American AirlinesAA

American Airlines is a full-service U.S. network carrier headquartered in Fort Worth. It is a founding member of oneworld, so a ticket may combine American with partners such as British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, or Qantas. Check the operating carrier on every segment because baggage and check-in rules can differ on a codeshare.

Direct answer: every American fare, including Basic Economy, includes one personal item and one carry-on bag. The personal item can be up to 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm); the overhead bag can be up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles.

For eligible tickets issued on or after May 18, 2026, a domestic Basic Economy first checked bag costs $55 at the airport or $50 when prepaid online; the second costs $65 at the airport or $60 online. For standard Main Cabin tickets issued on or after April 9, 2026, the corresponding airport prices are $50 and $60, with a $5 online discount. These fees apply per person and each direction.

A standard checked bag is up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) and 50 lb (23 kg). Domestic premium cabins generally include two checked bags, with a 70 lb (32 kg) allowance in Business and First. International allowances depend on the destination, fare, ticket date, and operating airline—Basic Economy is not uniformly bag-free or bag-included across every region.

Use American's official checked-bag page with your route and ticket date before paying. Overweight, oversize, seasonal embargo, elite-status, cardmember, and sports-equipment rules have enough exceptions that a single universal fee table would be misleading.

Flagship First (International/Transcontinental):

• Lie-flat suites with direct aisle access
• Flagship Lounge access at DFW, JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD
• Multi-course dining, Flagship First Dining pre-departure at JFK/MIA/LAX
• Casper bedding, amenity kits

Flagship Business (International/Transcontinental):

• Lie-flat seats, most with direct aisle access
• Flagship Lounge access
• Multi-course meals, premium wines
• Noise-canceling headphones, amenity kits

Premium Economy:

• 38" pitch, 18.5" width
• Larger seatback screens
• Enhanced meal service with wine
• Priority boarding, amenity kit

Main Cabin Extra:

• 34-38" pitch (extra legroom)
• Priority boarding
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages

Main Cabin:

• 30-32" pitch
• Complimentary snacks and soft drinks
• Personal device entertainment via AA app (download before flight)
• Free texting via satellite WiFi on most flights

Basic Economy:

• Same seat as Main Cabin
• One personal item and one carry-on bag included
• Seat selection normally costs extra; otherwise a seat is assigned later
• Restrictive change, cancellation, mileage-earning, and boarding terms depend on purchase date and eligibility