Understanding the size and weight limits for carry-on bags is key to a stress-free boarding experience. American Airlines allows bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches in the overhead bin and personal items like a purse or small backpack under the seat in front of you. With these guidelines in mind you can pack smart and avoid last-minute surprises at the gate.
Overview of American Airline Free Carry On Policy
American Airlines lets you bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item at no additional cost. Carry-on bags must fit overhead and meet a maximum size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. Personal items—such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack—must fit under the seat and measure no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
You don't need to consider weight since American Airlines doesn't publish a maximum carry-on weight, though you should lift the bag easily into the overhead bin. Basic economy ticket holders, main cabin travelers, and elite status members all qualify for this free carry-on policy. Strollers, medical assistive devices, and diaper bags for infants count as exceptions and don't replace your free allowance.
You keep both a free carry-on and a personal item allowance even when traveling with children or infants. For travelers bringing pets in cabin, a pet carrier counts as either the carry-on or the personal item. Meeting these requirements prevents unexpected fees and ensures smoother boarding.
Allowances and Restrictions
American Airlines gives you a free carry-on bag and one personal item on all fare types, including basic economy. Your carry-on bag needs to fit in the overhead bin, measuring up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. Your personal item, like a purse, small backpack, or laptop bag, fits under the seat and can't be bigger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
American Airlines doesn't set a strict weight limit for carry-on bags, but you should be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without help. If overhead space runs out, gate agents may check your carry-on for free.
Medical devices, child safety seats, strollers, and diaper bags stay exempt from this free allowance, meaning they don't count against your one carry-on and one personal item. Pet carriers count either as your carry-on or your personal item. For each restriction, specific dimension rules apply, and compliance keeps your boarding process smooth.
|
Baggage Type |
Size Limit (inches) |
Weight Limit |
Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Carry-on Bag |
22 x 14 x 9 |
Liftable by you |
Free |
|
Personal Item |
18 x 14 x 8 |
Under-seat fit |
Free |
Carry-On Bag Size and Dimensions
American Airlines sets exact carry-on size limits for every passenger. Your free carry-on bag can measure up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), with handles and wheels included in that total. Gate agents check that the bag fits within these carry-on size dimensions using a sizer tool at the departure gate. Any bag not fitting the sizer requires checking, and a standard checked bag fee applies.
Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches (130 cm) in total linear dimensions qualify as an alternative to standard carry-ons. Musical instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat also count as a carry-on. Pet carriers may substitute your carry-on allowance if you travel with a small dog or cat, with a carrier fee charged.
American Airlines defines a personal item as a smaller bag, like a purse or backpack, that fits completely under the seat in front of you, and this personal item can be up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). For both international and domestic flights, American Airlines applies the same carry-on and personal item dimensions to every booking.
American Airlines Carry-On Limits Table
|
Bag Type |
Maximum Size (inches) |
Maximum Size (cm) |
Checked Fee if Oversized |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Carry-On Bag |
22 x 14 x 9 |
56 x 36 x 23 |
$30–$200 (based on itinerary) |
|
Soft Garment Bag |
51 (linear) |
130 (linear) |
$30–$200 (based on itinerary) |
|
Personal Item |
18 x 14 x 8 |
45 x 35 x 20 |
N/A |
|
Pet Carrier |
18 x 14 x 8 |
45 x 35 x 20 |
$125 |
Any carry-on or substitute carry-on bag that doesn't meet the listed size must be checked, and airline staff enforce these carry-on bag limits at the gate. Each carry-on bag and personal item needs to fit in designated areas to avoid charges and boarding delays.
Personal Item Guidelines
Personal items meet American Airlines' specific size limit of 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. Place your personal item under the seat in front of you, as required for all passengers. Choose bags like a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, or camera bag to fit within these constraints.
Label your personal item as you would a checked bag for quick identification if staff ask you to gate-check it. Store items such as passports, electronics, or medication in your personal item for easy access in flight.
Bring one personal item on board for free, which applies on every fare class. Select only essentials, since American Airlines limits you to a single personal item in the cabin, in addition to your carry-on bag. Fit your item under the seat to guarantee it stays with you throughout the flight.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
American Airlines restricts and prohibits certain items in your free carry-on to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
- Liquids and Gels
Liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, grouped in a single quart-sized, clear, resealable bag. Any container exceeding this limit is not permitted. Exceptions exist only for medications and baby formulas, provided you declare them for inspection.
