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Home › Airline Baggage Fees › American Airlines Check-In and Baggage Size & Fees
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American Airlines Check-In and Baggage Size & Fees


Category: Carry On Luggage Size, Airline Baggage Fees, Airline Check-In

As the world's 4th largest carrier in passenger miles traveled, American Airlines offers an extensive network for domestic and international travels.
The company was established in 1930 and the business commenced in 1934. Over more than 70 years, by December 2011, American Airlines has 609 aircrafts and holds an average fleet age of 15.1 years!

Today, American Airlines has undoubtedly become the major airline in the US and founded five hubs in the country, with the largest one in Dallas/Fort Worth. Owing to the partnership with Frommer's Travel, the lending travel guide provider, American Airlines is proud to offer more flights to the greatest destinations worldwide, coupled with exceptional airport services and specific guidelines for your hassle-free traveling experience.

To know the latest updated information on American Airlines check-in and baggage allowances, be sure to make a few minutes for this article!

I. Check-In - Speed through the Airport at Your Convenience and Comfort!

How to Check In for American Airlines Flights?

American Airlines, with passengers always in mind, provides a variety of check-in options to enable you to breeze across the airport like a pro! Long waiting period for the check-in at the ticket counter has been a thing of past, for American Airlines has created convenient online and mobile check-in services at your home, the office and anywhere else there is internet connection. Otherwise, you can still choose traditional check-in at the airport in front of the Self-Service Check-In machines or ticket counters.

1. Online Check-In: Just with your computer or laptop, you can check in anytime between 1 to 24 hours ahead of the departure of domestic flights and 2 to 24 hours prior to the departure for international flights. Please note that due to specific requirements, currently online check-in for international flights is not available for US travelers to Bolivia, Brazil, China, India and Russia.

2. Mobile Check-In: Whenever you are on the go, enter AA.com or mobile.aa.com into your mobile browser, and you will get to know how convenient the AA check-in could be! With your mobile phone, you can track flight status, check or change the existing reservations, check in and even use the phone as the boarding pass - saving paper and time!

3. Self-Service Check-In: To improve your travel experience, American Airlines, at select airports and locations, provides Self-Service Check-In service. E-ticket owners can use this kind of check-in for all US destinations and designated international locations. The Self-Service Check-In machines accept the payments with AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum, or AAdvantage Gold Card. Bear in mind that the card name must match the name of the reservation.

4. Curbside Check-In: This is an efficient way to check in, receive a seat assignment or check your baggage. Currently, Curbside Check-In services are available in most airports within the US, while some cities even allow Curbside Check-In for international destinations. There is no charge for taking advantage of Curbside Check-In, but if you are satisfied with this service, gratuities are always appreciated!

5. Ticket Counter Check-In: American Airlines airport staff at the ticket counter will be glad to assist customers with personal check-in service, as well as offer assistance for passengers traveling with pets, infants, or companions with special needs.

How Early Should Passengers Arrive at the Airport?

To make your experience at the airport stress free, American Airlines gives out the recommended arrival times at the airport. These times vary a bit for domestic flights and international flights. Just to say, your destinations will largely determine how early you should get to the airports for AA flights. Keeping in mind the following suggested arrival times may ensure you a smart move at the airport.

- At Least 90 Minutes: Domestic flights within the US, including Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands with checked baggage

- At Least 60 Minutes: Domestic flights within the US, including Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands without checked baggage

- At Least 2 Hours: Flights departing from Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands

- At Least 2 Hours: Flights departing from international destinations (visit AA.com for exceptions that exceed two hours)

Should Passengers Comply with Any Check-In Time Requirements?

To guarantee that there is sufficient time for the security and baggage check before departure, American Airlines requires passengers to check in within specific times.

• For domestic flights, you should check in 30 minutes before the departure and be present in front of the departure gate at least 15 minutes prior to the schedule departure time to verify your reservation and retain your seat. If you need to check baggage, the cutoff time for baggage check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure for all airports in the US, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. There are 17 exceptions, such as Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Juan, which require longer cutoff time for baggage acceptance!

