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American Airlines’ carry-on rules are straightforward once you lock in the two size numbers that matter: your overhead carry-on and your under-seat personal item. The only “real world” wrinkle is boarding. If you’re on Basic Economy, American notes you’ll typically board last and overhead space is often full by then, so you may need to gate-check your carry-on and bring only your personal item onboard.
Below is the quick cheat sheet, then the details.
American Airlines carry-on rules at a glance
If you only read one section, make it this one—these are American’s published size limits and the practical points most people actually need.
For quick comparisons across airlines, keep my carry-on size by airline guide bookmarked.
Carry-on bag (overhead bin): 22″ x 14″ x 9″, including handles and wheels
Personal item (under the seat): 18″ x 14″ x 8″
Basic Economy note: You can bring 1 carry-on + 1 personal item, but American says you’ll typically board last and overhead bins are often full—plan accordingly
Carry-on weight limit: American’s published carry-on guidance focuses on size and fitting the airport sizer; there is no numeric carry-on weight limit listed on their carry-on policy page
American Airlines carry-on size limit (overhead bin)
American’s maximum carry-on size is:
- 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels
American also makes the enforcement mechanism clear: your bag has to fit in the sizer at the airport. The most common way people accidentally go over is by overstuffing the front pockets (which adds depth) or carrying a bag with a chunky wheel/handle housing.
A simple way to avoid problems
Measure your bag fully packed, from the outside, including wheels/handles and anything that sticks out.
American Airlines personal item rules (under-seat bag)
In addition to your carry-on, American allows one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
- 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
This is the bag I’d treat as “must stay with me” storage—medications, chargers, keys, travel documents, laptop/tablet, and anything fragile.
American Airlines Bag Sizer
If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, American provides “Bag Sizers” located at both the ticketing counters and the departure gates. If your bag will fit into the sizer, then you are all set to bring it on board with you. If it does not fit, you will have to check the bag.
Basic Economy on American: do you still get a carry-on?
Yes—American’s Basic Economy policy allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item.
The catch is boarding. American notes Basic Economy passengers typically board last and that overhead bin space is usually full by then. Translation: your carry-on is allowed, but if the bins are full, you may need to gate-check it and bring only your personal item onboard.
American Airlines carry-on weight limit
American’s published carry-on guidance emphasizes size (and fitting in the airport sizer). It does not list a separate numeric carry-on weight limit on the carry-on policy page.
Practical guidance: pack in a way that you can lift your carry-on into the overhead bin safely without assistance. If it’s packed like a brick, it may be within size limits but still become a problem at the gate.
Recommended Carry-On Bag When Flying American Airlines
If you want one carry-on that’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and works well for frequent U.S. travel, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner is my top pick.
Manufacturer dimensions:
- Overall dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles): 23″ H x 14.5″ W x 9″ D
- Case dimensions (the main body): 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
The honest fit note for American
American’s published carry-on maximum is 22″ x 14″ x 9″ including wheels/handles. The Maxlite 5’s overall dimensions run slightly larger in height/width, so if an agent is enforcing the sizer strictly, it can be a tight call.
How I’d use it on American:
If you’re on Basic Economy and expect full bins, assume a gate-check is possible and keep essentials in your personal item.
Keep it unexpanded and avoid overstuffing exterior pockets.
This carry-on bag has been sizer bin tested to accommodate overhead bin space on most major US airlines.
Case Dimensions:
- H: 21 in. W: 14 in. D: 9 in.
Note: If fully expanded it may not meet overhead bin size limits, so be careful to not overpack.
American Airlines Carry-On Liquids
For U.S. departures, liquids are governed by TSA screening rules at the security checkpoint.
TSA liquids rule (quick version)
- Containers must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less
- All containers must fit in one quart-size clear bag
- One bag per traveler
If you want the full “what counts as a liquid?” breakdown (plus common edge cases like peanut butter and gels), use my TSA liquids rule guide.
American Airlines Carry-On Pet Policy
On American flights, you can bring 1 kennel as your carry-on bag if:
- You pay the carry-on pet fee
- Your pet stays in the kennel and under the seat in front of you the entire flight
You can travel with your pet carrier and one personal item, but you won’t be permitted to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a pet carrier and personal item. Instead, the kennel will replace your carry-on bag.
Service animals have some separate guidelines. Here is a link to AA’s service animal rules.
TSA Approved Pet Carriers
If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to American Airlines’ pet policy.
I have traveled with 2 dogs over the last 10 years, one was a 20 lb. Shih Tzu-Bichon (in the picture above) and another is a 12lb. Chihuahua mix. We used the Sherpa pet carrier when bringing them on a flight with us and it worked great!
Features mesh panels so your pet can breathe easily, a non-slip shoulder strap, locking zippers, and a rear storage pocket for treats and other goodies.
Approved for use on most major airlines and the small and medium sizes are included in Sherpa's exclusive Guaranteed on Board program.
Prohibited or Restricted Items
There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous materials. Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bag on all flights. These rules are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
A list of prohibited or restricted goods and materials can be found in the following resources:
Summary: American Airlines Carry-On Policy
In conclusion, make sure you review American Airlines’ carry-on rules before packing for a trip and heading to the airport. They have size restrictions for carry-on bags, so it’s important to check the dimensions and weight of your luggage before arriving at the airport. Or you might end up paying unwanted fees.