- Sharp Objects
Scissors, box cutters, and knives, except for those with blades less than 4 inches used for personal grooming, are prohibited from carry-on bags.
- Firearms and Ammunition
Firearms, ammunition, and realistic replicas are strictly banned from carry-on luggage. Only checked bags, when following declared procedures, allow these items.
- Flammable Items
Flammable liquids, paints, and fuels, like lighter fluid, gasoline, or fireworks, cannot travel in any carry-on bag.
- Self-Defense Items
Pepper spray, mace, stun guns, and tasers fall under restricted items and are not allowed in your carry-on bag regardless of the quantity or purpose.
- Tools
Wrenches, pliers, and tools longer than 7 inches are prohibited in carry-on bags.
- Sports Equipment
Baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and ski poles are not permitted in the cabin, even if they fit within carry-on size limitations.
- Batteries
Spare lithium batteries must be individually protected and packed in carry-on bags, not checked luggage, with a limit of two batteries rated over 100 Wh.
You comply with American Airlines policy when you avoid packing items from this list in your free carry-on. Security screenings may still lead to removal of items deemed unsafe by TSA or airport staff.
Special Considerations
Certain items receive special consideration under the American Airlines free carry-on policy. Medical devices like CPAP machines and respiratory devices don’t count against your free carry-on allowance when they meet size limits and comply with FAA regulations. Mobility aids like canes and collapsible wheelchairs travel free in addition to your usual baggage.
Families traveling with infants or young children keep carry-on and personal item allowances. Items like diaper bags, approved child safety seats, and small strollers travel at no extra charge, not impacting your free baggage count. Small strollers fit in the cabin if they meet carry-on size rules of 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Larger strollers can be checked at the gate free of charge.
Pet carriers qualify as either your carry-on or personal item. If your pet is traveling in the cabin, the carrier must fit under the seat and align with personal item dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Only one pet carrier per passenger applies, and American Airlines collects a pet fee.
Large musical instruments, as carry-ons, require advance approval and must fit in overhead bins or under the seat. Instruments that don’t meet standard carry-on size must be transported either as checked baggage (incurring a fee) or by purchasing a seat.
International flights follow the same size allowance for carry-on and personal items. When overhead bins fill up, gate staff may require you to check a compliant carry-on at no charge. Always keep medications, travel documents, and electronics in your personal item for easy access.
Certain sports equipment, like baseball bats or ski equipment, never qualify for carry-on and must be checked, possibly with additional fees based on size or weight. Check the American Airlines requirements for the latest details on specific sports gear allowances.
Special handling applies to fragile, high-value, or medical items. Notify a gate agent if you’re carrying something unusual or sensitive to make proper arrangements. Use clear labels with your contact info on all bags in case they’re gate checked or misplaced.
Traveling With Children or Infants
American Airlines allows you to bring essential items for infants and children at no extra charge, in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item. You can board with one diaper bag per child, a soft-sided cooler bag for breast milk, an approved child safety seat, and a stroller. These items don't count toward your standard carry-on allowance.
You receive priority boarding if you're traveling with children under 2 years old, letting you settle in early. Lap infants under 2 may share a seat with an adult traveler, while children aged 2 or older require their own ticketed seat with a standard carry-on entitlement.
Here's a summary of allowances and restrictions when flying with children or infants:
|
Allowance |
Policy Detail |
Example Items |
|---|---|---|
|
Diaper Bag |
1 extra per child |
Diaper backpack, tote with baby wipes |
|
Cooler Bag |
1 soft-sided for breast milk |
Insulated cooler for pumped milk |
|
Child Safety Seat |
Allowed on board |
FAA-approved car seat |
|
Stroller |
Allowed; can be checked at gate |
Compact folding stroller |
|
Priority Boarding |
Available for families with children under age 2 |
Early access at the gate |
You can check one stroller and one car seat per child for free at the ticket counter or gate. If a stroller weighs more than 20 pounds (9 kg), it can be checked only at the ticket counter. To ensure seats together, book your reservation with all children included.
To pack infant formula, baby food, or breast milk in your carry-on, you may exceed the 3.4-ounce liquid limit, following TSA regulations. These exceptions streamline your boarding process and keep all necessary baby supplies accessible during the flight.
