The process of how to add checked bag American Airlines can be confusing and inexplicably complicated.
American Airlines is the largest airline in the USA. It covers an extensive route network with their flights going to almost all parts of the world.
You’ll have to pay to check your bag each time you travel with American Airlines. While there are several ways travelers can add checked bags on American Airlines, they’re not always that straightforward.
Hopefully, this article breaks down everything you need about American Airlines baggage, including bag fees. Let’s get started by learning,
How to Add Checked Bag American Airlines?
American Airlines allows passengers to prepay for luggage via mobile app or online. You can do this when you check in and up to four hours before departure. You can add up to three bags from the American Airlines mobile app or website when you check in for your booking.
The American Airline Baggage Fee
The baggage fee is usually tricky since each airline has its own rules. But when it comes to American Airlines, everything is so straightforward. All you need to do is ensure your checked bag is under 50 pounds to avoid a penalty.
Customers using economy pay $30 for their first checked bag on all domestic and most Mexico, Caribbean, South American, and Central American flights.
The second bag will be $40 on all domestic flights. The cost goes up to $65 if you travel to Haiti and select South or Central American countries. There are exceptions, so don’t miss to check.
The first bag is free if you fly internationally to places like Paris or Korea. If you’re flying to Asia or Europe, you’ll pay $100 for the second bag.
What’s Included in The Baggage Fee?
On American Airlines, the baggage only applies to checked bags. Each passenger is only expected to come with one carry-on and a personal item such as a small backpack or a purse.
Note that carry-on items include a piece of musical equipment and so on. But ensure the carry-on item you have can fit the overhead cabin.
You can carry other things, including mobility devices, strollers, and diaper bags; they won’t count as allotted carry-on items.
What Are the American Online Carry-on Rules or Policies?
As mentioned, the airline allows travelers to carry a carry-on bag and other personal items. You can also include a garment bag that’s not over 50 inches.
The items classified as carry-on include pet kennels, music, sports equipment, etc. The trick is that anything you bring should fit well in the overhead cabin. You can also add things like strollers, medical equipment, etc.
Note that there are restrictions for passengers who only travel with a carry-on item. These include; You can’t travel with powder or liquid substances more than a certain amount.
In addition, you can’t carry straight razors, scissors, or other cutting devices. You can check out the American Airlines website for more information about this.
Tips On How To Avoid American Airlines Baggage Fees
Have you ever booked an affordable flight to be hit by the high bag fees? Travelers pay billions of dollars yearly as baggage fees.
Before, it was only carriers that charged baggage fees. However, American Airlines became the first Airline – in may 2008 to introduce bag fees. Since then, the cost has been increasing.
Other than a personal item, economy class passengers are eligible for a free carry-on. However, they must still pay baggage fees for several travel destinations. Here are some ways to avoid paying the checked bag fee.
1. Purchase a Premium Ticket
This ticket will give you an amazing travel experience and offer free baggage. The ticket also has two complementary bags but this doesn’t apply to flights to Hawaii and Alaska. With this ticket, you’re eligible for two free bags regardless of where you travel.
2. Join a Loyalty Program
American airlines have a lot of programs, including the AAdvantage and frequent flyer program. Amazingly, they’re all free to join.
Some loyalty programs allow frequent American Airlines travelers to enjoy some serious miles. You’ll spend approximately a dollar per 5 miles if you’re a frequent traveler.
Being a frequent traveler and joining a loyalty program will give you elite status. The elite status is great since it automatically gives you free bags. The AAdvantage Gold Status will also give you free first-checked baggage.
Typically, you’ll get better benefits depending on your elite status level. For example, with one world Emerald status or AAdvantage Executive Platinum, you’ll be eligible for three free checked bags.
3. Only Travel with a Carry-On
This airline allows its passengers to bring carry-ons. There’s usually an overhead cabin allocated for the carry-on.
You can also carry a small backpack, which needs little space and place it underneath your seat. A backpack and a carry-on are surely enough to get you through a week or weekend.
4. Use the General Travel Rewards Card
You can use the general travel credit cards if you fly on different airlines but want to earn rewards on future flights.
Not all cards will offer you free bags, but ones such as Business Platinum Card (American Express) can cover your baggage cost.
In addition, you can use cards from some issuers like Chase Sapphire Reserve. They give card users about $300 travel credit yearly.
5. Get a Credit Card (American Airlines)
There are several American Airlines credit cards to choose from. You’ll earn great travel miles and everyday purchases with any of the cards.
Each credit card has a sign-up bonus; you’ll qualify for free flights and other benefits quickly. It’s best to compare the benefits of American Airlines credit cards to find out which is the best for you.
6. Use Your Military Information
If you’re in the U.S. military, you and your family are eligible for five free checked bags. Additionally, you qualify for up to three complimentary bags. The good part is that all you need to do is provide your military identification card.
7. Waived Fees by Destination
All long-distance international tickets on American Airlines have one free checked bag. Additionally, American Airlines offers free checked bags on specific routes to and from the United States of America.
The popular destinations that offer one free checked bag include Transpacific flights, Transatlantic flights, South America, Haiti, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does American Airlines measure the weight of carry-on bags?
No, the airline doesn’t have a specific weight restriction on these bags. However, it does have a restriction on checked bags.
If your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you’ll have to pay extra cost. The business ticket holders can bring a checked bag that weighs up to 70 pounds.
How many free checked bags can you carry?
American Airlines travelers with elite status or selected premium seats can bring three bags. All American Airlines passengers are eligible for one free carry-on personal item. This is also applicable to customers with basic economy tickets.
How many backs can you check on American Airlines Basic Economy?
You can check a maximum of five to ten bags, but this hugely depends on your itinerary. Note that there’s some fee that you’ll have to pay for checking baggage with the basic economy ticket.
But if you’re on a loyalty program or own the elite status, you’ll be subject to free checked bags. Depending on your itinerary, the first checked bag will cost approximately $30-60.
Can I add checked baggage after booking American Airlines?
Yes, you can do this when you check in at the airport – usually up to 4 hours before departure time. However, the most convenient way to check a bag is through the American Airlines app or website.
How do I add baggage to my booked flight?
You can add seats, baggage, and other extras you forgot to your booked flight directly. American Airlines has a manage my booking page from where you can do this.
All you need is your airline reference to log in. This detail can be found on your documents in the flight section.
Is it cheaper to prepay for bags on American Airlines?
The price is not the same as travelers pay at the airport. That’s $30 and $40 for the first and second bags, respectively.
You’ll find all the details about prepaid bag prices on the website. Note that if you prepay for a bag and fail to carry it, you’ll need to receive a refund.
Conclusion
By now, you know how to add checked bag American Airlines, you can either do it online through their app or website or physically at the airport.
Booking a checked bag can be quite expensive, and its fee is continuously rising. But this should halt your traveling dreams. There are several ways to avoid paying bag fees, and this article has listed them.
