Buy Extra Baggage
Updated Jul 4, 2026
Steps
- Go to aa.com or open the American Airlines app and start check-in.
- Enter your trip details / booking reference to retrieve your reservation.
- During check-in, indicate the number of checked bags you wish to bring (up to 3 bags per person online).
- The system will display the bag fees based on your route and fare class, applying any AAdvantage status or credit card benefits automatically.
- Complete payment online.
- Receive an email confirmation with instructions on where to drop bags at the airport.
- For more than 3 bags per person, pay for the additional bags at the airport.
Prices
Extra checked bags
American Airlines uses piece concept. Fees are per person, each way, and vary by region and fare class. Save $5 per bag when paying online on eligible routes.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. domestic / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean (except Cuba/Haiti) / Central America (except Panama) / Guyana – 1st bag | $50 ($45 online) |
|
| U.S. domestic / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean (except Cuba/Haiti) / Central America (except Panama) / Guyana – 2nd bag | $60 ($55 online) |
|
| U.S. domestic / Canada – 3rd bag | $200 |
|
| U.S. domestic / Canada – 4th+ bag | $200 per bag |
|
| Trans-Atlantic (except India/Qatar) – 1st bag | $0 (Main Cabin) / $85 (Basic Economy) |
|
| Trans-Atlantic (except India/Qatar) – 2nd bag | $100 |
|
| Trans-Pacific (China / Japan / South Korea / Hong Kong) – 1st bag | $0 |
|
| Trans-Pacific – 2nd bag | $100 |
|
| Australia / New Zealand – 1st bag | $0 |
|
| Australia / New Zealand – 2nd bag | $100 |
|
| Panama – 1st bag | $0 (Main Cabin) / $55 (Basic Economy) |
|
| Panama – 2nd bag | $100 | |
| South America (excluding Guyana) – 1st bag | $0 (Main Cabin) / $70 (Basic Economy) |
|
| South America – 2nd bag | $100 (except Venezuela: $150) | |
| Haiti – 1st bag | $0 (Main Cabin) / $50 ($45 online) (Basic Economy) | |
| Haiti – 2nd bag | $65 | |
| Cuba – 1st bag | $0 (Main Cabin) / $50 ($45 online) (Basic Economy) |
|
| Cuba – 2nd bag | $150 ($200 seasonally Nov 16 – Jan 15) |
|
Overweight bags
Overweight surcharges apply in addition to the checked bag fee. When a bag exceeds both weight and size limits, only the higher fee applies.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Over 50 lbs / 23 kgs to 53 lbs / 24 kgs | $30 |
|
| Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs – U.S. / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean / Central / South America (except Cuba, Venezuela) | $100 |
|
| Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs – Cuba | $200 |
|
| Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs – Venezuela | $150 |
|
| Over 53 lbs / 24 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs – Europe / Israel / Qatar / Asia / Australia / New Zealand | $100 |
|
| Over 70 lbs / 32 kgs to 100 lbs / 45 kgs – U.S. / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean / Central / South America | $200 | |
| Over 70 lbs / 32 kgs to 100 lbs / 45 kgs – India / China / Japan / South Korea / Hong Kong | $450 |
|
Oversized bags
Oversized surcharges apply in addition to the checked bag fee. Bags over 115 in / 292 cm total dimensions are not accepted. When a bag exceeds both weight and size limits, only the higher fee applies.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Over 62 in / 158 cm to 65 in / 165 cm – All regions | $30 | |
| Over 65 in / 165 cm to 115 in / 292 cm – U.S. / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean / Central America (except Panama) | $200 | |
| Over 65 in / 165 cm to 115 in / 292 cm – South America / Panama | $150 | |
| Over 65 in / 165 cm to 115 in / 292 cm – Europe / Israel / Qatar | $150 |
|
| Over 65 in / 165 cm to 115 in / 292 cm – India / China / Japan / South Korea / Hong Kong / Australia / New Zealand | $200 |
|
Airport vs online pricing
Pay online at check-in (up to 2 hours before departure) to save $5 on 1st and 2nd checked bag fees for eligible routes. Only available on aa.com or the app.
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online (check-in on aa.com or app) | See official pricing |
|
| At the airport | See official pricing |
|
Sports and special equipment
Standard checked bag fees apply for most sports equipment. Some items incur a $150 special equipment fee (antlers, scuba gear with tanks, windsurf).
| Label | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sports equipment (golf, skis, snowboard, bicycle, etc.) | Standard bag fees apply |
|
| Antlers / scuba with tanks / windsurf | $150 |
|
FAQ
Can I buy extra baggage online after booking?
Yes. You can pay for up to 3 checked bags per person on aa.com or in the American Airlines app during check-in, up to 2 hours before departure.
Where do I buy extra baggage?
You can pay for bags on aa.com, the American Airlines app, or at the airport. Phone payments are not accepted.
When should I buy extra baggage online?
Pay online during check-in up to 2 hours before departure for the best price. On eligible routes, you save $5 on the 1st and 2nd checked bag compared to airport rates.
How does American Airlines calculate extra baggage charges?
AA uses piece concept (per bag) pricing. Fees vary by region, fare class (Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First), and whether you pay online or at the airport. AAdvantage status members and credit cardholders may receive free checked bags.
How many bags can I check and what are the size/weight limits?
Up to 10 bags on domestic, Trans-Atlantic, and Trans-Pacific flights (up to 5 for Mexico/Caribbean/Central/South America). Standard size: 62 in / 158 cm total dimensions. Standard weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs (70 lbs / 32 kgs for First/Business on free bags). To/from Australia/NZ: 70 lbs / 32 kgs for all fare classes.
Is it cheaper to buy extra baggage online?
Yes. On eligible routes (U.S. domestic, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America except Panama, Guyana), you save $5 on the 1st and 2nd checked bag when you pay online at check-in on aa.com or the app, compared to airport rates.
What are the overweight and oversized baggage fees?
Overweight: $30 for 50-53 lbs, $100 for 53-70 lbs (most regions, higher for Cuba $200, Venezuela $150), $200-450 for 70-100 lbs depending on region. Oversized: $30 for 62-65 in, $150-200 for 65-115 in depending on region. When a bag exceeds both limits, only the higher surcharge applies. Bags over 115 in or 100 lbs are not accepted.
Do partner-operated or codeshare flights have different baggage rules?
Yes. Free checked bags from AAdvantage status or credit cards may not apply to codeshare flights operated by partners. Visit the operating carrier's website for details on partner flights.
Can I pay for extra baggage with credit cards, loyalty points, or miles?
Pay online with a credit/debit card on aa.com or in the app. AAdvantage status and credit card benefits are automatically applied when your AAdvantage number is in the reservation.
Can I get a refund if I cancel or change my booking?
Checked bag fees paid at the airport are non-refundable. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, you can file a refund claim online within 45 days. If you pay for bags and later receive an upgrade that includes free bags, the bag fees already paid will not be refunded.
Are there any important exceptions?
AAdvantage Gold members and eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders get the 1st checked bag free on domestic itineraries. AAdvantage Platinum, oneworld Sapphire, and Premium Economy customers get the first 2 bags free. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and oneworld Emerald members get the first 3 bags free. Active U.S. military get 1st-5th bags free when traveling on orders.