April & May 2026 Fee Updates: AA updated checked bag fees on April 9, 2026 and again on May 18, 2026. First checked bag is now $45 prepaid online ($50 at airport). Basic Economy tickets from May 18 pay $5 more: $50 prepaid ($55 at airport). Carry-on policy has NOT changed. One free carry-on and one personal item still included on all fares including Basic Economy.
American Airlines allows one free carry-on bag and one free personal item on every fare including Basic Economy. This makes AA one of the most generous US carriers on carry-on policy. Unlike United Airlines, which restricts carry-ons on Basic Economy, AA gives every passenger full overhead bin access. Here is everything you need to know about size limits, fees, and restrictions in 2026.
American Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance 2026
| Item | Max dimensions | Weight limit | Cost |
| Carry-on bag (overhead bin) | 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles | No weight limit. Must be liftable by passenger. | Free on all fares including Basic Economy |
| Personal item (under seat) | 18 x 14 x 8 inches | No weight limit | Free on all fares including Basic Economy |
| Soft-sided garment bag | Up to 51 total linear inches (L+W+H) | No weight limit | Free, counts as carry-on |
AA vs United vs Delta on Basic Economy carry-on: American Airlines and Delta both include a free full-size carry-on on Basic Economy. United does not, United Basic Economy passengers pay $35 to $45 for a carry-on. This is one of AA’s genuine advantages on its cheapest fare.
American Airlines Carry-On Size Limit
The carry-on size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels, handles, and all external attachments. This measurement is total including any protrusions. A bag that measures 22 inches in the body but has a 2-inch handle is over the limit.
- Size check displays are available at most AA gates and ticket counters. Use them if you are unsure.
- Soft-sided bags can be compressed slightly to fit. Hard-shell cases must meet the limit exactly.
- On American Eagle regional flights with limited overhead space, carry-ons may be valet-checked at the jet bridge for free. You collect the bag planeside when you deplane, not at baggage claim.
- There is no published weight limit. Your bag must be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin without assistance from crew.
What Counts as a Personal Item on American Airlines?
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. AA’s published maximum is 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Items that qualify:
- Purse or handbag
- Laptop bag or briefcase
- Small backpack or daypack (standard 20L packs typically fit)
- Camera bag
- Diaper bag for families traveling with infants
Items that do NOT count toward your carry-on or personal item and are free regardless:
- Jacket or coat
- Umbrella
- Duty-free items purchased after security
- Assistive devices including wheelchairs, walkers, CPAP machines
- FAA-approved child safety seats and collapsible strollers (gate-checked free)
- Medications and medical equipment
American Airlines Checked Bag Fees (Updated April & May 2026)
Carry-on bags are free. Checked bags are not, and fees changed twice in 2026. Here is the current structure:
Domestic US, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America
| Bag | Prepaid online (aa.com or app) | At airport | Basic Economy extra (from May 18, 2026) |
| First checked bag | $45 | $50 | $50 prepaid / $55 at airport |
| Second checked bag | $55 | $60 | $60 prepaid / $65 at airport |
| Third checked bag | $200 | $200 | $200 |
Save $5 per bag: Always prepay for checked bags on aa.com or the AA app before reaching the airport. AA gives a $5 discount per bag for online prepayment. On a round trip with one bag, that saves $10.
Weight and Size Limits for Checked Bags
| Condition | Fee |
| Bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg) | Standard fee above, no overweight charge |
| Bag 51 to 70 lbs (23 to 32 kg) | $100 overweight fee |
| Bag 71 to 100 lbs (32 to 45 kg) | $200 overweight fee |
| Bag over 100 lbs | Not accepted as checked baggage |
| Oversized bag (63 to 80 linear inches) | $200 fee |
| Bag over 80 linear inches | Not accepted as checked baggage |
Who Gets Free Checked Bags on American Airlines?
- AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum members: 1 to 3 free checked bags depending on tier
- Citi/AAdvantage and Barclays AAdvantage credit cardholders: 1 free first checked bag on domestic AA itineraries when card is linked to AAdvantage number
- Premium cabin passengers (Domestic First, Business, Flagship Business, Flagship First): 1 to 3 free bags depending on cabin
- Active duty US military: free checked bags on all AA flights
- Flights to Australia and New Zealand: free first checked bag for all passengers including Basic Economy
- Long-haul international Main Cabin (transatlantic, transpacific, select Latin America routes): 1 free checked bag except on Basic Economy
American Airlines Basic Economy Carry-On and Bag Rules 2026
Basic Economy still includes a free carry-on and personal item. That has not changed. What changed in 2026:
- Checked bag fees for Basic Economy are $5 higher than Main Cabin from May 18, 2026 onward
- Basic Economy passengers from May 18 must pay a fee to select a seat. AAdvantage status members and co-branded credit card holders continue to receive seat selection perks.
