American Airlines Checked Baggage: Fees, Size & Weight (2026)
American's first checked bag is $45 prepaid ($50 at the airport) and the second is $55 prepaid ($60 at the airport) on domestic routes, after the April 2026 increase. Basic Economy adds $5 per bag. Bags must be under 50 lb and 62 linear inches. AAdvantage card holders and elite members get the first bag free.
| Bag | Prepaid | At airport |
|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | $45 | $50 |
| Second checked bag | $55 | $60 |
| Third+ bag | $200 | |
Does American Airlines charge for checked bags?
American Airlines charges $45 prepaid ($50 at the airport) for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on typical domestic routes. Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after May 18, 2026 pay $5 more per bag: $50 online / $55 airport first bag, $60 / $65 second. American raised checked-bag fees for tickets purchased on or after April 9, 2026, and added a $5-per-bag Basic Economy surcharge from May 18, 2026.
Who flies free: AAdvantage co-brand card holders (first bag free for cardholder plus up to 4 companions on domestic), AAdvantage Gold and above elite status, premium cabins, and active US military.
Weight and size limits
Weight: 50 lb (23 kg) economy; 70 lb (32 kg) premium cabins and elite
Size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
Overweight: $30 for 51-53 lb, $100 for 53-70 lb, $200 for 71-100 lb; over 100 lb not accepted
Oversize: $200 for bags over 62 linear inches
2026 policy note: American raised checked-bag fees for tickets purchased on or after April 9, 2026, and added a $5-per-bag Basic Economy surcharge from May 18, 2026.
Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after May 18, 2026 pay $5 more per bag: $50 online / $55 airport first bag, $60 / $65 second.
How to avoid the fee on American Airlines
AAdvantage co-brand card holders (first bag free for cardholder plus up to 4 companions on domestic), AAdvantage Gold and above elite status, premium cabins, and active US military.
How American Airlines compares
See checked-baggage fees and limits for Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, British Airways — fees, weight caps, and free-bag rules differ airline by airline.
Frequently asked questions
Does American Airlines charge for checked bags?
American Airlines charges $45 prepaid ($50 at the airport) for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on typical domestic routes. Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after May 18, 2026 pay $5 more per bag: $50 online / $55 airport first bag, $60 / $65 second. American raised checked-bag fees for tickets purchased on or after April 9, 2026, and added a $5-per-bag Basic Economy surcharge from May 18, 2026.
What is American Airlines's checked bag weight limit?
50 lb (23 kg) economy; 70 lb (32 kg) premium cabins and elite
What is American Airlines's checked bag size limit?
62 linear inches (length + width + height)
Who flies free with American Airlines checked bags?
AAdvantage co-brand card holders (first bag free for cardholder plus up to 4 companions on domestic), AAdvantage Gold and above elite status, premium cabins, and active US military.