American Airlines checked bag fees (domestic)
On flights within the US and to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, American charges $50 for the first checked bag ($45 if you pay online) and $60 for the second ($55 online). Basic Economy costs $5 more on each. The third bag is $200.
American Airlines checked bag fees
| Bag | Main Cabin | Basic Economy |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $50 ($45 online) | $55 ($50 online) |
| 2nd checked bag | $60 ($55 online) | $65 ($60 online) |
| 3rd checked bag | $200 | $200 |
| 4th bag and more | $200 each | $200 each |
These are the fees for tickets issued on or after 9 April 2026 (Main Cabin) and 18 May 2026 (Basic Economy) on flights within and between the US (including Hawaii and Alaska), Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti), Central America (except Panama) and Guyana. American says changes to bag allowances and fees were updated as of 18 May 2026. Fees are charged per person and each direction, and airport fees are non-refundable.
Weight and size limit
- Size: up to 62 inches (158 cm) in total, length + width + height.
- Weight: 50 lb (23 kg). In First and Business, free bags can weigh up to 70 lb (32 kg); excess charged bags stay at 50 lb.
Overweight and oversize bag fees (US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Canada)
| Bag | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight: over 50 to 53 lb | $30 |
| Overweight: over 53 to 70 lb | $100 |
| Overweight: over 70 to 100 lb | $200 |
| Oversize: over 62 to 65 in | $30 |
| Oversize: over 65 to 115 in | $200 |
Bags over 100 lb (45 kg) or over 115 in (292 cm) are not accepted. If a bag is both overweight and oversize, the higher of the two fees applies in addition to the checked bag fee.
Who gets free checked bags?
- First bag free: eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders on domestic American-operated flights, AAdvantage Gold, oneworld Ruby.
- First two bags free: AAdvantage Platinum, oneworld Sapphire, and customers in Domestic First, Business or Premium Economy.
- First three bags free: AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro, oneworld Emerald, and customers in Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus (where applicable).
- Active US military with ID on orders: bags 1 to 5 free.
Free bags apply to American-marketed and American-operated flights, not to codeshare flights operated by partners.
Looking for carry-on rules instead? See American Airlines carry-on size and weight.
Source: Checked bag policy and Oversize and overweight bags on aa.com. Checked 10 October 2026. Fees change often and depend on when you bought your ticket, your fare and your route: confirm with the airline before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the first checked bag on American Airlines?
On flights within the US and to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, the first checked bag is $50, or $45 if you pay online. Basic Economy tickets pay $5 more.
How much is the second checked bag on American Airlines?
$60, or $55 if you pay online, in Main Cabin. Basic Economy pays $5 more.
What is the American Airlines checked bag weight limit?
50 lb (23 kg) per bag in most cases, and 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions. Bags over 100 lb are not accepted.
How much is an overweight bag on American Airlines?
Within the US, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Canada: $30 for over 50 to 53 lb, $100 for over 53 to 70 lb, and $200 for over 70 to 100 lb.
Can I pay less by paying online?
Yes. Paying online up to 2 hours before departure gets the lowest price on most routes, saving $5 on the first and second bag.