American Airlines carry-on, personal item size & baggage policy (2026)
American Airlines allows a free carry-on up to 22 x 14 x 9 in and a free personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 in, both measured including wheels and handles. A first checked bag (62 in total, 50 lb) costs ~$50.
| Bag | Max size | Weight | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9 in | No limit | Free |
| Personal item | 18 x 14 x 8 in | No limit | Free |
| Checked bag | 62 in total | 50 lb | ~$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.
Will your bag fit American Airlines?
Enter your bag's outside measurements - including wheels and handles, which American Airlines counts. Checked instantly in your browser.
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 in limit. Measure with wheels and handles included.
Carry-on
Free- Max size
- 22 x 14 x 9 in
- Notes
- 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including the handles and wheels; must fit in the airport sizer.
- Source
- American Airlines official
Personal item
Free- Max size
- 18 x 14 x 8 in
- Notes
- 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm); must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Source
- American Airlines official
Checked bag
~$50- Max size
- 62 in total
- Max weight
- 50 lb
- Notes
- Up to 62 in (158 cm) and 50 lb (23 kg) in Main Cabin / standard economy.
- Fee
- $50 for the first checked bag within/between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the USVI on a Main Cabin fare ($45 if paid online); Basic Economy pays $5 more, each way.
- Source
- American Airlines official
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 in, 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 in 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 - $50 for the first checked bag within/between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the USVI on a Main Cabin fare ($45 if paid online); Basic Economy pays $5 more, each way. It can be up to 62 in 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. See our Terms of Service for the full disclaimer.