Score free checked bags on American Airlines by reaching a qualifying tier of its loyalty program. You can also get free checked bags by flying premium fare classes, flying to certain destinations and if you’re active military personnel.
Here’s how to check your luggage without paying a dime.
Four American Airlines cards let you check your first bag free on domestic flights operated by the carrier.
A general travel card might come with credits you can use to offset baggage fees, in-flight purchases, airport lounge fees and more.
American Airlines’s loyalty program, AAdvantage, has four elite tiers. Each offers one to three complimentary checked bags on American-operated flights.
Free checked bags for American Airlines elites
| AAdvantage Gold | AAdvantage Platinum | AAdvantage Platinum Pro | AAdvantage Executive Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bag | 2 bags | 2 bags | 3 bags |
You’ll get free checked bags on American flights as part of oneworld, an airline alliance that includes American Airlines, British Airways, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific and more.
Free checked bags for oneworld elites
| oneworld Ruby | oneworld Sapphire | oneworld Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bag | 2 bags | 3 bags |
When flying Business or Premium Economy with American, you can check two bags at no cost. If you fly first class on a three-cabin aircraft, you can check three bags at no cost. On a two-cabin aircraft, you’re allowed two free checked bags.
When you fly to eligible destinations, you can check one to two bags free.
Destinations with free checked baggage
| First checked bag free |
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| First and second checked bags free |
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If you’re an active US military member on personal travel, you can check your first three bags free on each American Airlines flight. If you’re traveling on orders, you and your dependents can each check five bags free.
These rates apply to bags up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inches on domestic flights.
| First bag | Second bag | Third bag | Each additional bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30 | $40 | $150 | $200 |
On First and Business Class flights, the maximum weight per bag is 70 pounds.
Use an American Airlines credit card with a free-checked-bag perk. Be sure to open your card at least seven days prior to your flight to receive the baggage benefit. Also, add your American Airlines AAdvantage number to your reservation at least seven days before your flight.
| AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® | Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® | Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 | $99 (waived for the first 12 months) | $99 (waived for the first 12 months) | $450 |
| Number of free checked bags per domestic flight | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Baggage benefit extends to… | 4 companions | 4 companions | 4 companions | 8 companions |
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American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, and it offers several ways to avoid baggage fees. Upgrading your fare class is probably the easiest method, but it’s worth getting an airline credit card if you travel with checked bags on the regular.
Here are our picks for the top travel cards on the market.
Many of the provider’s Visa and Mastercard products offer coverage.
Transfers are simple but expensive. Avoid them when possible.
There are a few ways to get free checked bags on a JetBlue flight.
Get checked baggage fees waived with certain credit cards, elite status or premium fare classes.
Board your plane early to get your preferred seat.
Settle in your seat sooner with priority boarding.
Here’s everything you need to know about using a credit card in Barbados. How much it may cost you, and holiday spending tricks. We help you do your homework before you travel.
If I have already purchased my tickets and I receive my AA credit card can I still receive my free checked bags at the airport?
Hi Shawntel,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder.
Is your AA credit card among the four mentioned above? If so, then your card automatically has free checked bags per domestic flight. To receive the benefit, you must:
1. Open your card at least seven days prior to your flight.
2. Add your American Airlines AAdvantage number to your reservation at least seven days before your flight.
If you’d like to get confirmation of your checked bag benefit, please contact your credit card issuer. It’s also important to read the terms and conditions of your card to make sure you can take advantage of this free checked bags feature.
Hope this has helped.
Cheers,
May
If a credit card offers first checked bag free, does this apply to each leg of a multi city trip?
Hi Lauri,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
This depends on the cards term and condition.You can get 1 free checked bags per flight using American Airlines credit card. Please review your cards T&C or you can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Faye