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American Airlines Carry-On Size 202622 x 14 x 9"

By Caden SorensonUpdated Jul 2026Sourced from the official American Airlines policy

Exact American Airlines carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

Quick answer

American Airlines carry-on bags can be up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), with no published weight limit, and no carry-on fee on most fares.

Carry-on size:up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Weight limit:no published weight limit
Carry-on fee:free on most fares
Personal item:up to 18 x 14 x 8", free on every fare
Gate-check risk:Medium
Last verified: Jul 2026

American Airlines maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (in): 22 x 14 x 9"
Max dimensions (cm): 56 x 36 x 23 cm
Weight limit: No published limit
Fee: Free
Gate-check risk: Medium

Dimensions include handles and wheels. Basic Economy includes a full carry-on plus a personal item (American restored the transatlantic Basic Economy carry-on; the prior personal-item-only restriction no longer applies).

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in): 18 x 14 x 8"
Max dimensions (cm): 45 x 35 x 20 cm
Included: Yes, free

Must fit under the seat. Diaper bags and medical devices do not count.

See checked bag fees & more

American Airlines carry-on dimensions and bag size

The maximum American Airlines carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which works out to 56 x 36 x 23 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on American Airlines match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

American Airlinescarry-on weight limit

American Airlines does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate, and on some regional aircraft the crew may ask you to check an overweight bag as a courtesy.

Does American Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No. American Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.

What bags fit as a American Airlines personal item

Common bag types compared against the American Airlines personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag type	Typical size	On American Airlines
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack	18 x 13 x 8"	Fits
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote	15 x 14 x 5"	Fits
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase	16 x 12 x 4"	Fits
Small duffel Gym or weekender	18 x 11 x 11"	Too big
Purse Handbag or crossbody	12 x 10 x 5"	Fits
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag	16 x 14 x 8"	Fits

American Airlines carry-on by fare class

Fare	Carry-on	Personal item	Notes
Basic Economy	Included	Included	Full carry-on allowed, but boards last in Group 9 so bin space is tight.
Main Cabin	Included	Included	Standard one carry-on plus one personal item.
Main Plus / Preferred	Included	Included	Earlier boarding group improves overhead bin odds.
First Class (domestic)	Included	Included	Group 1 priority boarding.
Flagship Business / First	Included	Included	Priority boarding with dedicated widebody bin space.

American Airlines overhead bin size by aircraft

American Eagle regional jets including the Embraer ERJ-145 and Bombardier CRJ-200 have overhead bins too small for a standard 22x14x9 roller. On those flights, any bag larger than the 18x14x8 personal item is valet-tagged at the jet bridge and returned planeside at no cost. Mainline 737, A319, A320, A321, A321neo, 777 and 787 aircraft accept the full carry-on.

Avoiding gate-check on American Airlines

American boards in nine numbered groups with Group 1 reserved for ConciergeKey, Flagship First and Executive Platinum. Holding the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or Barclays Aviator Red card gets you Group 5 boarding, typically enough to find bin space. Basic Economy boards in Group 9, so plan to gate-check unless you hold status or a co-brand card.

What counts as a personal item on American Airlines

Allowed

Purse
Laptop bag
Small backpack
Briefcase
Small tote
Diaper bag

Counts as a second carry-on

Full-size roller bag
Duffel larger than 18x14x8
Large shopping bags counted as a second piece
Garment bag

Common American Airlines carry-on mistakes

Bringing a carry-on onto an Eagle CRJ-200 or ERJ-145 and expecting it to fit, it will not, the bin is too shallow.
Forgetting to fill out the regional jet valet tag with passenger name before handing the bag over at the jet bridge.
Booking Basic Economy and relying on a carry-on fitting at Group 9, bins are usually full by then.
Confusing American's 18x14x8 personal item with Delta's under-seat rule, American publishes specific numeric dimensions.
Assuming Premium Economy on international routes is the same as Main Plus, it is a distinct cabin with its own boarding.

What happens if your bag does not fit on American Airlines

On mainline flights, if a bag exceeds the sizer the gate agent can apply the standard checked bag fee and any route-specific handling surcharge. Regional valet gate-checks are free and return planeside. Mainline gate-check fee structures vary by route and fare, verify current amounts on aa.com before traveling.

