you book.
In a Nutshell
American Airlines allows one free carry-on bag and one free personal item on all fares, including Basic Economy. Your carry-on bag must be within 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and your personal item should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
The carry-on policy did not change in 2026. The major update was to checked bag fees. Main Cabin checked bag fees increased on many routes, and Basic Economy checked bag fees became $5 higher from May 18, 2026.
If you want to avoid surprises, measure your bag before leaving for the airport, check baggage fees for your exact route, and confirm whether your fare includes checked bags before payment.
For American Airlines booking support, baggage fee questions, or fare comparison help, call Flying Getaway at [tfn]. Our team can help you compare available fare options, baggage costs, and booking rules before you confirm your trip.FAQs
1. Does American Airlines Basic Economy include a carry-on in 2026?
Yes. American Airlines Basic Economy includes one free carry-on bag and one free personal item. The carry-on size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. The personal item must fit under the seat and should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
2. What is the American Airlines carry-on size limit?
The American Airlines carry-on size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This includes wheels, handles, and outside pockets. If your bag is larger than this, it may need to be checked, and checked bag fees may apply depending on your route and fare.
3. What size personal item is allowed on American Airlines?
American Airlines allows one personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. It must fit under the seat in front of you. Examples include a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, small backpack, or camera bag.
4. Does American Airlines have a carry-on weight limit?
American Airlines does not publish a standard carry-on weight limit for most regular routes. However, your bag should be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin without crew assistance.
5. How much is the first checked bag on American Airlines in 2026?
For many domestic and short-haul routes, the first checked bag is generally $50 at the airport or $45 when prepaid online. For Basic Economy tickets issued on or after May 18, 2026, the first checked bag is generally $55 at the airport or $50 online.
6. Can I bring two carry-on bags on American Airlines?
No. American Airlines allows one standard carry-on bag and one personal item. You cannot bring two full-size carry-on bags. If your second bag does not fit under the seat as a personal item, it may need to be checked.
7. What happens if my carry-on is too big on American Airlines?
If your carry-on exceeds the size limit, it may need to be checked, and checked bag fees may apply. On some American Eagle regional flights, carry-ons that meet the size rules may still be valet-checked for free because of limited overhead bin space.
8. Are power banks allowed in American Airlines carry-on bags?
Yes. Power banks and spare lithium batteries should be carried in cabin baggage, not checked bags. Spare batteries should be protected from damage and short circuits. Need help comparing fares or baggage rules?
Call Flying Getaway at +1 (646) 814-6001 to review available options before booking.
9. Can I bring a pet carrier as a carry-on on American Airlines?
Yes, if your pet and route are eligible and you pay the required pet fee. The pet must remain in the carrier and under the seat. If you bring a pet carrier, American Airlines allows only one additional item: either a personal item or a carry-on bag.
10. Who gets free checked bags on American Airlines?
Free checked bags may be available for AAdvantage elite members, eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders, premium cabin passengers, active-duty U.S. military travelers, and some international routes.
Patrick Walker is the travel brain behind Flying Getaway. With a knack for spotting flight deals and a passion for exploring new skies, he helps travelers fly smarter and save more with every trip.
