Navigating airline baggage policies can streamline your travel experience and help you avoid unexpected fees or delays. As one of the largest carriers in the United States, American Airlines has clear and specific rules for carry-on luggage. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about American Airlines’ carry-on bag size limits, weight restrictions, personal item allowances, special items, and tips to ensure a hassle-free journey.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
American Airlines permits each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board at no additional charge, regardless of fare class (including Basic Economy). These items must adhere to specific size and, in some cases, weight restrictions to ensure they fit in the overhead bins or under the seat.
American Airline carry on dimensions Limit
- Maximum Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
- Measurement Method: The total size is calculated using height x width x depth, ensuring the bag fits in the overhead bin or the airline’s sizing device at the gate.
- Alternative Option: Instead of a standard carry-on bag, you may bring a soft-sided garment bag up to 51 inches (130 cm) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
Carry-On Weight Limit
- Weight Restriction: American Airlines enforces a carry-on weight limit of 40 pounds (18 kg). Unlike some airlines that focus solely on size, American Airlines monitors weight to ensure bags are manageable for passengers and crew and can be safely stowed.
- Note: You must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin without assistance. If your bag exceeds the weight limit, it may need to be checked, potentially incurring fees.
Personal Item Size Limits
- Maximum Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
- Examples: Personal items include purses, small backpacks, laptop bags, briefcases, or camera bags.
- Placement: The personal item must fit securely under the seat in front of you. If traveling in a bulkhead seat (no under-seat storage), the personal item must be stowed in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
Consequences of Exceeding Size or Weight Limits
- Gate Checking: If your carry-on bag exceeds the size or weight limits, it may need to be checked at the gate. Depending on your fare, destination, and number of checked bags, fees may apply, ranging from $30 to $200 per bag.
- Voluntary Gate Checking: If overhead bin space is limited, American Airlines may ask for volunteers to check carry-on bags for free. Labeling your carry-on with your contact information (as you would a checked bag) is recommended in case it needs to be gate-checked.
Special Items and Exceptions
American Airlines has specific policies for special items, some of which may count toward your carry-on allowance, while others are exempt.
Items That Do Not Count Toward Carry-On Allowance
The following items can be brought on board in addition to your carry-on and personal item without counting against your allowance:
- Jackets, umbrellas, or hats.
- Diaper bags (one per child, for passengers traveling with infants).
- Soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk or breast pumps.
- Child safety seats or strollers (may need to be gate-checked depending on size and aircraft).
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Medical or mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, crutches).
- Service animals or approved pet carriers (with restrictions; see below).
- Duty-free items in tamper-evident bags, subject to TSA screening.
Special Items with Specific Rules
- Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments that fit within the 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on size limit or under the seat can be carried on as your carry-on bag.
- Larger instruments (up to 150 inches total linear dimensions and 165 pounds) may require purchasing an additional seat or be checked, subject to standard checked bag fees.
- Fragile instruments should be in hard-sided cases if checked, as American Airlines does not assume responsibility for damage to musical instruments.
- Pets
- A pet in a carrier counts as your carry-on item (not in addition to it) and must fit under the seat (18 x 14 x 8 inches).
- The pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the carrier.
- A fee of $150 one-way applies for pets in the cabin.
- Advance arrangements with the airline are required.
- Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)
- POCs must fit under the seat and cannot block aisle access or be used in exit rows.
- Passengers must have enough battery power for 150% of the flight duration, including delays.
- Gate agents will verify compliance before boarding.
- Cremated Remains
- Treated as a carry-on bag and must pass TSA screening. Some urns may not be screenable, so check with a funeral home or TSA in advance.
- No special documentation is needed for domestic travel, but international travel may require consultation with a consulate.
- Zamzam Water
- One sealed container (up to 5 liters) can be checked for free but cannot be carried on as a carry-on item.
- Additional containers incur standard checked bag fees.
TSA Liquid Rules for Carry-Ons
American Airlines adheres to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations for liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in carry-on luggage:
- Container Size: Limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller per item.
- Packaging: All containers must fit in a single, clear, resealable, one-quart plastic bag (one bag per passenger).
