American Airlines Sizer Limits Overview
Major CarrierPersonal Item
Must fit under the seat in front of you. Must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
Carry-On Bag
Must fit in the overhead bin. Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 linear inches are also allowed.
Checked Bag
Standard checked luggage max size is 62 linear inches. Max weight is 50 lbs. Complimentary bags for elite members and credit cardholders.
Under-seat Personal Item
Fits under-seat free
Overhead Cabin Carry-On
Fits overhead bin free
Checked Hold Bag
Complies with standard checked limits
Detailed Luggage Guidelines
Here is the full breakdown of size sizer dimensions, weight caps, and carry-on/checked bag policies.
| Luggage Type | Maximum Size (Inches) | Maximum Size (Metric) | Weight Cap | Standard Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | 18 x 14 x 8 in | 45 x 35 x 20 cm | No strict limit | FREE (Fits under seat) |
| Carry-On Bag | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | No limit (must lift) | Free for all passengers (including Basic Economy) |
| 1st Checked Bag | Max 62 linear inches | Max 157 linear cm | Max 50 lbs | $35 USD |
American Airlines enforces strict measurements on personal items (18x14x8"). Backpacks exceeding this can be forced to be checked at the gate if the flight is full, incurring a $65 gate check fee.
Best bag selection: Choose a compact underseat bag like the Osprey Daylite or Travelpro Maxlite Underseat Spinner to ensure compliance.
Baggage Penalty & Excess Fees
Exceeding either sizer dimensions or weight caps will result in extra charges at check-in or boarding gates.
| Fee Category | Domestic US Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag Fee | $35 | $35 for 1st bag, $45 for 2nd bag (US domestic). International fees vary by route. |
| 2nd Checked Bag Fee | $45 | Standard rate for economy passengers. |
| Overweight Charge | $100 | Applies if the bag exceeds standard weight caps (e.g. 50 lbs / 23 kg). |
| Oversized Charge | $150 | Applies if the bag linear dimensions exceed 62 inches. |
For more details or to pre-book excess luggage allowances online, visit the official American Airlines Baggage Page.