What is the American Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee?

Flying with American Airlines and having extra or overweight baggage? Knowing the airline’s policies on baggage will save you from unexpected costs and help you have a seamless experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will look at American Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee, its extra baggage policy, and extra baggage fees for giving you an all-round view of what awaits you while flying with extra luggage.

American Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee

If your bag is over the weight limit, you need to pay extra. The following charges are to be levied for American Airlines Overweight Baggage fee as of 2024 on most of the flights to and from the U.S. and those that are international:

Note: If your luggage exceeds the weight limit of 100 pounds, then it needs to be sent as cargo. There is another fee structure, too.

American Airlines Baggage Allowances

Before discussing the costs, lets first have an idea of American Airlines’ baggage allowance.

For Most of the US Domestic flights and International Flights:

• Carry-On Baggage: All passengers, upon purchase of most tickets, are entitled to one carry-on bag and one personal item-laptop bag or purse. The maximum recommended dimensions for carry-on luggage are usually 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
• Checked Baggage: Number and weight of baggage depends on class of fare as well as destination. Most passengers can check one or two bags, with a weight limit of 50 pounds/23 kg per bag, maximum dimension 62 inches L + W + H.

These allowances can greatly increase costs if exceeded and include different fare classes such as Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Business, and First Class, and different destinations, like domestic, transatlantic, etc.

Call +1 (888) 682-6156 for any further assistance.

What is Overweight or Excess Luggage?

The secret to avoiding these unnecessary extra fees lies in knowing what overweight baggage and extra baggage constitute.

• Overweight Baggage: In this category fall checked bags whose weight has exceeded the regulation weight of 50 pounds (23 kg). Every bag from 51–70 pounds will be charged an additional amount, whereas over 70 pounds is charged at an increased rate.
• Extra Baggage: Any pieces over what your ticket type allows will incur extra baggage fees.

American Airlines Extra Baggage Policy

American Airlines allows one to check extra luggage for which one needs to pay accordingly. However, how many extra bags you can check depends on your class of travel and destination.

For most domestic flights:

Fees for international flights are normally different, especially for destinations such as Europe, South America, and Asia.

Exclusions: On some long-haul international routes, such as transatlantic flights, the first checked bag is free of charge, but additional baggage fees are charged in excess of the entitlement number of bags. Check the American Airlines Baggage Policy here.

American Airlines Extra Baggage Fees

For traveling with more than your baggage allowance, then the following extra baggage charges apply:

First additional bag (above allowance): $30–$60 depending upon your route.

Second additional bag: $40–$100

Third or more additional bags: $150–$200 each.

With a lot of extra luggage, these fees add up quickly. Be sure to check the fare class and destination to see exactly how many bags you can travel with for free, if any.

International Flight Special Rules

International flights have differing baggage rules from domestic flights when overweight and extra baggage come into play.

Transatlantic Flights: The first checked bag is often free, with overweight charges generally applying to those weighing over 50 pounds.

Flights to South America or Asia: The charges are higher, up to $200 per extra bag after the first, if extra baggage needs to be carried. Check the AA official Website for any updates on rules and charges.

Check policies with American Airlines, depending on your destination, as these do vary significantly.

Tips to Avoid Overweight Baggage Charges

Following are some practical tips for avoiding American Airlines overweight baggage fee:

• Distribute Weight Evenly: Instead of putting all your stuff in one bag, distribute it across many other bags so that the weight does not exceed the limit in any one of them.
• Wear Heavy Items: If your luggage is overweight a little, wear heavier clothes and shoes on you while flying.
• Take a Portable Scale: Take with you a portable scale to weigh your luggage beforehand so you won’t have to face any hassle at the airport, saving money.
• Ship Items Separately: If you are traveling with a lot of luggage or equipment, it is sometimes a good idea to send them separately. It will sometimes be less expensive than paying overweight or extra baggage charges.

Additional Considerations for Special Items

There are quite a number of things that may sometimes be subject to special rules and charges. These include things like sporting equipment and musical instruments, or even oversized bags. Examples include:

• Sports Equipment: An example of these items includes golf clubs, skis, and bikes, which may incur an additional handling fee even if they are within your allowance for checked baggage.
• Musical Instruments: If you’re traveling with large instruments, such as cellos, they may need to be checked as overweight or oversized baggage.
• Also Read: American Airlines Manage Booking

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the charge for American Airlines’ overweight baggage fee?

Overweight baggage fees range from $100 for bags weighing 51–70 pounds and $200 for bags weighing 71–100 pounds.

• How many pieces of free checked pieces are allowed in American Airlines?

The number of free checked bags depends on your class of fare and destination. For most domestic flights, the first checked bag is going to cost an extra fee unless you fly in First Class or Business Class.

• Can I prepay for extra baggage on American Airlines?

Yes, American Airlines allows its passengers to prepay for checked baggage online, and normally the rate is lower compared to what you pay at the airport.