American Airline Weight Rules

American Airlines has specific baggage weight restrictions depending upon your destination.luggages image by MLProject from Fotolia.com

Traveling by air is more complicated than ever due to restrictions on what products can be brought on board, and how much of these products you can have. Airlines are charging to check baggage and they will charge you extra if your bags are overweight. American Airlines not only has baggage charges and weight restrictions, they also have specific baggage requirements depending on where and when you are traveling.

Flights within United States and Canada

For flights that are flying within the U.S., its territories and Canada, guests are charged $25 for the first checked bag, $35 for the second and $100 for the third. The checked bags may not weigh more than 50 pounds. For all American Airlines flights, bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds will cost an additional $60. Bags between 70 and 100 pounds will cost $100 each. No bags will be accepted over 100 pounds.

There are no baggage fees for passengers traveling to Brazil. Economy passengers can check two bags. Additional bags will cost $60 a piece. Bags must not weigh more than 70 pounds and will not be accepted if they are.

There are no baggage charges for travel to, from and through Europe, Asia and India. Passengers can have two bags checked at no charge, except for travel to India, where only one checked bag is free. Bags should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Bags between 51 and 70 pounds will cost $60 a piece. Bags over 70 pounds will not be accepted.

There are no checked bag fee for the first two bags for travel to, from and through the Caribbean islands, Central and South America. The exception is Mexico, where only one bag can fly for free. Additional bags will cost $30 a piece. Bags should not be more than 50 pounds, and will be charge $60 if they are overweight.

Many people traveling abroad for the holidays like to bring a lot of extra luggage to bring items to family members in foreign countries. For this reason, between November and January, American Airlines typically restricts baggage to certain destinations to allow everyone to be able to get their luggage on board. As of 2010, the restrictions are for destinations in Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean and the restricted dates are Nov. 20, 2010 to Jan. 9, 2011. Check online for a comprehensive list of countries. Passengers traveling to these countries may only check two pieces of luggage, weighing no more than 50 pounds each, except for Brazil where the luggage can weigh up to 70 pounds.