What American Airlines charges for bags and how to avoid extra fees
American Airlines charges $35 for your first checked bag and $50 for your second on most domestic flights. Carry-on bags are free. These fees explore whether you book basic economy or a higher cabin — the difference is that premium cabin passengers often get checked bags included in their ticket price, while basic economy passengers always pay.
You can avoid the first bag fee by holding an American Airlines credit card, flying as an elite frequent flyer member, or booking certain ticket types like first or business class. If you're flying basic economy specifically, you'll pay the fee unless one of those exceptions applies to you. Oversized or overweight bags (over 50 pounds or larger than 62 inches total dimension) cost an additional $100 per bag.
The airline lets you add bags when you book your ticket, at check-in, or through the American Airlines website or app up to 24 hours before departure. Adding bags online or through the app before your flight is the fastest way to confirm the fee and avoid surprises at the airport.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines charges $35 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second on domestic flights, though some ticket types and frequent flyer statuses waive these fees.
- Carry-on bags and personal items are free, but they must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
- You can pay baggage fees online, through the app, or at the airport, but paying before you travel avoids lines and last-minute surprises.
- Bags that exceed 50 pounds or 62 inches in total dimension cost an additional $100 each, on top of the standard checked bag fee.
- If American Airlines loses or damages your bag, you can file a claim within 30 days of your flight, though compensation is capped at $3,800 per passenger for domestic flights.
How American Airlines handles flight cancellations and delays
When American Airlines cancels your flight, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost, even if that flight is on a different airline. If no flights are available that day, American will book you on the first available flight the next day. You are not may have access to to a cash refund for a cancelled domestic flight — only a rebooking or a credit toward a future ticket.
For delays of three hours or more on domestic flights, you are not owed compensation under U.S. law, though the airline may offer a travel credit or voucher at its discretion. International flights have different rules: if you arrive more than three hours late, you may be owed compensation of $250 to $1,350 depending on flight distance, though American can reduce this if the delay was caused by circumstances beyond the airline's control (weather, air traffic control, mechanical issues discovered during maintenance).
American Airlines will provide meals and refreshments if you're delayed more than a few hours, and hotel accommodations if you're stranded overnight. You must ask a gate agent or call customer service to request these — the airline does not automatically provide them. Keep receipts for any meals or transportation you buy out of pocket; you can submit them for reimbursement, though approval is not may provide.
When you can get a refund instead of a flight credit
American Airlines issues refunds (not credits) only in specific situations. If the airline cancels your flight and you choose not to be rebooked, you get a refund. If the airline significantly changes your flight time — usually more than one hour for domestic flights — you can refuse the new time and request a refund. If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can cancel for any reason and receive your money back.
Most tickets sold by American Airlines are non-refundable, meaning you get a credit toward a future flight, not cash back. Basic economy tickets are almost always non-refundable. Premium economy, main cabin, and first/business class tickets may be refundable depending on the fare type you selected at purchase — check your confirmation email or the airline's website to see which type you bought.
Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7 to 10 business days for most cases, though it can take longer if you paid by check or if your bank is slow to post the credit. If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, the refund goes to that company first, and they forward it to you — this adds extra time.
How to file a claim for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage
If your bag doesn't arrive with you, report it to American Airlines baggage services before you leave the airport. They will file a report and give you a reference number. If the bag is delayed, the airline will deliver it to you free of charge once it arrives, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If the bag is damaged, take photos of the damage and the bag's exterior before you leave the airport, and show them to a baggage agent.
For lost bags, you must file a claim within 30 days of your flight. For damaged bags, file within 14 days. You can file online through the American Airlines website, by phone, or in person at the airport. The airline will ask for your booking reference, flight number, description of the bag and its contents, and proof of value (receipts, credit card statements, or photos of the items inside).
Compensation for lost bags is capped at $3,800 per passenger on domestic flights and varies by international agreement on international flights. Compensation for damaged bags is typically the cost of repair or replacement, up to the same cap. The airline may deny a claim if it determines the damage was caused by normal wear and tear or if the bag was not properly packed. The process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Seat selection, upgrades, and what's included in each ticket type
American Airlines offers several ticket types, each with different perks. Basic economy is the lowest price but includes only a personal item and one carry-on bag; you cannot select your seat in advance, and you board last. Main cabin tickets include a checked bag, standard seat selection, and earlier boarding. Premium economy adds extra legroom and priority boarding. First and business class include all bags, seat selection, meals, and lounge access.
You can pay extra to upgrade your seat at booking or after you've purchased your ticket. Preferred seats (extra legroom, exit rows, or seats closer to the front) cost $15 to $50 per flight depending on demand and route. You can also bid for an upgrade to a higher cabin class through the American Airlines app or website, usually starting at $25 to $100 depending on the flight and how full it is.
Elite frequent flyer members receive complimentary upgrades based on their status level, though upgrades are not may provide and depend on how many premium seats are available. The airline processes upgrades in order of status level, so a platinum member upgrades before a gold member on the same flight.
How to contact American Airlines customer service
American Airlines customer service is available by phone at 1-800-433-7300 for reservations and general questions, and 1-800-535-4800 for baggage claims. Wait times vary; calling early in the morning or late in the evening usually means shorter holds. You can also reach the airline through its website chat feature, on social media (Twitter @AmericanAir), or by visiting an airport ticket counter.
For billing questions, lost items, or special requests, you can also submit a form through the American Airlines website and expect a response within 24 to 48 hours. If you're at the airport and need when ready help, go to the ticket counter or gate agent — they can often resolve issues faster than a phone call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a pet on American Airlines?
Yes. Cats and dogs travel in the cabin for $125 per flight if they weigh 20 pounds or less, or in cargo for larger animals. You need a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel and a carrier that fits under the seat. Emotional support animals are not charged a fee but require documentation from a licensed mental health professional.
What's the difference between a flight credit and a refund?
A refund is cash back to your original payment method. A flight credit is a voucher you can use to book a future American Airlines flight. Non-refundable tickets give you a credit if you cancel; refundable tickets give you cash back. Credits are usually valid for one year from the original booking date.
Do I have to pay for seat selection in advance?
Basic economy passengers cannot select seats in advance and are assigned one at check-in. Main cabin and higher passengers can select seats free at booking. Anyone can pay extra for preferred seats (exit rows, extra legroom) at any time before boarding.
What happens if I miss my flight?
If you miss a flight, you can rebook on the next available American Airlines flight to the same destination for a $75 change fee (or free if you have elite status). You cannot rebook on a different airline. If you miss your flight due to a missed connection on a previous American flight, the airline will rebook you free of charge.
How do I know if my ticket is refundable?
Check your confirmation email or log into your American Airlines account and view your booking. It will show the ticket type (basic economy, main cabin, premium economy, first, or business) and whether it is refundable. You can also call 1-800-433-7300 and give your confirmation number to an agent.