Key Takeaways
- American Airlines allows one carry on bag plus one personal item for free.
- The standard carry on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.
- The personal item must fit under the seat and should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
- There is no official weight limit for carry ons on most routes, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin.
- Smaller aircraft may enforce stricter limits, so packing light is always smart.
If you’re flying with American Airlines, understanding their carry on rules can help you avoid surprise fees, gate checks, or last minute stress at boarding. This guide explains the exact dimensions allowed, what counts as a personal item, and a few insider tips for traveling smoothly in 2025.
Not sure if your bag qualifies or how gate agents interpret the rules? Visit the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums to see what other travelers report from real flights.
Official Carry On Policy
American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry on bag that fits either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of them. The maximum allowed dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
In addition, travelers can bring one personal item, such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag, which must fit under the seat. The recommended size is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
There’s no published weight limit for carry ons on domestic or most international flights, but your bag should be easy to lift into the overhead bin without assistance.
Why Size and Fit Matter
Even when your bag meets American’s dimensions, gate agents may still require you to check it if the overhead bins fill up. On smaller regional jets, bins can’t fit full size carry ons, so you might have to gate check your bag and pick it up plane side after landing.
Boarding early helps. Travelers in Groups 1–4 usually find bin space easily, while later groups often face full bins even when bags are compliant.
Carry On vs Personal Item
Here’s how to distinguish between the two:
Carry On Bag
- Must fit in the overhead bin
- Maximum size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
- Common examples: roller suitcase, duffel, small travel backpack
Personal Item
- Must fit completely under the seat in front of you
- Maximum size: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
- Common examples: laptop bag, small backpack, purse
If both items fit properly, you can bring them aboard without extra fees. If either exceeds the limit, you may be asked to check it at the gate.
Smaller Aircraft and Regional Jets
If you’re flying on an American Eagle or regional partner aircraft, be prepared for limited overhead space. Many Embraer and CRJ models can’t accommodate standard 22-inch suitcases. In those cases, you’ll likely have to gate check your carry on at no cost.
Packing essentials like medication, electronics, and travel documents in your personal item ensures you’ll still have access during the flight.
Practical Packing Tips
- Measure your suitcase before traveling, including handles and wheels.
- Avoid expandable luggage, since even a small bulge can cause your bag to exceed the limit.
- Store heavier items in your carry on and lighter items in your personal bag to make lifting easier.
- If you board in later groups, consider downsizing your carry on to improve your chances of keeping it onboard.
- Keep valuables, passports, and essentials in your personal item in case your main bag must be gate checked.
Conclusion
The key American Airlines carry on rules are simple: one main bag (up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches). While there’s no weight limit, you must be able to lift your bag overhead. Following these guidelines helps you skip gate checks and board smoothly every time.
Want to compare carry on policies across airlines or see real traveler experiences? Join the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums to get insights from frequent flyers.
FAQs
1. What is the carry on size for American Airlines?
The maximum size for carry ons is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. You can also bring one personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
2. Does American Airlines have a weight limit for carry ons?
No official weight limit applies on most flights. You only need to be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without help.
3. Can Basic Economy passengers bring a carry on?
Yes, all American Airlines passengers, including Basic Economy, are allowed one carry on and one personal item at no extra charge.
4. What happens if my bag is too big?
If your bag exceeds the size limit or the overhead bins are full, you may have to check it at the gate. Gate checked bags are returned after landing, usually on the jet bridge.
5. Are there exceptions for small planes or regional flights?
Yes. On smaller aircraft with limited bin space, standard carry-on might not fit and will need to be gate checked. Personal items still stay with you under the seat.
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