American Airlines carry-on, personal item size & baggage policy (2026)
American Airlines allows a free carry-on up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and a free personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches, both measured including wheels and handles. A first checked bag (62 inches total, 50 lb) costs ~$50.
| Bag | Max size | Weight | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on | Max size22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)22 x 14 x 9 in56 x 36 x 23 cm | WeightNo limit | FeeFree |
| Personal item | Max size18 x 14 x 8 in (46 x 36 x 20 cm)18 x 14 x 8 in46 x 36 x 20 cm | WeightNo limit | FeeFree |
| Checked bag | Max size62 in total (158 cm total)62 in total158 cm total | Weight50 lb | Fee~$50 |
Checked against American Airlines's published rules on 2026-07-11. Limits can differ by fare class, route, aircraft, and operating carrier, and gate enforcement varies - always confirm on the airline's site before you fly. Packfits is not affiliated with American Airlines. We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page.
Will your bag fit American Airlines?
Enter your bag's outside measurements - including wheels and handles, which American Airlines counts.
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
FreeAmerican Airlines allows a carry-on up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), measured on the outside of the bag - wheels, handles, and straps all count. The bag has to fit in the airport sizer.
Source: American Airlines official
Bags that fit the carry-on limit
Every bag below clears the sizer with wheels and handles included - checked against the manufacturer's published measurements, because product names often understate the real size.
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 in (46 x 36 x 20 cm)
FreeAmerican Airlines allows a personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 36 x 20 cm), measured on the outside of the bag - wheels, handles, and straps all count. It has to fit under the seat in front of you.
Source: American Airlines official
Bags that fit the personal item limit
Every bag below clears the sizer with wheels and handles included - checked against the manufacturer's published measurements, because product names often understate the real size.
Checked bag: 62 in total (158 cm total)
~$50American Airlines allows a checked bag up to 62 inches total (158 cm total) - that is length + width + height added together - weighing up to 50 lb. The limits apply to Main Cabin (standard economy) fares.
This is the first-bag fee within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the USVI on a Main Cabin fare, or $45 if paid online; Basic Economy pays $5 more, each way.
Source: American Airlines official
Bags that fit the checked bag limit
These are full-size checked bags that stay inside the size limit with wheels and handles included. Checked size limits are generous - it's the weight limit that usually catches people - so each of these gives you close to the maximum packing space the rules allow.
How strict is American Airlines at the gate, really?
American Airlines enforces carry-on size mainly with the boarding-gate sizer during busy flights. A bag within about half an inch usually clears; a hard-side bag noticeably over is asked to be gate-checked. Wheels and handles count toward the measurement, so a "22-inch" bag is often 23-24 inches in practice.
American Airlines baggage FAQ
What is American Airlines's baggage policy?
Here is American Airlines's baggage policy at a glance: Carry-on: Free, Personal item: Free, Checked bag: ~$50. Full size and weight limits for each bag type are in the table above.
What is American Airlines's carry-on size?
American Airlines's carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), measured including wheels and handles. It is included free with your fare.
What is American Airlines's personal item size?
The personal item limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 36 x 20 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you. It is free with every fare.
How much is a checked bag on American Airlines?
A first checked bag costs ~$50. This is the first-bag fee within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the USVI on a Main Cabin fare, or $45 if paid online; Basic Economy pays $5 more, each way. It can be up to 62 inches total and 50 lb.
Does American Airlines measure bags with wheels and handles?
Yes. American Airlines, like all airlines, measures a bag's external size including wheels, handles, and side pockets, so a bag sold as "22 inch" is often 23-24 inches once measured.
Other airlines
This tool gives an estimate, not a guarantee: it compares your bag against published airline size and weight limits, which can be wrong, outdated, or not reflect fare class, route, aircraft, or gate-level enforcement. Always verify with the airline before you fly. Packfits is not affiliated with any airline named on this site and accepts no liability for a missed flight, gate fee, denied boarding, bag confiscation, or any other consequence of relying on this tool. Bag prices shown are approximate manufacturer list prices, not Amazon prices - the current price on Amazon may differ. See our Terms of Service for the full disclaimer.