American Airlines Baggage Fees 2026: Bag, Overweight and Basic Economy Prices
American Airlines charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second if you pay online, or $50 and $60 at the airport. A third bag is $200. Basic Economy tickets bought on or after May 18, 2026 pay $5 more per bag.
💳 Pay online or at the airport
American announced the new prices on April 9, 2026. The cheapest way to check a bag is to pay when you check in online.
| Domestic bag | Online | Airport | Basic Economy online | Basic Economy airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st bag | $45 | $50 | $50 | $55 |
| 2nd bag | $55 | $60 | $60 | $65 |
| 3rd bag | $200 | $200 | $200 | $200 |
The Basic Economy prices apply to tickets purchased on or after May 18, 2026. On some South America routes Basic Economy already costs $70 for the first bag.
🧳 What Basic Economy changed on May 18, 2026
- Every customer, including those with status, pays to pick a seat.
- Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for complimentary or systemwide upgrades.
- Members without status board in Group 7. Status members keep Priority or Preferred boarding.
🪜 Who does not pay
American waives the checked bag fee for AAdvantage status members, premium cabin passengers, AAdvantage credit cardmembers (first bag, domestic) and active-duty U.S. military.
- Top status: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and oneworld Emerald members check 3 bags up to 70 lb at no charge.
- Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard: first checked bag free on domestic American itineraries for you and up to four companions on the same reservation.
- First and Business: free bags can weigh up to 70 lb.
⚖️ Overweight and oversize fees
American splits overweight into three bands, so a suitcase a little over 50 lb costs much less than one near 70 lb.
| Bag | Fee (within the U.S., Canada, PR, USVI) |
|---|---|
| 50 to 53 lb | $30 |
| 53 to 70 lb | $100 |
| 70 to 100 lb | $200 |
| Over 100 lb | Not accepted |
| 62 to 65 inches | $30 |
| 65 to 115 inches | From $150 to $200 depending on region |
See American baggage allowances and carry-on rules on the American Airlines baggage allowance page.
❓ Quick answers
How much is the first checked bag on American Airlines?
$45 if you pay online and $50 at the airport on standard domestic fares.
Is it cheaper to pay for a bag online?
Yes, $5 cheaper per bag, in every column of the table.
How many bags can I check?
A third bag is $200. Fourth bags are allowed on some flights for a fee.
Do AAdvantage cardholders check a bag free?
The first checked bag is free on domestic itineraries, and the Citi Platinum Select card extends it to four companions.
What is the weight limit?
50 lb for a standard bag, or 70 lb for top status and First or Business bags. Nothing over 100 lb is accepted.
Before you fly — checklist
Comparing airlines? See Southwest baggage fees and Delta baggage fees.
Fees change and the airline has the final say. Prices shown are for checked bags on U.S. domestic flights unless the table says otherwise; confirm the price for your own ticket with the airline before you fly.