How To Add A Checked Bag On American Airlines
Planning to fly American Airlines for an upcoming trip and need to check a bag? Adding a checked bag to your reservation is easy to do either when booking your flight or later through American’s website or app.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step how to add a checked bag for an American Airlines flight, cover the baggage fees and weight limits, and provide tips for a smooth airport check-in experience.
When to Add Checked Bags to Your American Airlines Reservation
Adding a checked bag to your American Airlines reservation is a simple process that can be done at different stages of your travel. Whether you are booking your flight, modifying your booking later, or checking in at the airport, American Airlines offers flexibility to accommodate your needs.
During Initial Flight Booking
One of the best times to add a checked bag to your American Airlines reservation is during the initial flight booking process. When you are making your reservation online or through a travel agent, you will have the option to select the number of bags you want to check.
It is important to carefully consider your baggage needs at this stage to avoid any last-minute hassles or additional fees.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure about your baggage needs during the initial booking, it is always better to add a checked bag in advance. It is usually more cost-effective to add a checked bag during the booking process rather than at the airport.
Later By Modifying Your Booking
If you realize later that you need to add a checked bag to your American Airlines reservation, don’t worry. American Airlines allows you to modify your booking and add a checked bag even after your initial reservation.
You can do this online through the American Airlines website or by contacting their customer service.
Pro Tip: It is recommended to modify your booking and add a checked bag at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid any last-minute complications. Modifying your booking in advance will also give you ample time to review the updated baggage policies and any associated fees.
At Airport Check-in
If you forget to add a checked bag during the initial booking or modifying your booking, don’t worry. You can still add a checked bag at the airport during the check-in process. However, it is important to note that adding a checked bag at the airport may be more expensive compared to adding it in advance.
Pro Tip: To save time and avoid long queues at the airport, it is recommended to arrive early and check-in online before your flight. This will give you the opportunity to add a checked bag in advance and ensure a smooth travel experience.
For more information on adding checked bags to your American Airlines reservation, you can visit the official American Airlines website at https://www.aa.com.
Checked Baggage Fees on American Airlines
When traveling with American Airlines, it is important to be aware of the checked baggage fees. These fees can vary depending on several factors, such as your destination, fare class, and loyalty status. By understanding these fees, you can plan ahead and avoid any surprises at the airport.
First Checked Bag Fee
American Airlines typically charges a fee for the first checked bag. The fee may vary depending on whether you are flying domestically or internationally. For domestic flights, the fee is usually around $30, while for international flights, it can range from $60 to $150, depending on your destination.
Second Checked Bag Fee
If you need to check a second bag, American Airlines also charges an additional fee. Similar to the first checked bag fee, the cost can differ for domestic and international flights. For domestic flights, the fee is generally around $40, while for international flights, it can range from $100 to $200.
Overweight/Oversized Bags
American Airlines has specific weight and size restrictions for checked bags. If your bag exceeds the weight or size limit, you will be subject to additional fees. The overweight fee typically starts at $100 for bags weighing between 51-70 pounds and can increase for heavier bags.
Additionally, oversized bags may incur a fee starting at $200.
Special Exceptions
American Airlines offers some exceptions to their checked baggage fees. For example, if you are a member of their loyalty program or have a certain credit card, you may be eligible for waived or reduced fees.
Additionally, certain passengers, such as active military personnel or individuals traveling with medical equipment, may be exempt from certain fees.
For more detailed information and the most up-to-date checked baggage fees, it is recommended to visit the official American Airlines website. Remember to plan ahead and factor in these fees when budgeting for your trip to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
American Airlines Checked Bag Size and Weight Limits
When traveling with American Airlines, it’s important to be aware of the checked bag size and weight limits to avoid any additional fees or complications. American Airlines has specific guidelines in place to ensure safety and efficiency for all passengers.
Weight Limit
American Airlines has a weight limit for checked bags to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew members. For domestic flights within the United States, the weight limit for a checked bag is typically 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms).
However, it is always recommended to check the specific weight limit for your flight as it may vary depending on the destination and fare class.
Exceeding the weight limit can result in additional fees, so it’s important to pack wisely and consider any potential overweight charges. If your bag exceeds the weight limit, you may be required to remove items or redistribute the weight to another bag.
