Do You Really Get A Free Checked Bag With American Airlines In 2024?
As an avid traveler, I know extra baggage fees can put a dent in your vacation budget. The good news is American Airlines does offer free checked bags – if you know where to look. This guide will walk you through exactly how to skip checked bag fees on your next AA flight.
Who Gets Free Checked Bags on American Airlines?
According to AA‘s 2023 checked baggage policy guide, the following passengers can check a suitcase for free:
- AAdvantage members with Gold status or higher
- Customers with these credit cards:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World EliteTM Mastercard®
- AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard®
- First class ticket holders
- Business class ticket holders
- Main Cabin passengers traveling to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean
As you can see in this snapshot, AA provides complimentary baggage based primarily on your frequent flyer privileges or cabin:
| Cabin | Number of Free Checked Bags |
|---|---|
| First Class | Up to 3 bags |
| Business Class | 2 bags |
| Main Cabin | 1 bag for select routes |
(Data source: AA checked baggage policies 2023)
Now let‘s breakdown how this works across American Airlines‘ loyalty program tiers and popular credit cards.
Unlocking Free Bags Through AAdvantage Status
AAdvantage is American‘s frequent flyer program. Higher membership levels in AAdvantage come with better baggage perks:
- Gold (25,000 miles/yr) – Your 1st checked bag flies free
- Platinum (50,000 miles/yr) – Your 1st and 2nd checked bags go free
- Platinum Pro (75,000 miles/yr) – Your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bags all free
- Executive Platinum (100,000 miles/yr) – You guessed it…all bags are complimentary
As you move up the tiers by earning more miles annually, AA waives baggage fees on additional checked suitcases. This analysis from The Points Guy found Executive Platinum members saved $660 per year on bag fees.
Sidestepping Fees with American Airlines Credit Cards
Another avenue for free checked bags is holding one of American‘s co-branded airline credit cards.
For example, the Citi Executive AAdvantage card offers cardmembers one free checked bag for up to 8 passengers flying together on the same reservation. There‘s also the AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard that reimburses you for 1 checked bag fee per domestic itinerary.
Cardholders earn back the $30 or $40 they pre-paid for the first checked suitcase – helping offset the $99 annual fee. Plus these airline cards include other travel benefits like priority boarding and inflight discounts.
What Are The Carry-On and Checked Bag Size Limits?
Now that you know how to score free checked bags, let’s quickly review American‘s key luggage dimensions guidelines:
- Carry-on bags: 22” x 14” x 9” or smaller
- Personal items: Like purses, laptop bags – no size limits
- Checked bags: Up to 50 lbs for first bag, 70 lbs for subsequent bags
As long as your suitcases meet these size and weight restrictions, you’re good to go. Pro tip: packing cubes help organize clothes and prevent overstuffing bags.
Pre-Pay Baggage Fees Online for $5 Discount
Even without elite status or the right credit card, you can save $5 per suitcase by pre-paying checked bag fees online at aa.com. Log into your reservation and click “Add Bags” to choose and pay for checked luggage prior to your departure.
The Bottom Line
While basic economy passengers pay around $30 per checked bag domestically, AA loyalists and credit cardholders often receive one or more free checked suitcases. Make sure to register bags before showing up curbside though – no more surprises at the airport!
Let me know if you have any other questions about avoiding baggage fees on American Airlines in 2024. Safe travels!