Medical Devices and Assistive Needs
Traveling with essential medical devices, mobility aids, and assistive technology comes with specific free carry-on allowances on American Airlines. Devices and aids—such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and portable oxygen concentrators—don't count against your free carry-on bag or personal item limits.
Passengers bringing medical equipment like CPAP machines, nebulizers, or blood sugar monitors may include these in addition to standard baggage without charge. For example, you can carry a CPAP machine or a portable oxygen concentrator directly onto the plane and stow it under your seat or in the overhead bin, provided the device meets size restrictions.
Mobility aids—folding wheelchairs or walking canes, for instance—receive free transport, regardless of how many bags you already have. When checking a wheelchair or other assistive device, you incur no additional fee. If you're bringing lithium batteries for medical devices, keep each battery protected by covering or insulating terminals.
Service animals, such as guide dogs, fly in the cabin at no extra cost when you declare your need and ensure documentation. These animals travel with you and aren't part of your baggage allowance.
Medically necessary liquids, including prescription medications or saline, aren't subject to the standard TSA 3.4-ounce liquid restriction. Declare these items at security screening checkpoints for exemption.
American Airlines accepts medical devices and assistive equipment as separate from your standard carry-on and personal item allocations, improving accessibility and compliance with TSA and federal disability regulations.
Musical Instruments and Valet Bags
Musical instruments that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat count as your free carry-on with American Airlines. Guitars, violins, flutes, and other small instruments fall into this category if they meet the 22 x 14 x 9-inch size requirement. Larger instruments that do not fit these dimensions must be checked. Instruments checked in the hold are subject to the standard checked baggage fee structure unless oversized policies apply.
Valet bags come into play if there's no remaining space in the overhead bins. Gate agents tag your carry-on as a valet bag, and you retrieve it at your arrival gate, avoiding checked bag fees. Valet bag service commonly applies to regional flights with smaller aircraft where overhead storage is limited. Your personal item remains in your possession and must fit under the seat.
American Airlines doesn't enforce a strict weight limit on musical instruments as carry-ons, as long as you safely lift them yourself. Oversized musical instruments and other specialty items, like sporting equipment, incur extra fees if they exceed checked bag standards for size or weight, which, as of 2024, are 50 pounds and 115 linear inches. Each musical instrument counts as either your personal item or carry-on, so bringing both requires meeting all carry-on policy conditions.
Tips to Maximize Your Free Carry On
Select compliant bags
Choose bags that meet size limits: 22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry-ons and 18 x 14 x 8 inches for personal items. Soft-sided expandable luggage or underseat backpacks fit best.
Prioritize essentials in your personal item
Pack valuables, travel documents, medications, and electronics in your personal item. Place items for security checks and in-flight needs at the top for quick access.
Pack efficiently
Use packing cubes, compression bags, and roll clothes to maximize space. Limit shoes to one or two pairs and fill gaps with socks or small accessories.
Leverage carry-on exceptions
Bring extra diaper bags or medical devices when eligible. Medical devices and child items like strollers, car seats, and diaper bags don't count against the carry-on limit.
Label luggage clearly
Attach name and contact details to all bags, including personal items. This aids identification if a gate check is required when overhead space fills up.
Check overhead bin availability early
Board promptly to secure overhead space for your carry-on. If space runs out, gate agents may check your bag for free, so keep valuables in your personal item.
Utilize underseat space
Store your personal bag under the seat in front of you. Fit slim laptop bags or briefcases for optimal use of limited space.
Review liquid restrictions
Follow TSA rules for liquids in carry-ons: containers of 3.4 ounces or less in a quart-sized bag. Declare larger volumes of baby formula, breast milk, or necessary medications at security.
Combine categories when possible
Choose multi-purpose bags, such as a camera bag that also fits a laptop or purse with a tech sleeve. This allows carrying more within the free allowance.
Stay informed about updates
Monitor policy changes on the American Airlines website before travel. Dimension or allowance adjustments can happen seasonally or by aircraft type.
Packing Strategies and Weight Considerations
Efficient packing lets you maximize your American Airlines free carry-on allowance while staying within the required size and weight limits.
Use Packing Cubes and Compression Bags
Packing cubes and compression bags organize your belongings, reduce clutter, and increase the efficiency of your carry-on. For example, three packing cubes sort clothing by type, making essential items easy to access and preventing overpacking.