• For flights departing outside the US, passengers must check in 60 minutes before departure, and be present at the departure gate for boarding at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Standard cutoff time for flights originating in all airports out of the US, as well as international flights departing from a US city, is 60 minutes before the departure.

II. Baggage and Carry-on Allowances - Make Your Trip More Enjoyable and Secure!

How Much Can Passengers Carry On?

Your travel would be easier and less stressful when you plan ahead and know clearly what to expect. American Airlines, just as other airlines do, allows every passenger to carry one small piece of baggage aboard, which is known as "carry-on." As this small bag will be put in an overhead bin, it must meet the requirements on sizes and can not exceed the overall dimensions of 45 inches or 114 cm (22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall, or 56 x 35 x 23 cm).

In addition to a carry-on, each passenger can bring one personal item onto the aircraft. This personal item may refer to a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or tote, however, this item should not exceed 36 inches in dimension in order to fit comfortably under the seat in front of passengers.

How Many Pieces of Baggage Are Passengers Allowed to Check?

American Airlines understands that you want your checked bags to arrive at the destination with you, and it puts restrict baggage allowance for all southbound flights. Passengers are allowed to check a maximum of two pieces for AA flights and these bags must be within the size and weight limits - up to 62 inches (158 cm) in dimension and 50 lbs (70 lbs for Brazil).

For certain destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, boxes, oversized, overweight, or excess bags will not be accepted by American Airlines from November 19,2011 to January 10, 2012.
Here the "boxes" refer to six-sided containers of any size, made out of cardboard, plastic, wood or metal, either square, rectangular or in cylindrical shape. For instance, plastic tubs and coolers are seen as boxes.

How Much Should Be Paid for the Baggage Checked?

For flyers in First and Business Class, they are allowed to check three bags at no charges! For passengers purchasing American Airlines Economy Class tickets, the baggage charges listed below will be collected. Please be noted that exceptions may apply for baggage charges!

1. Flights within the US, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico:

• $25 for the first checked baggage

• $35 for the second checked baggage

• $150 for all additional pieces

2. Canada to/from the US, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico:

• $25 for the first checked baggage

• $35 for the second checked baggage

• $150 for all additional pieces

3. Canada to/from/through Europe and India:

• $60 for the second checked bag (for ticketed purchased on or after August 30, 2011)

• $0 for the two bags checked (for tickets purchased before August 30, 2011)

4. The US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands to/from/through Europe or India:

• $60 for the second checked bag (for tickets purchased on or after February 10, 2011)

• $50 for the second checked bag (for tickets purchased before February 10, 2011)

5. Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America to/from the US, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Canada, Europe, or India:

• $30 for the second checked bag

Will Additional Fees Apply for Overweight or Oversized Baggage?

Of course, American Airlines will charge extra fees if passengers take overweight or oversized bags for transportation, and these fees are all collected at the airport ticket counter.

1. Flights within the US, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada:

• $100 per piece of checked baggage weighing over 50 lbs but no more than 70 lbs

• $200 per piece of checked baggage weighing over 70 lbs but no more than 100 lbs

• $200 per piece of checked baggage larger than 62 inches

2. Flights to/from/through Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central and South America (except Haiti):

• $100 for each overweight bag weighing between 50 lbs and 70 lbs

• $200 for each overweight bag weighing more than 70 lbs but less than 100 lbs

• $200 per piece of checked baggage that is larger than 62 inches

• Bags weighing over 100 lbs will not be accepted as checked baggage

• Baggage larger more than 126 inches will not be accepted as checked baggage

3. Flights to/from/through Europe:

• $60 for each overweight baggage over 50 lbs but less than 70 lbs

• $150 per piece of checked baggage larger than 62 inches

• Baggage more than 70 lbs will not be accepted

• Bags measuring larger than 126 inches will not be accepted as checked baggage

Moreover, as certain aircrafts can not accept some oversized items given the sizes of the cargo doors, if you are traveling with any oversized article, be sure to contact American Airlines to check whether your destination is served by a plane that can accommodate your article!

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