When planning a trip outside the country with American Airlines, it is better to know in advance how much extra baggage will cost so as not to be caught off guard at the last minute by those extra dollars American Airlines international baggage fees are very variable based on which destination you are traveling to, class of ticket, and number of bags.
Today, this article will break down the American Airlines international baggage fees and provide essential information on international baggage fees. Additionally, we will share some useful tips for avoiding extra charges and optimizing your packing strategy.
Overview of American Airlines International Baggage Fees
Check all the International Baggage Fees Structure of American Airlines
American Airlines follows a standard fee pattern for international baggage. The fee varies with the route, type of fare purchased, and number of checked bags. Here is a detailed look at the American Airlines international baggage fees:
First Checked Bag:
- On most international routes, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business and First-Class passengers are not charged for the first checked bag.
- Some routes-again mostly in North America, the Caribbean, and Central America-have charges for the second checked bag, from $30 to $75.
Second Checked Bag
- The charge for a second checked bag might be between $40 and $100 depending on the destination and the ticket.
- In most cases, especially when traveling out of North America to Europe or Asia, the second checked bag will cost an arm and a leg-with a fee that approximates $100.
More than Two Checked Bags
- For bags three and above, the fee goes from $150 to $200 a bag, depending on destinations and the rate of your ticket.
- American Airlines will limit the number of extra bags that you can check in if the aircraft is small or because of other international regulations.
Fee charges for Overweight and Oversized Baggage:
- Bags weighing between 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) will be charged a fee from $100 to $200.
- Weighing between 70 and 100 lbs (32 to 45 kg), the fees can reach up to $450 for bags.
- If a bag exceeds 62 linear inches or 158 cm, it is considered oversized, and an extra fee is charged, generally $150 to $300 per bag.
American Airlines Special Items Extra Baggage Fee on Various Items
- Sports equipment, for example, golf clubs, skis, and bicycles; musical instruments, and other special items, for example, collectible items may have specific fees, which range between $30 and $150.
Tips for Avoiding American Airlines International Baggage Fees
To help you minimize cost American Airlines international baggage fees s, here are some tips for avoiding baggage fees:
- Know Your Baggage Allowance: Know your baggage allowance right from your ticket, before it starts to incur fees. The best place to find more accurate and up-to-date information is on the American Airlines website.
- Pack Light and Smart: Pack only what is needed and avoid unnecessary checked baggage. Consider rolling clothes instead of folding them as a space-saving packing technique
- Join the AAdvantage Loyalty Program: Members of the AAdvantage program who have achieved elite status may get to fly free with complimentary checked baggage. The more one flies, the better their baggage fee waiver becomes free.
- Use Credit Cards with Airline Perks: An example of such credit cards is the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard whereby you get the free checked bags if you pay for your American Airlines tickets
- Prepay for Baggage Online: At times, when you are making payments online prior to your arrival at the airport, the bag might be paid for and may not take the usual charges, making your travel that much cheaper and smooth
American Airlines Baggage Fees for Specific Destinations
For some international destinations, American Airlines baggage fees may vary:
- Flights to Europe: For most passengers on American Airlines, the first checked bag is free; the second checked bag costs around $100. More bags can cost $200 per bag.
- Flights to Asia: The fee policy on Asian destinations is the same as on European destinations, where the first bag is free and the second one $100.
- Flights to South America: The first checked baggage may be free, whereas for the second baggage, there is a fee ranging from $40 to $65.
- Flights to the Caribbean and Mexico: The first checked baggage costs around $30 to $50, while the second baggage costs about $65.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the American Airlines international baggage fees is crucial for planning a cost-effective trip. Proper knowledge about specific charges on my route and using the tips, such as packing light, joining loyalty programs, and using eligible credit cards, may really help avoid unnecessary expenses. Always cross-check the most recent updates on the American Airlines website or get references from customer service regarding the latest baggage charges.
FAQs
- Are American Airlines international baggage fees refundable?
In general, baggage fees are non-refundable; however, if such a flight gets cancelled or drastically altered by the airlines, they can be refunded. For each case, the fare rules are different - How can I find out the exact baggage charges for my flight?
The details can be checked on American Airlines website, including the baggage fee calculator, and you can also contact its customer service to get the exact price on baggage charges - What happens if my baggage exceeds the weight limit?
If your luggage exceeds the weight limit, then there would be overweight baggage fees charge that depend on the weight as well as destination and vary between $100 to $450 - Can I use miles to cover my baggage fees?
American Airlines generally prohibits the use of miles for the fee on baggage, but there are sometimes promotions that allow it. - What items are considered oversized for international flights?
Any item that measures more than 62 linear inches (158 cm) is considered oversized and may require extra fees
