One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers while planning a trip is "Can I carry two bags with American Airlines?" To figure that problem out, one has to be well aware of American Airlines standard of luggage allowance. Here, in this article, besides simplifying the carry-on policy, we also explain what a carry-on is and provide you with the insight into the American Airline baggage rules, along with the information on the checked baggage.
American Airlines Carry-On Bag Policy
According to the policies of American Airlines, a passenger may carry one carry-on bag and one personal item without any extra charge. Thus, in a sense, you are allowed to carry two bags on board, but only if one of them is a personal item.
This is the explanation:
- A carry-on bag is usually a small suitcase or a bag that can be placed in the overhead compartment. The maximum size cannot be larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, with the wheels and handles being a part of the dimensions.
- A personal item may be a purse, a laptop case, or a backpack, which should fit under the seat in front of you. The standard size for this is 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
Therefore, although you can take two bags on a plane with you, only one is a real "carry-on". The other one has to be a personal item which meets the size requirements imposed by the airline.
What Counts as a Personal Item?
First of all, it is necessary to identify a personal item. American Airlines accepts the following items for personal luggage:
- Laptop bags
- Small backpacks
- Shoulder bags or handbags
- Briefcases
- Diaper bags
Items such as larger backpacks, the second suitcase, or a duffel bag might be considered an extra carry-on or, if not, you’ll have to check them in.
American Airlines Baggage Allowance Overview
The airline baggage allowance of American Airline varies according to the ticket class, destination, and the passenger’s status of loyalty. All the people traveling on the same terms are permitted to carry with them:
- 1 carry-on bag
- 1 personal item
further than that, there are charges for checked bags and weight limitations. For instance, the costs of the first checked bag on a domestic flight may be $35, and of the second, $45, but these prices might differ.
American Airlines Checked Baggage
In a case where your baggage consists of more than two bags i.e. a carry-on and a personal item, you are required to check in the additional one(s). Some points in the policy of American Airlines checked baggage are:
- Maximum weight of each bag: 50 lbs (23 kg) for the standard economy
- Greatest size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
A bag that is both too large and too heavy would have to pay extra charges. However, members with Elite status or those who are on premium cabins may enjoy the privilege of free checked bags.
Final Thoughts
Short story long: Yes, you may carry two pieces of hand luggage on a flight with American Airlines, one being a normal carry-on and the other a personal item of smaller size. It is recommended that you ensure your two bags are within the limitations of the size so as not to be surprised by having to check your bag at the gate or additional charges.
It is helpful to know the entire baggage allowance of American Airlines, such as what is allowed for carry-on and checked baggage when looking to pack smart and travel with less or no stress. It is always a good idea to check the very latest policies on the official American Airlines website short before departure.