- AAdvantage members without status on Basic Economy board in Group 7 starting later in 2026
- Basic Economy is still non-refundable and not eligible for complimentary or systemwide upgrades
- Carry-on bag: still free, same size limit as all other fares
Need help with AA baggage rules or booking? Call Flying Getaway at [tfn] for American Airlines flight bookings, baggage fee questions, and best available fares on your route.What Can You Bring in a Carry-On on American Airlines?
| Item | Allowed in carry-on? | Notes |
| Liquids, gels, aerosols | Yes | TSA 3-1-1 rule: containers max 3.4 oz (100 ml), one clear quart-sized bag |
| Electronics (laptops, tablets) | Yes | Remove from bag at standard TSA security lanes |
| Medications | Yes | Exempt from 3.4 oz liquid rule. Keep in personal item for easy access. |
| Food (solid) | Yes | No restrictions on solid food |
| Musical instruments | Yes if within size limit | Must fit in overhead bin. Oversized instruments may need seat purchase. |
| Pets | Yes | Must stay in approved carrier under the seat. Fee: $150 each way (2026). |
| Duty-free liquids over 3.4 oz | Yes | Must be in tamper-evident bag with receipt. Purchased after security only. |
| Sharp items (scissors under 4 inches, nail clippers) | Yes | Razors: cartridge ok, straight razors not allowed |
| Power banks and lithium batteries | Yes, carry-on only | Cannot go in checked bags. Must be under 100 Wh. |
Flying Tip: Pack liquids in a clear, tamper-evident bag for duty-free purchases to breeze through security. Check details at our phone.
In a Nutshell
Navigating American Airlines carry on baggage weight and size rules is straightforward: keep your carry-on within 22 x 14 x 9 inches, ensure you can lift it, and pack a personal item under 18 x 14 x 8 inches. With no strict weight limit and clear guidelines, you can travel hassle-free and avoid fees. Whether packing liquids, electronics, or pets, this guide equips you for a smooth journey.
For flight booking or American Airlines carry on baggage policy questions, call Flying Getaway at our phone. Pack smart, fly easy!
FAQs
Does American Airlines Basic Economy include a carry-on in 2026?
Yes. American Airlines includes one free carry-on bag (max 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one free personal item on all fares including Basic Economy. This applies to domestic and international flights. AA is one of the few major US carriers that does not restrict carry-ons on its cheapest fare. United Basic Economy does not include a free carry-on.
What is the American Airlines carry-on size limit?
The carry-on size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels, handles, and all attachments. The personal item limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches and must fit under the seat in front of you. There is no published weight limit for carry-ons on AA.
How much is the first checked bag on American Airlines in 2026?
For domestic US, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America routes on tickets issued from April 9, 2026: $45 prepaid online or $50 at the airport for Main Cabin. Basic Economy tickets issued from May 18, 2026 pay $5 more: $50 prepaid or $55 at the airport. Always prepay on aa.com to save $5 per bag.
Can I bring two carry-on bags on American Airlines?
No. AA allows one carry-on bag for the overhead bin and one personal item that fits under the seat. You cannot bring two full-size carry-on bags. If you have more than one bag, the second must meet personal item dimensions (18 x 14 x 8 inches) and fit under the seat, or it must be checked.
What happens if my carry-on is too big on American Airlines?
If your carry-on exceeds 22 x 14 x 9 inches or does not fit in the overhead bin, it will be gate-checked. On mainline AA aircraft this is typically free. On American Eagle regional jets, gate-checking is also free and the bag is returned to you planeside. If your bag is significantly oversized, it may be treated as a checked bag with applicable fees.
Do AAdvantage members get free checked bags on American Airlines?
Yes. Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum AAdvantage members receive 1 to 3 free checked bags depending on their tier. Citi/AAdvantage and Barclays AAdvantage credit cardholders get one free first checked bag on domestic AA itineraries when the card is linked to their AAdvantage number at booking.
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.
