American Airlines Carry-On Size Guide: All You Need to Know

Why You Need to Know the Rules?
American Airlines Carry-On Guidelines
American Airlines Carry-On Bag Dimensions Explained
American Airlines Personal Item Size
American Airlines Carry-On Requirements for Infants and Disabilities
American Airlines Luggage Policy for Checked Bags
Seasonal and Year-Round Bag Restrictions
American Airlines Carry-On Allowance For Different Cabin Classes
Carry-On Luggage Restrictions: American Airlines Enforces
Choosing the Right Carry-On Bag Size for American Airlines
American Airlines Travel Tips: Tips for Packing Light
Packing Tips for Carry-on Luggage on American Airlines
How to Avoid Carry-on Bag Issues With American Airlines
Over to You
FAQs

All of us know that air travel can be stressful. And when you don’t know what to expect, it gets worse. That is why understanding American Airlines carry-on guidelines is necessary.

Most airlines are strict about bag sizes now. And yes, that includes American Airlines, which has a specific carry-on luggage policy. This guide will discuss American Airlines' carry-on bag sizes to make your travels as easy and smooth as possible.

30 Seconds Summary

American Airlines allows one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches). If your bag is too big, you may have to pay a fee at the gate.
If you travel with a baby, you can bring a diaper bag, stroller, and car seat for free. Passengers with disabilities can bring wheelchairs, canes, or service animals at no extra cost.
Depending on your ticket, you can check 1–2 bags. During busy times, like holidays, there may be extra rules about how many bags you can bring or how heavy they are.
Always use soft bags, pack light, and measure your bags at home to avoid any issues at the airport.

Why You Need to Know the Rules?

Have you ever had to check your carry-on bag at the gate? It can be very annoying, especially if you are charged an unexpected fee.

Knowing the carry-on size limit American Airlines uses, you can avoid that stress. You won’t have to pay extra or deal with delays.

It also helps you pack better. You’ll know exactly how much space you have. That means fewer surprises on travel day.

Learning these rules makes your trip smoother. Let’s break everything down so it’s easy to understand.

American Airlines Carry-On Guidelines

Every passenger on American Airlines is allowed:

One carry-on bag
One personal item

This rule applies to all passengers, no matter the ticket type.

But that’s not the whole story. There are size limits. There are special items allowed. And there are some things you cannot bring.

Let’s take a closer look.

American Airlines Carry-On Bag Dimensions Explained

Your carry-on bag, including the wheels and handles, must be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

These are the carry-on bag measurements American Airlines checks. Special measuring boxes are at the gate. If your bag doesn’t fit inside, you must check it.

Depending on where you are flying, checking a bag at the gate can cost between $30 and $200.

So, how big can your carry-on be on American Airlines? Besides the regular carry-on bag, you may also bring:

A soft garment bag that is no more than 51 inches (130 cm) when you add the length, width, and height.
A small musical instrument. It must fit in the overhead bin or under your seat.
A pet carrier (only for cats or dogs). It must fit under the seat. There is a $125 fee for this.

Pro tip: Always label your carry-on bag like you would with checked luggage. Sometimes, bags get separated or checked at the last minute. A label helps it get back to you.

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American Airlines Personal Item Size

You can bring one personal item on board with your carry-on bag.

Your item must fit under the seat in front of you. If it does not, it may be treated as a second carry-on.

Here are examples of allowed personal items:

A small backpack
A laptop bag
A purse or handbag
A camera bag
A briefcase

The size limit for personal items is: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)

To avoid problems, measure your item at home. Make sure it is soft enough to squeeze under a seat.

Choosing a soft bag is better than a hard one. Soft bags are easier to fit in small spaces.

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American Airlines Carry-On Requirements for Infants and Disabilities

If you are travelling with a baby, you should know that American Airlines allows parents to bring extra items, even if they already have a carry-on bag and a personal item. These extras make travelling with kids much easier:

As a parent, you can bring:

A diaper bag with baby supplies
Breast milk or formula, kept in a cooler bag
A child safety seat (also called a car seat)
A stroller for use in the airport and at your destination

These items do not count against your normal luggage. You can bring them for free, and they help make family travel smoother and safer.

For travellers with disabilities, American Airlines offers extra support. You are allowed to bring the following at no extra cost:

Wheelchairs (manual or electric)
Walking canes or walkers
Medical or assistive devices like portable oxygen

Service animals, such as guide dogs, can also fly in the cabin with their owners without any charge. These rules are part of American Airlines' luggage policy and are designed to help all travellers feel comfortable and safe.