Select Multi-Use Items
Multi-use items cut the number of things you need to bring. Scarves serve as a blanket or accessory, while convertible jackets double as pillows or rain gear.
Follow the Carry-On Weight Guidance
American Airlines expects you to lift your own bag into overhead bins, even though no official maximum weight applies to US flights. Bags weighing more than 40 pounds (18 kg) may trigger extra scrutiny or difficulty during boarding.
Pack Personal Items for Underseat Storage
Select bags that fit within 18 x 14 x 8 inches for your personal item, such as laptop bags or small backpacks. Position heavier essentials like electronics near the bottom and lighter items like snacks or travel wallets on top for balance and access.
Label All Carry-Ons
Label carry-ons as if they’re checked bags, as gate agents may request volunteers to check full-size carry-ons for free when overhead space is limited.
Optimize for Security and Accessibility
Group liquids, toiletries, and electronics in easily accessible compartments to speed up the security process and reduce time unpacking at checkpoints.
Monitor Bag Dimensions at Home
Verify bag measurements before arrival. Bags even 1 inch over the limit often require paid checking, with current oversize fees averaging $30 per bag on domestic routes.
|
Packing Tactic |
Benefit |
Simplified Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Saves space, organizes clothes |
3 cubes for shirts, socks, and underwear |
|
|
Reduces bulk for bulkier items |
1 bag for jackets and sweaters |
|
|
Minimizes total items needed |
1 scarf for accessory and blanket |
|
|
Bag measurement check |
Prevents oversize fees at the gate |
Tape measure at home |
|
Quick access at security and during flight |
Medications, ID, snacks placed on top |
Weight and space optimization links directly to American Airlines' carry-on policies, reinforcing the value of adhering to official guidelines for a smoother boarding experience.
Avoiding Common Carry On Issues
Selecting compliant luggage prevents most carry-on issues on American Airlines. Check that your bag doesn't exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles, using a tape measure at home. Pick a personal item like a compact backpack or purse that fits within 18 x 14 x 8 inches and stores easily under the seat in front of you.
Packing efficiently ensures easy handling and quick boarding. Use packing cubes and compression bags to save space and keep essentials at the top for security checks.
Verifying weight by lifting your bag reduces the risk of last-minute gate checks. While no official weight limit exists, you should easily lift your bag into the overhead bin.
Placing a name tag inside and outside each carry-on improves recovery if your bag's gate-checked due to limited bin space.
Reviewing the list of restricted and prohibited carry-on items averts delays. Remove liquids over 3.4 ounces and sharp items before arriving at the airport.
Arriving early at the gate increases access to overhead bin space. If flight attendants request, place your personal item under the seat, then use the overhead bin for your larger carry-on.
Watching for policy updates on the American Airlines website or posted at the gate helps maintain compliance on every trip.
How to Avoid Additional Baggage Fees
Maximize American Airlines’ free carry-on policy by packing both a carry-on and personal item that fit the exact size limits. Select a personal item no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches, like a laptop bag or purse, and a carry-on under 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Use soft-sided luggage or backpacks to increase capacity without exceeding size restrictions.
Pack all essentials and valuables in your free allowance so only non-essential or oversized items require checking. Prioritize toiletries, electronics, medicines, travel documents, and a change of clothes inside the carry-on or personal item.
Leverage exceptions for medical devices, strollers, car seats, and diaper bags if traveling with children or requiring medical support—these items don’t count toward your standard bag limit.
Check overhead bin availability early when boarding to ensure space for your full-size carry-on. If bins are full, gate agents may check your carry-on for free, eliminating fees for that bag.
Avoid overweight and oversize charges by confirming dimensions and lifting your bag at home. If a bag exceeds 40 pounds or the size guidelines, split contents with your personal item or pare down non-essentials.
Label all bags clearly in case your carry-on is gate-checked, so reclaiming it upon arrival is simple and there’s no risk of mix-up or delay.
Stay informed about American Airlines’ ongoing policy updates. Visit the American Airlines website shortly before travel for any last-minute fee or rule changes that could affect what you pack.
Conclusion
Making the most of American Airlines’ free carry-on policy can save you time and money on your next trip. With a little planning and attention to detail, you’ll breeze through the airport and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Stay proactive by double-checking your bag sizes and keeping essentials within easy reach. When you know the rules and pack smart, you’ll travel with confidence every time.
