Online check-in with American Airlines is a convenient way to check in for your flight from the comfort of your home or while on the go. Typically, online check-in opens 24 hours before your scheduled flight departure and remains available up until 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights.

→ Steps to Check in Online with American Airlines Here!

Guide on How to Manage Baggage Online with American Airlines
Checked bag policy with American Airlines

Baggage Policies for American Airlines

Before you check in, it’s essential to understand American Airlines' baggage policies, including restrictions and fees, to avoid any surprises.

1. Carry-on Baggage

American Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. Here are the guidelines:

  • Carry-on Bag: Maximum dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
  • Personal Item: Must fit under the seat in front of you, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag.

2. Checked Baggage

Checked baggage allowances vary depending on your fare type, destination, and American Airlines' policies:

  • Domestic Flights: Typically, the first checked bag costs $30; the second bag costs $40.
  • International Flights: Fees vary significantly depending on the destination. For example, flights to Europe generally allow the first checked bag for free, while others may have higher fees.
  • Weight and Size Limits: Standard checked bags must weigh no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) and measure no more than 62 inches (157 cm) in combined length, width, and height. Excess fees apply for overweight and oversized baggage.

Tip: Double-check baggage fees and allowances in your booking confirmation, as some premium fares or loyalty programs include additional baggage perks.

3. How many bags can you take?

Check up to 10 bags on American Airlines operated flights if your trip is:

Domestic

Transatlantic

Transpacific

Check up to 5 bags on American-operated flights if you’re traveling to / through / from:

Mexico / Caribbean / Central America

South America

Brazil

4. Checked bag allowances

As of February 20, 2024, changes have been made to the number of bags allowed and the fees.

Between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the first checked bag costs $40 ($35 if you pay online), and the second checked bag costs $45.

The first checked bag fee is $35 and the second checked bag fee is $45. You can travel to or from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply to each person, each way, at each check-in location, even if you buy or get an upgrade that lets you check more bags for free. If you think you were charged too much for bag fees, you have 45 days to get a refund or talk to an American representative for help.

How to Pay for Checked Baggage Online

Guide on How to Manage Baggage Online with American Airlines
How many bags can you take

To streamline your airport experience, American Airlines allows you to pay for checked baggage during the online check-in process.

Steps to Pay for Baggage Online:

Access Your Check-in Page: After entering your flight information, you’ll be given the option to add and pay for baggage.

Select the Number of Bags: Specify the number of bags you’ll check in, and verify the costs displayed.

Payment: Enter your payment details and confirm the transaction.

Receive Confirmation: After payment, a confirmation will be added to your boarding pass, allowing you to drop off your baggage at designated counters without additional processing.

Scenario: “I am traveling with three checked bags, but I only paid for one online. Can I add more bags?”

Yes, you can pay for additional baggage at the airport, though fees may vary slightly. However, purchasing online often saves time and may be slightly less expensive.

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Common Situations and Solutions for Baggage (Online Check-in)

Checked Bag Overweight/Over Size

If your checked bag exceeds the standard weight or size limitations, American Airlines charges additional fees.

Overweight Fees: Bags over 50 lbs (23 kg) but under 70 lbs (32 kg) incur a fee (usually around $100), while those above 70 lbs have higher charges.

Oversized Fees: Bags larger than 62 inches in combined dimensions can also incur a fee.

Solution: Weigh and measure your bag at home. Consider redistributing items between your carry-on and checked baggage to avoid extra fees.

Traveling with Special Equipment or Pets

Traveling with oversized or special baggage, such as sports equipment, or pets may require additional arrangements.

Special Equipment: Items like golf clubs, surfboards, and bicycles are subject to additional fees.

Pets: American Airlines allows small pets in the cabin on select routes. You’ll need to register your pet in advance and pay an additional fee.

Solution: Contact American Airlines Customer Service ahead of time to verify any additional requirements or fees for special items or pets.

Issues with Mobile Boarding Pass

If your boarding pass isn’t displaying correctly on your phone or has technical issues at security, you can retrieve a printed copy at the airport kiosks.

Solution: Take a screenshot of your boarding pass as a backup. This way, if the app encounters issues, you’ll still have a copy to show at security and boarding.

Last-Minute Seat Changes

Sometimes, American Airlines may need to change seat assignments due to operational requirements, even if you've already selected seats during check-in.

Solution: If you’re traveling with companions and want to sit together, speak with the gate agent politely. They may be able to adjust seat assignments if availability allows.

Tips for a Smooth Check-in and Baggage Process

To further enhance your travel experience with American Airlines, keep these tips in mind:

Check Baggage Restrictions by Destination: Some international destinations have specific rules regarding baggage, so always check the policies on American Airlines' website.

Arrive Early for Baggage Drop-off: Even with online check-in, airports may have queues at baggage drop counters, especially during holiday periods or peak travel hours.