Here is a link to American’s Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
There is no charge to carry a bag when you buy an American Airlines Basic Economy fare. The carry-on rules are the same for all classes of service. However, with a Basic Economy ticket, you will be one of the last to board, so overhead space will be limited.
Yes. As long as your backpack is less than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), it will qualify as a personal item and can be brought on board without a fee.
No. Pepper spray is not allowed as a carry-on
United Airlines Carry-On Policy: Rules & Tips To Avoid Fees!
can bottles of ibuprofen (100 tablets) and Acetaminophen (40 caplets) allowed in my carry on or my personal item?
Yes. Those pills are not considered liquids so you can bring them in your carry-on
Is an electric wheelchair permitted on board? Specifically, is the battery permitted on board – 24V 250 W?
Is this considered a “carry on” item?
I am still a bit confused regarding the carry-on requirements. The medications and liquid size limitations are understood but in addition to those, can I include other items in the same carry-on bag? And if so, what is allowed along with my medications? Thank you.
Can I carry a framed canvass painting 22×24 on an An American Airlines flight?
Can a small tube of toothpaste be in with my clothes (not in the quart sized bag)? Does it matter how many small 1 oz. containers are in the quart sized bag?
Can I bring my CPAP as a personal item?
Yes. Anything medial related is best to bring as a carry-on. If you check it in you risk the chance of your bags being misplaced and not having it at your destination.
Here is a link to the TSA site regarding CPAP
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/nebulizers-cpaps-bipaps-and-apaps
Here is a link to AA regarding CPAP
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/mobility-and-medical-devices.jsp
I have to bring my diabetes kit with me. Can I keep that in my carry on or my personal bag. It contains a monitor, lancets and measuring tabs.
Hi Roseann – you can bring it on the plane with you in either your carry on bag or personal item. The general rule is to always bring your medications on board with you since there is a chance a checked bag can be lost or delayed.
I have a sholder bag which matches my carry on bag. It is 18.5 x 8×10 will that be allowed as a personel item?
Hi Margaret – If it will fit under the seat in front of you, it should be fine. Based on the size you stated I think it should not be an issue.
Does American require meds to be in their original bottle, or can meds be put in pill packs?
Pill packs should work just fine. Unless it is a powder or liquid.
I read your article. Didn’t see anything about a fold over garment bag for a suit. Is this item allowed as a carry on? Thanks.
Hi Jo – Yes. A garment bag is allowed as your carry on. But you cannot have a garment bag AND a carry on bag, you can only have a garment bag and one personal item. Anything else will have to be checked.
Does a garment bag have to be 22″ x 14″ x 9″ can it be 23″L x 8″W x 22.5″H?
Hi Dean – that is larger than what is stated as the maximum size. However, the nice thing about garment bags is they are collapsible so as long as you can fit it in the overhead bin you should be fine. Just be aware that if it does not fit, you may have to check it.
Apparently American count people when they are loading and have a carry-on cut off after so many people. I was in line and told to check my bag or find another flight. I have three connecting flights so I had to and they took both mine and my husband‘s carry-in’s and when we got on the plane I realize they checked it to our destination, which is in more than 24 hours, next destination were in the bag. Our meds are in the bas as well a a Epi pen. They wouldn’t pull it back for us. The worst part is that there were open slots in the overhead and I asked the flight attendant and she basically ignored me. Not a good practice. Had I known in advance I would have prepared
I need to bring medication with me in my flight. What do I put it in so that I can have it with me ?
Hi Sheila – You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened when going through the TSA checkpoint. Just about any pill case will work. You can search amazon for TSA approved pill cases and find a lot of options.
Has anyone had a problem with this case? Samsonite Freeform Hardside, Carry-On. As it is slightly larger than they alow at 23”H x 15”L x 10”W. All reviews on Amazon say no problems. But should I risk it?
Hi David – If you are flying American, Delta, or United, you are probably fine, worst case you will have to gate-check it. If you are flying a discount airline, all bets are off…
Can someone help put my carry on up in bin? I’m short and old.
You have conflicting information for the size of a personal carry-on.
At the top of the article it states 18x14x8 and the image of the American Airlines sizing device at the airport shows the same.
Then at the end of the article under “can I bring a backpack as a personal carry-on” you say as long as it does not exceed 8x14x8.
So which size is the maximum amount for AA airlines?
Thanks Scott – 18x14x8 is correct. I was missing a digit in the backpack question. It has been updated. Good catch!
It would also be helpful to add whether or not there is a weight restriction to the carry-on bag. Some airlines do make it known how much is excessive for a carry-on, but American Airlines does not mention a weight restriction for carry-on bags. I was hoping you would know.
Hi Lydia – The major domestic airlines (American, United, and Delta) are strict about the weight of your checked baggage but I have never seen a situation where they have weighed a carry-on bag. As long as the weight is not blatantly excessive, you won’t have anything to worry about regarding your carry-on baggage weight. Just make sure it will fit in the overhead bin and you should be all set!
My first time flying. I have a few mediations I need with me. Will AA allow me to bring in carry on bag ? A what should I put the pills in ?