American Airlines vs Delta Air Lines carry-on

American and Delta both use 22x14x9 carry-on limits and both still allow a free carry-on in Basic Economy, making them the two most forgiving legacy carriers. American publishes a specific 18x14x8 personal item dimension while Delta uses a softer under-seat definition. American Basic Economy boards dead last in Group 9, Delta Main Basic also boards last but its zone-based system often feels less punishing. Both free-gate-check on regional jets, but American has more strictly defined gate-check fee structures on mainline oversize bags.

See Delta Air Lines carry-on size

American Airlines checked baggage fees

Domestic economy

1st bag$45

2nd bag$55

Long-haul / international

1st bagNot published

Weight limit50 lb

Linear dim62 in

Overweight & oversize

51–70 lb$100

71–100 lb$200

63–80 in$200

Domestic fees are $45 first / $55 second bag when prepaid online, or $50 / $60 at the airport. Basic Economy pays $55 / $65. AAdvantage elites and most AAdvantage credit cardholders get the first bag free. Bags over 115 total inches are not accepted.

Ways to skip the American Airlines checked bag fee

Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the American Airlines carry-on size.
Use a American Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

American Airlines special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard: Not published
Golf clubs: Not published
Bicycle: Not published
Pet in cabin: $150
Pet as cargo: Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments fit as carry-on if within standard carry-on dimensions. Larger instruments can be checked within the standard allowance or booked as a separate seat.

Ski, snowboard, golf, and bike bags typically count as one standard checked bag on American and incur only the standard checked bag fee, provided they are under 50 lb and within 126 linear inches. Pet-in-cabin fee is $150 each way on most routes.

American Airlines basic economy restrictions

Basic EconomyAmerican Airlines's lowest fare tier

Carry-on allowed: Yes
Personal item allowed: Yes
Checked bag surcharge: $55

No seat selection until check-in
Last boarding group
No changes or refunds
No upgrades

Does my checked bag transfer to American Airlines's partner airlines?

Yes, on a single ticket. American Airlines holds checked-bag interline agreements with 122 airlines, so when your itinerary is booked as one ticket your bag is through-checked to the final destination on any of those carriers. You collect it once, at the end, not at the connecting airport. If your onward flight is on a carrier not on this list, or the two legs are on separate tickets, you must claim the bag at the connection, clear customs where required, and re-check it yourself, so allow extra connection time.

American Airlines also files e-ticket interline with 113 carriers, which lets two airlines sell a single through-ticket. Through-checked bags depend on the baggage agreement above, not the e-ticket count. Interline partners verified May 2026 from ExpertFlyer, Travel Information, Interline Agreements (Premium tier).

Frequently asked questions

What is the American Airlines carry-on size limit?

American Airlines allows carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

What are the American Airlines carry-on dimensions in cm?

The American Airlines carry-on size limit in centimeters is 56 x 36 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 22 x 14 x 9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the American Airlines carry-on weight limit?

American Airlines does not publish a carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate.

Does American Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No. American Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.

What is the American Airlines personal item size?

The personal item on American Airlines must fit within 18 x 14 x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Must fit under the seat. Diaper bags and medical devices do not count.

Will my bag be gate-checked on American Airlines?

American Airlines currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Can I bring a carry-on on American Airlines Basic Economy?

Yes. American Airlines Basic Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a American Airlines carry-on?

Usually yes. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on suitcase fits within the American Airlines carry-on limit of 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Confirm your specific bag measures under the limit with wheels and handles included.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on American Airlines?

A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the American Airlines personal item limit of 18 x 14 x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm). The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.

Does American Airlines weigh personal items?

American Airlines does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.

How much does a checked bag cost on American Airlines?

The first checked bag on American Airlines costs $45 for domestic economy. A second bag costs $55. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.

What are the American Airlines overweight and oversize bag fees?

American Airlines charges $100 for bags weighing 51 to 70 lb, $200 for 71 to 100 lb, and $200 for bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches. Bags over 100 lb or 80 inches are generally refused.

Will my checked bag transfer to American Airlines's partner airlines?

On a single ticket, yes. American Airlines has checked-bag interline agreements with 122 airlines, so your bag is through-checked to your final destination and you collect it only at the end. If your connecting flight is on a carrier without an agreement, or the legs are booked on separate tickets, you must claim and re-check the bag at the connection yourself.

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Sources & verification

Last verified Jul 2026 against the official American Airlines policy at https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.jsp. Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with American Airlines before flying. See our research methodology.