Use Self-Service Kiosks: If you didn’t check baggage online, kiosks at the airport allow you to complete check-in and pay baggage fees quickly.

Download the American Airlines App: The app provides real-time flight updates, gate information, and options to manage bookings, making it an invaluable tool for a smooth journey.

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Summary: Mastering American Airlines Online Check-in and Baggage

Using American Airlines’ online check-in feature helps make your travel day as smooth as possible, giving you more control over your seat selection, baggage management, and boarding process. Here’s a quick recap of the main points:

  • Online Check-in: Available 24 hours before your flight, allowing you to choose seats, pay for baggage, and obtain your boarding pass.
  • Baggage Policies: Know your carry-on and checked baggage allowances to avoid unexpected fees.
  • Paying for Baggage: Pre-pay for checked baggage online to save time at the airport.
  • Handling Common scenarios: Whether you missed online check-in or encounter an issue with your mobile boarding pass, there’s a solution to keep your trip stress-free.

FAQs About Baggage (Online Check-in)

Here are answers to some common questions travelers often have about American Airlines' online check-in and baggage processes:

1. When does online check-in open and close for American Airlines flights?

  • Answer: Online check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights. If you miss this window, you’ll need to check in at the airport.

2. Can I check in online if I’m traveling with checked baggage?

  • Answer: Yes, you can check in online even if you have checked baggage. After checking in, you can pay for your checked baggage online, then drop off your bags at the designated counter or kiosk when you arrive at the airport.

3. How can I add extra baggage after completing online check-in?

  • Answer: If you need to add more baggage after checking in online, you can still pay for additional bags at the airport. However, if you anticipate extra luggage, adding and paying online during check-in may save time and occasionally offers slight cost savings.

4. What should I do if my baggage exceeds the weight or size limits?

  • Answer: Baggage that exceeds American Airlines’ weight or size restrictions is subject to additional fees. Bags over 50 lbs (23 kg) and/or over 62 inches in combined dimensions incur extra charges. To avoid these fees, consider redistributing items across multiple bags or within the weight limits. If you’re bringing multiple heavy items, verify if splitting them into separate bags can lower excess charges.

5. What items are prohibited in carry-on baggage?

  • Answer: For safety, American Airlines prohibits carrying items like liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 ml), sharp objects, and flammable items in carry-on bags. Firearms, certain sporting goods, and lithium batteries have specific restrictions. Check American Airlines' website for a full list of prohibited items to ensure compliance.

6. Is it possible to change my seat after checking in online?

  • Answer: Yes, you can usually change your seat after online check-in by logging into your booking on the American Airlines website or app, as long as there are available seats. Note that changes may not always be possible if the flight is close to departure or fully booked.

7. What if my mobile boarding pass doesn’t work at security?

  • Answer: If your mobile boarding pass doesn’t scan at security or the gate, you can get a printed boarding pass from a kiosk or counter at the airport. Additionally, taking a screenshot of your boarding pass as a backup can be helpful in case of app issues.

8. How do I pay for baggage if I need to check in at the airport?

  • Answer: If you didn’t pay for your baggage online, you can still do so at the airport. American Airlines has self-service kiosks where you can add and pay for checked baggage, or you can go to a staffed check-in counter if you need further assistance.

9. Are there any special requirements for checking in with pets or sports equipment?

  • Answer: Yes, traveling with pets or oversized sports equipment requires special arrangements. Pets in the cabin require an advance reservation and an additional fee. Sports equipment like golf clubs, bicycles, and surfboards often incur additional charges and may need specific packing. Contact American Airlines customer service before your trip for guidance on these items.

10. What should I do if my travel plans change after checking in online?

  • Answer: If your travel plans change after you’ve already checked in, you can usually manage your booking online through the American Airlines website or app. However, if you need to cancel or modify your flight, check the airline's policy regarding cancellations and rebooking, as fees may apply depending on your fare type.

11. Can I check in online for codeshare flights with American Airlines?

  • Answer: Online check-in for codeshare flights (flights operated by partner airlines but marketed by American Airlines) depends on the partner airline’s system. In most cases, you’ll check in on the operating airline’s website. You’ll receive instructions from American Airlines if this applies to your flight.

12. How can I check the baggage policy and fees for my specific flight?

  • Answer: American Airlines provides detailed baggage information on its website, and your specific booking will display any applicable fees during the online check-in process. You can also view baggage details through your booking confirmation or by contacting customer service if you need clarification.

13. Will my boarding pass reflect my checked baggage information?

  • Answer: Yes, if you pay for checked baggage online, your boarding pass or confirmation email will reflect the number of bags checked. This helps streamline the baggage drop process at the airport.

14. What should I do if I encounter technical issues during online check-in?

  • Answer: If you face issues while checking in online, try a different device or browser. Clearing your browser cache may also help. If the problem persists, you can call American Airlines customer service for assistance or proceed to check in at the airport.
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