American Airlines Luggage Policy for Checked Bags

Along with your carry-on luggage, you may also want to check bags. Most passengers on American Airlines can check up to 2 bags, depending on ticket type. Here’s a quick list:

Flagship® First: 2 bags
Domestic First: 2 bags
Business Class: 2 bags
Premium Economy: 2 bags
Main Cabin: 2 bags

Checked bags must meet American Airlines' luggage size restrictions. Each checked bag should not be larger than 62 inches (157 cm) in total size or heavier than 50 lbs (23 kg), unless you're flying in First or Business class.

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Seasonal and Year-Round Bag Restrictions

American Airlines uses different rules during busy travel seasons. These restrictions help manage space on full flights.

During certain months, passengers may not be allowed to:

Bring overweight bags (more than 70 lbs or 32 kg)
Bring oversized bags (larger than 62 total inches)
Check more than 2 bags
Bring boxes instead of suitcases (except to Cuba with a generator)

Main Travel Dates for Restrictions:

Jan 13 – Nov 15, 2025: Max 3 bags to some Caribbean cities
May 24 – Sep 12, 2025: Max 2 bags to Mexico and Central America
Nov 16 – Jan 15, 2026: Max 2 bags to most Latin American countries

These carry-on luggage size guide policies are based on demand and safety. Always check before you fly.

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American Airlines Carry-On Allowance For Different Cabin Classes

Your cabin class changes your comfort level, but it usually doesn’t affect your American Airlines carry-on allowance.

All passengers, regardless of their class, must follow the same American Airlines carry-on luggage dimensions and American Airlines bag sizes.

However, higher ticket classes, like First or Business, have more room for storing hand luggage for American Airlines flights, which may help when bins fill up fast.

Carry-On Luggage Restrictions: American Airlines Enforces

Some things are never allowed in your carry-on luggage. These items are unsafe or not allowed by airport security:

Liquids over 3.4 oz (100 ml)
Aerosols (like spray cans), unless travel-sized
Firearms or bullets
Sharp tools or weapons
Corrosive or flammable items
Self-defence sprays (pepper spray, mace)
Paints and chemical thinners
Toner or printer cartridges
Fireworks or flare guns
Camping fuel or lighter fluid
Signal flares

Always check the TSA website for updates before you fly. This helps avoid problems at the airport.

Choosing the Right Carry-On Bag Size for American Airlines

If unsure which bag to bring, you should always check the American Airlines carry-on luggage dimensions.

Approved options include:

Soft-shell luggage that fits under the seat or in overhead bins
TSA-approved laptop backpacks for quick screening

Before flying, always measure your bag with wheels and handles included. When you do this, it makes sure that your bag meets the correct carry-on bag measurements American Airlines requires.

American Airlines Travel Tips: Tips for Packing Light

If you want to avoid the checked bag fee, here is how to pack a carry-on for American Airlines:

Use packing cubes to keep things organised
Roll your clothes to save space
Wear your bulky items (like jackets or boots) on the plane
Bring items with multiple uses (a scarf that can be a blanket)

These packing tips for American Airlines carry-on bags help you stay within the American Airlines bag size limit.

Packing Tips for Carry-on Luggage on American Airlines

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your space.

Pack liquids in a quart-sized zip-top bag
Place electronics near the top for easy removal at security
Use compression bags for clothes
Leave space for souvenirs or gifts

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How to Avoid Carry-on Bag Issues With American Airlines

Don’t wait until you’re at the gate to test your bag size.

Here’s how to avoid carry-on bag issues with American Airlines:

Use a tape measure at home
Compare with the American Airlines carry-on bag size rules
Choose a small carry-on bag for American Airlines if unsure

Also:

Arrive early to avoid stress
Listen for gate updates about the bin space
Volunteer to check your bag, it’s often free if bins are full

Over to You

Travelling should be fun, not stressful. Hence, it is important to understand American Airlines' carry-on rules for stress-free travel.

Use this carry-on luggage size guide every time you pack. By knowing the rules and choosing the right bag, you’re ready to fly confidently.

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Fly smart. Pack light. Stress less.

FAQs

Q: How big can your carry-on be on American Airlines?
A: Your carry-on on American Airlines can be 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

Q: What’s the fee if my carry-on is too big?
A: The fee can vary between $30 and $200, depending on the route and other checked items.

Q: Does American Airlines check weight?
A: The max carry-on weight is 40 lbs (18 kg).

Q: Can I bring a backpack and a suitcase?
A: You can bring a backpack if it qualifies as a personal item.

Q: What’s allowed for kids and babies?
A: Diaper bags, strollers, and child seats are allowed for kids and babies at no extra cost.

American Airlines Carry-On Size Guide: All You Need to Know