American Airlines Carry-On Size & Baggage Allowance
American Airlines allows one carry-on bag up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), plus a personal item up to 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm). It sets no weight limit for it, so the bag only has to fit the sizer and the overhead bin. Checked on 9 October 2026 against American Airlines' own policy; use the size checker to see whether your own bag fits.
What is carry-on, personal item and checked baggage?
Baggage allowance for American Airlines · check fare, route and operating-carrier conditions before travel
A handbag, laptop bag or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
One cabin bag per passenger. Measured with wheels and handles included.
Standard limit is 158 cm total. Economy/Premium Economy: 23 kg per bag; First/Business free bags: 32 kg per bag. Australia/New Zealand free bags use 32 kg.
Allowance by Cabin Class / Fare
Baggage allowance for American Airlines · check fare, route and operating-carrier conditions before travel
Excess & Oversize Fees
Charges are usually lower when paid online before travel than at the airport.
Good to Know
Will your bag fit American Airlines?
Enter your suitcase dimensions in the size checker and see instantly whether it meets these limits.
Check my bag for American AirlinesThe three baggage types, explained
Airlines split what you travel with into three allowances. Each has its own size and weight limit, and the one you exceed decides what you pay.
The small bag that goes under the seat in front of you — handbag, laptop bag or small backpack. Usually free and rarely weighed.
The wheeled case you take into the cabin and store in the overhead bin. Sized at the gate, and weighed by many airlines.
The large suitcase you hand over at the desk and collect at your destination. Charged by bag, with strict weight limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cabin bag free on American Airlines?
Yes, according to American Airlines' published policy: one cabin bag up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), plus a personal item up to 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm). Basic fares and flights operated by partner airlines can differ, so check the allowance on your booking.
What happens if my bag doesn't fit American Airlines' sizer?
Staff can send it to the hold at the gate, and depending on your fare American Airlines can charge for it. Adding a bag online before you fly is usually cheaper. The current amounts are on American Airlines' own fees page. American Airlines baggage fees
Can I bring a personal item in addition to my American Airlines cabin bag?
Yes. Besides the cabin bag you can bring one personal item up to 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm), such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack, stowed under the seat in front of you.
Compare with other airlines
Baggage limits differ sharply between carriers — these are the ones travellers most often weigh against American Airlines.
