What You Need to Know About American Airlines Carry-On Bag Policy

Do you have a flight booked with American Airlines? Whether you’re a frequent flier or an American Airlines ingénue, it’s important to familiarize yourself with American Airlines carry-on size rules and guidelines — especially if you want to avoid paying the checked bag fee. 

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about American Airline carry-on policy, including the exact carry-on dimensions, as well as American Airlines personal item and pet carrier dimensions.

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American Airlines Carry-On Policy

The American Airlines carry-on policy allows passengers one carry-on and one personal item for free.

American Airlines Carry-On Size Rules

American Airlines carry-on dimensions cannot exceed 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm). Those dimensions include the handle and the wheels.
 
The carry-on must fit in the sizer at the airport and fit in the overhead bin. If it fails either of those “tests”, your carry-on will need to be checked. 

A soft-sided garment bag also counts as a carry-on. It cannot exceed 51 linear inches / 130 linear cm. (To calculate linear inches or centimeters you add the length + width + height.)

Traveling with a musical instrument? That counts as a carry-on, too. And it must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

American Airlines Personal Item Size

Along with your carry-on bag, American Airlines allows one personal item. A personal item includes a purse or handbag, a backpack or laptop bag.

While some airlines don’t provide dimensions for personal items, American Airlines does! Your personal item should not exceed 18 in x 14 in x 8 in (45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm).
 
American Airlines does not provide a weight limit for personal items. The only requirement, besides not exceeding the dimensions, is it must fit underneath the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t fit, you’ll have to check it.

The following items don’t count as a personal item:

• Diaper bags (one per child)
• Breast pumps
• Child safety seats and strollers
• Medical or mobility devices

American Airlines Carry-On Rules for Pets

Pet carriers are allowed as a carry-on item on American Airlines flights, but they’re subject to their own rules and fees.

American Airlines recommends passengers with a carry-on pet use a soft-sided kennel or carrier. It should be no larger than 18 in x 11 in x 11 in (46 cm x 28 cm  x 28 cm).

The airline notes that the soft-sided kennel must be:

• Secure
• Padded
• Made of water-repellant material
• Have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides 

(American Airlines allows hard-sided kennels, but they can’t exceed the under-seat dimensions. Passengers would need to call the airline to verify the dimensions.)

It goes without saying that the pet carrier must go under the seat in front of you and NOT the overhead bin ever.

If you’re flying with a pet you can also bring one additional item: either a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin or a personal item.

What About Carry-Ons for International American Airlines Flights?

It doesn’t matter if you’re flying to California, Thailand or Europe. American Airlines carry-on size is the same for domestic and international flights. Partner airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, British Airways or Qantas, may have different requirements. When in doubt, check with the airline before your flight.

How Strict is American Airlines with Carry-On Luggage?

Luggage isn’t cheap. So is it that big of a deal if your suitcase is one or two inches over American Airlines carry-on size rules?

Some people bring bigger carry-ons without any issue. However, if your bag looks too big, a gate agent will make you check it. Those chances increase if your flight is full or overbooked and space in the overhead bins is limited.

Whether your luggage meets American Airlines carry-on size requirements or not, make sure your bag has a luggage tag.

What’s been your experience with American Airlines and carry-ons? Let me know in the comments!