American Airlines allows two bags to be checked on most flights, while First and Business Class Travelers can check one more bag at no extra charge as of October 2010. For flights within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, checked bags must be no larger than 62 linear inches (width, height and depth added together) and weigh no more than 50lbs. The American Airlines website lists checked baggage size restrictions for more destinations (see References).
Passengers who check a bag that weighs more than 50lbs, but no more than 70lbs, will be charged a fee of $50. For each piece of checked baggage weighing more than 70lbs, but no more than 100lbs, a charge of $100 will be issued to the passenger. Checked bags weighing more than 100lbs will not be accepted.
Passengers are permitted to carry on one bag measuring a maximum of 45 linear inches, along with one personal item, such as a briefcase. American Airlines lists all permitted personal items on its website (see References). The maximum dimensions of a carry-on bag must not exceed 22-inches long, 14-inches wide, or 9-inches tall. Carry-on items have no weight restrictions and should be stored in the overhead containers on the flight.
Items that cannot be included in checked or carry-on baggage are determined by the Transportation Safety Administration. These include sharp objects, flammable materials and guns. The TSA website lists all prohibited items (see References).
