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Before you board your next flight, make sure you are aware of your airline’s carry-on policies. Each airline has a separate set of rules, so don’t just assume that what works for one will work for all airlines.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about American Airlines’ carry-on policy including carry-on size and weight limits, liquid policy, personal items, and other rules and restrictions you should know before boarding your flight.
American Airlines Carry-On Policy
American Airlines allows one personal item and one carry-on bag at no charge. The personal item must be small enough to be stored under the seat in front of you.
Carry-On Bag Size & Weight Restrictions
American Airlines requires your carry-on bag to be no more than 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 cm x 36cm x 23cm). Your personal item cannot exceed 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 cm x 35cm x 20cm) Both measurements include the handles and wheel of your carry on.
Soft-sided garment bags that measure up to 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height) can also be taken as your carry-on item.
Musical instruments are also considered a carry-on item and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
As a general rule, American Airlines does not impose weight restrictions on carry-on bags or personal items.
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.
Recommended Carry-On Bag When Flying AA
When flying American, I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner. I have used this carry-on for years. It’s durable, reasonably priced, and holds everything I need for 3-4 day trips.
American Airlines Personal Item Size
Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, blanket, shopping bag, or a similar-sized item. Dimensions for a personal item should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Diaper bags (1 per child), soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, breast pumps, child safety seats, strollers, and medical or mobility devices don’t count as your personal item or carry-on.
American Airlines Carry-On Liquids
The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline. American Airlines doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the TSA.
It’s also important to note that the rules for bringing a “liquid” in your carry-on bag are different from the rules that govern what you can bring in your checked luggage. Liquids in a carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a 1 quart-sized container. Anything larger must be placed in your checked luggage.
- All liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or smaller.
- All liquids must be in a resealable quart-sized clear plastic bag that is removed from your carry-on during the TSA screening process.
- Special exceptions are in place for items such as medication, formula, breast milk, etc.
- Food and Drinks purchased once you have cleared TSA checkpoints are not included in these restrictions.
TSA allows certain duty-free liquids through security in your carry-on bag if they’re packaged in a security tamper-evident bag. If you’re traveling with liquids or are unsure about any item, please contact the TSA.
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.
Carry-On Pet Fees
Here is a chart showing the pet fees American Airlines charges each way. Double them for a round-trip flight.
To/From Destination | Pet Fee Each Way |
Within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and the Caribbean (based on specific country’s entry policies) | $ 125.00 |
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 8 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
Related Articles:
- How to get a refund from American Airlines
- American Airlines Delay and Cancellation Compensation
- Guide to American Airlines Hub Airports
- How to fly standby on American Airlines
Tim is a business road warrior and avid leisure traveler who has flown over two million miles in the air and spent well over a thousand nights in hotels. He enjoys sharing tips, tricks, and hacks to help readers get the most out of their travel experience and learn how to “travel like a pro”!