- Screening: The quart-sized bag must be removed from your carry-on during TSA screening.
- Exceptions: Medications, baby formula, breast milk, and certain duty-free liquids (in tamper-evident bags) may be exempt but require additional screening.
For a complete list of prohibited items, visit the TSA website
Additional Considerations
Regional Flights
- On American Eagle® regional flights, overhead bin space is limited. Carry-ons exceeding personal item dimensions (18 x 14 x 8 inches) may need to be valet-checked at the gate for free. Valet-checked bags are tagged and returned on the jetbridge upon arrival.
International Flights
- Weight Limits: For flights to/from Beijing or Shanghai, carry-ons have a 22-pound (10 kg) weight limit. For Singapore, the limit is 15 pounds (7 kg).
- Customs Regulations: Duty-free liquids in tamper-evident bags are allowed if purchased internationally and you’re connecting through the U.S., but they must pass TSA screening.
Restricted Items
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Up to two batteries (max 160 Wh each) are allowed in carry-on luggage only, with airline approval. Spare batteries must be in separate plastic bags and cannot be used on board.
- Electronic Cigarettes: Permitted in carry-on only, not in checked bags, and cannot be used during the flight.
- Marijuana: Prohibited on all American Airlines flights, even if legal in your state, due to federal law enforced by the TSA.
- Alcohol: Beverages with 24–70% alcohol by volume (up to 5 liters) are allowed in checked bags only, subject to customs regulations.
For a full list of restricted items, see American Airlines’Restricted Items page.
Practical Tips to Avoid Issues
- Measure Your Bags: Check your carry-on and personal item dimensions at home using a tape measure to ensure compliance with the 22 x 14 x 9-inch and 18 x 14 x 8-inch limits, respectively.
- Weigh Your Carry-On: Use a luggage scale to confirm your carry-on is under 40 pounds to avoid gate-checking fees.
- Choose Soft-Sided Bags: Soft-sided bags can be slightly compressed to fit sizers or overhead bins, unlike hard-sided luggage.
- Label Your Bags: Add contact information to your carry-on in case it needs to be gate-checked.
- Pack Light: Prioritize essentials to stay within size and weight limits, especially for regional flights with limited bin space.
- Arrive Early: Basic Economy passengers board last, so early arrival increases your chances of securing overhead bin space.
- Check TSA Rules: Review TSA guidelines for liquids and prohibited items to avoid delays at security.
- Consider Travelpro or EVERKI Luggage: Brands like Travelpro and EVERKI offer carry-on bags designed to meet American Airlines’ size limits, such as the Travelpro Maxlite 5 (21 x 14 x 9 inches) or EVERKI’s TSA-friendly backpacks.
FAQs
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on bag?
Yes, you can bring a backpack as your personal item (max 18 x 14 x 8 inches) and a carry-on bag (max 22 x 14 x 9 inches), as long as both meet size requirements.
How strict is American Airlines with carry-on size?
American Airlines is increasingly strict due to high passenger volumes. Bags are often checked against sizers at the gate, and non-compliant bags may be gate-checked with potential fees.
Are there extra fees for carry-ons in Basic Economy?
No, carry-on bags are free for all fare classes, including Basic Economy, as long as they meet size and weight limits.
What happens if my carry-on is slightly oversized?
A slightly oversized soft-sided bag may fit if it can be compressed, but hard-sided bags that don’t fit the sizer will likely be gate-checked, potentially with a fee ($30–$200).
Can I bring a pet and a carry-on?
A pet in a carrier counts as your carry-on item, so you can only bring a personal item in addition. The pet carrier must fit under the seat (18 x 14 x 8 inches).
Conclusion
Understanding American Airlines’ carry-on policies ensures a smoother travel experience. By adhering to the 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on size limit, 40-pound weight limit, and 18 x 14 x 8-inch personal item limit, you can avoid fees and delays. Special items like musical instruments, pets, or medical devices have specific rules, so plan ahead. Always check TSA regulations for liquids and restricted items, and consider investing in luggage designed to meet airline standards. For the latest details, visit American Airlines’ Carry-On Baggage page.