Size Limit
American Airlines also has a size limit for checked bags to ensure they fit securely in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The maximum dimensions for a checked bag are typically 62 linear inches (158 centimeters), which includes the length, width, and height of the bag combined.
It’s important to measure your bag before traveling to ensure it meets these requirements.
If your bag exceeds the size limit, it may be considered oversized and subject to additional fees. Oversized bags can also cause delays during the boarding process as they may require special handling or storage arrangements.
International Flights
For international flights, including those to and from the United States, the checked bag size and weight limits may vary. It’s important to check the specific guidelines for your destination as they can differ depending on the airline’s policies and the countries involved in your itinerary.
American Airlines provides detailed information on their website regarding the checked bag size and weight limits for international flights. It’s recommended to review this information prior to your trip to ensure compliance with their policies and avoid any surprises at the airport.
Remember, these guidelines are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with American Airlines or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information.
How to Add Checked Bags Online
Through Desktop Website
Adding checked bags to your American Airlines reservation is a simple and convenient process when done online. If you prefer using a desktop computer or laptop, follow these easy steps:
- Visit the American Airlines website at www.aa.com.
- Log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one quickly and easily.
- Click on the “Manage Reservations” tab on the homepage.
- Enter your booking reference or ticket number and your last name.
- Once you have accessed your reservation, you will see an option to add checked bags.
- Select the number of bags you want to add and proceed to the payment page.
- Complete the payment process, and you’re all set!
Remember, the availability of adding checked bags online may vary depending on your booking class and fare type. If you encounter any issues or have specific questions, it’s always a good idea to contact American Airlines directly for assistance.
Via American Airlines Mobile App
If you prefer the convenience of managing your travel plans on your smartphone, you can easily add checked bags using the American Airlines mobile app. Here’s how:
- Download the American Airlines app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one within the app.
- Tap on the “Manage Trips” section.
- Select the reservation for which you want to add checked bags.
- Scroll down to find the option to add checked bags and click on it.
- Choose the number of bags you want to add and proceed to the payment page.
- Complete the payment process, and you’re done!
The American Airlines mobile app not only allows you to add checked bags but also provides a range of other useful features such as flight status updates, mobile boarding passes, and seat selection. It’s a handy tool for managing your travel experience on the go.
Tips for Checking Bags at American Airlines Airport Check-in
Arrive Early
When it comes to checking bags at American Airlines airport check-in, one of the most important tips is to arrive early. This will give you enough time to navigate through security and make it to the check-in counter without feeling rushed.
Arriving early also helps to ensure that your bags get checked in on time and make it onto your flight.
Print Your Boarding Pass
Printing your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport can save you time and make the bag check-in process go more smoothly. With a printed boarding pass in hand, you can head straight to the bag drop-off counter without having to wait in line to check-in.
American Airlines also offers the option to use mobile boarding passes, so you can simply show your electronic boarding pass on your smartphone.
Look for Self-Service Kiosks
If you want to skip the lines altogether, look for self-service kiosks at the American Airlines airport check-in area. These kiosks allow you to check-in for your flight, print your boarding pass, and even tag your checked bags all on your own.
It’s a quick and convenient option for travelers who prefer to handle these tasks themselves.
Know Your Baggage Allowance
Before heading to the airport, make sure you are familiar with American Airlines’ baggage allowance policies. Each passenger is allowed a certain number of checked bags, with weight and size restrictions.
Knowing these policies ahead of time will help you avoid any surprises or additional fees at the check-in counter. You can find detailed information about American Airlines’ baggage allowance on their official website: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/baggage-policy.jsp.
By following these tips, you can make the process of checking bags at American Airlines airport check-in a breeze. Remember to arrive early, print your boarding pass, consider using self-service kiosks, and be knowledgeable about the airline’s baggage policies.
With a little preparation, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free travel experience!
Conclusion
Adding checked bags to your American Airlines reservation is simple when done online ahead of time. Understanding the baggage fees, size restrictions, and weight limits will ensure a smooth airport check-in experience.
Allow enough time before your flight to get your bags tagged and loaded onto the aircraft. With the right preparation, checking bags on American will be hassle-free.
