Rules for Flying on American Airlines With Luggage

Learn American Airlines' luggage regulations in advance and pack accordingly.luggage in hotel room image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com

American Airlines and its partners serve hundreds of cities in 40 countries. Domestic destinations include Las Vegas, Orlando, New York, San Francisco and Boston. American Airlines also offers international flights to destinations such as Paris, Barcelona, Tokyo and London. Regulations for luggage on American Airlines can be confusing because the rules vary depending on where you are going.

Carry-On

You may bring one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item on flights within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as on flights to or from Brazil, Europe and Asia. You are permitted one piece of carry-on luggage but no personal item on flights to or from India. For all destinations, carry-on luggage must be no more than 45 linear inches (determined by adding the height, length and width). Additionally, for flights within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, carry-on luggage must not exceed 22 inches long, 14 inches wide or 9 inches high.

If you are traveling to or from India or Europe, you may take one checked bag for free. If you are traveling to or from Brazil or Asia, you may take two checked bags for free. Bags on all these routes must measure no more than 62 linear inches and weigh no more than 50 pounds (70 pounds to and from Brazil). American Airlines charges $25 for the first bag, $35 for the second bag and $100 each for the third, fourth and fifth bags on routes within and between the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as of October 2010. The same prices apply for flights between Canada and one of those three destinations. You may check one bag for free on flights between Europe or India and the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. The second bag on these routes cost $50.

America Airlines allows you to ship certain specialty items, generally at an extra charge. These items include musical instruments, infant seats, sports equipment, mobility devices and audio/visual equipment. You may also check items necessary for many hobbies, often at an extra charge. These items include surfboards, archery equipment, bowling balls, golf clubs, fishing equipment, scuba gear, skateboards, tennis rackets and sleeping bags.