American Airlines carry-on size, weight & fees
🇺🇸 United States
Basic Economy includes a carry-on. Personal item must fit under the seat in front of you (18 × 14 × 8 in). Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 in / 130 cm (length + width + height) also accepted. On American Eagle regional flights with limited bin space, larger carry-ons are valet-checked at the gate free of charge (Embraer ERJ-175s excepted — they take carry-ons). Diaper bag (1 per child), breast pump, soft-sided breast-milk cooler, child safety seats, strollers and medical/mobility devices do not count as your items.
- Carry-on size
- 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Wheels and handles included
- Weight limit
- No published weight limit
- Personal item
- 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm)
- Carry-on fee
- Free on all fares
⚠️ What security allows ≠ what your fare allows
TSA and CATSA do not care how big or heavy your bag is — that is American Airlines’s call. Measure your bag before you leave: gate-check fees are always more expensive than prepaying. Not sure an item can fly at all? Check the item rules.
American Airlines baggage FAQs
What is the American Airlines carry-on size limit?
American Airlines allows a cabin bag up to 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
How many bags can I bring on American Airlines?
Two: a full carry-on plus one personal item, both included in your fare.
Does American Airlines charge for a carry-on bag?
No — a full carry-on plus a personal item is included on American Airlines fares.
Does American Airlines have a carry-on weight limit?
No published weight limit
Last verified:
Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →
What to double-check on American Airlines
Security rules are identical on every US flight — but these items behave differently depending on American Airlines's bag size, weight, or item-count policy: