American Airlines

CARRY-ON ALLOWANCE

Travel is easier when you know what to expect and plan ahead. From packing to security checks, arranging for special circumstances such as children, pets, medical equipment or musical instruments, here’s the information that you’ll need to know.

The following applies to travel within the United States unless otherwise stated. Please check the country-specific chart below for exceptions to the U.S policies. Our Reservations agents can assist with policies or information not covered below.

Important Travel Info

From November 17, 2012 – January 9, 2013, there are limitations on boxes and baggage when traveling to certain Mexican, Latin American and Caribbean destinations.

Changes to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America checked bag charges for tickets purchased for the Main Cabin on or after February 8, 2012.

How Much Can I Carry On?

You can bring one small carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as the carry-on bag fits comfortably in the sizer without being forced and does not exceed overall dimensions of 45 inches (length + width + height).

The maximum dimensions cannot exceed any of the following measurements: 22″ long x 14″ wide x 9″ tall or 115cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm). All carry-on items should be stowed in an overhead bin.

Personal item – includes: purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote that does not exceed 36 inches( length+width+height) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

Additional items that will be allowed above and beyond the restrictions listed above include:

                                         Assistive devices for passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers, portable oxygen concentrators, and CPAP machines, etc.

Outerwear such as coats/wraps/hats

Book or newspaper

Small bag of food to eat on the flight – see guidelines for liquids

Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child

Pillow or blanket

Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child

Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child

CARRY-ON TIPS

  • At some airports, carry-on baggage may be more restricted.
  • Additional limits may be placed on carry-on bags because of aircraft stowage capacity.
  • Limits may be imposed after the boarding process has begun.
  • Carry-on roller board bags, duffle bags, large backpacks, or other personal items that don’t fit in the overhead bins or under the seat must be checked at the gate and placed in the cargo compartment on American Eagle aircraft.
  • Horizontal rolling and/or hanging garment bags are considered to be the customer’s carry-on bag and must fit comfortably in the bag sizer, not exceed the following measurements: 22″ long x 14″ wide x 9″ high or 115cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm). A bag that is 22″ long by 24″ high by 10.5″ wide for a total of 56.5 inches would be too big therefore would not be allowed.

LIQUIDS ANG GELS

For Security Screening:

  • Place liquids in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 3.4 oz./100 ml each.
  • All liquids, gels and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in your checked bag.
  • Place all liquid containers in a separate clear plastic, zip-top bag no larger than 8in x 8in (20cm x 20cm) or is quart size.
  • Items must fit in the bag comfortably so that it closes completely and must be submitted for inspection separately from other carry-on baggage.
  • Remove the plastic bag from the carry-on bag at the security checkpoint for separate x-ray screening.

Customers carrying liquids in carry-on bags may be subject to secondary searches before boarding.

 

Examples Of Liquids, Gels And Aerosols:

  • Toiletries – shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, perfume, shaving foam, aerosols, deodorant, eye care products
  • Cosmetic products – perfume, hair spray/gel, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish, makeup removers/cleansers, foundation
  • Non-solid food items – soups, syrups, pressurized food containers (cheese or whipped cream), gelatin, pudding, yogurt
  • Liquid soaps, sanitizers, bath oils, bubble bath
  • Any creams, ointments or lotions
  • All other liquids/gels not listed here

Electronic Equipment On The Plane

Certain devices used on board the aircraft, both on the ground and during the flight, may radiate electronic pulses affecting the aircraft navigational or communications equipment. While electronic disruptions in the cockpit are rare, they cannot be tolerated at any time. Portable electronic devices, including laptops, must remain off during taxi, takeoff, approach and landing until arrival at the gate when the seat belt sign has been turned off.

Devices that cannot be used onboard include:

  • Radios – AM, FM, VHF, battery or cord operated TV sets, TV cameras
  • Electronic games or toys with remote control, except those installed on the aircraft
  • Cordless computer mouse
  • Portable Global Positioning System (GPS.)

Child Safety Seats

For taxi, takeoff, landing, during turbulence, or when the Fasten Seatbelt sign is on, children must remain secured in the child safety seat. American accepts only FAA approved infant seats/child restraint devices that are certified for use in aircraft. See www.aa.com/children for more information.

Pets

A pet kennel or container that is taken in the cabin counts as either your personal item or your one carry-on bag – the cabin pet charge still applies. Seewww.aa.com/pets for information on sizes of containers allowed and applicable charges.

Medical Equipment

Hearing aids, heart pacemakers, or other approved medical devices are accepted during all phases of flight. If a passenger must travel with oxygen due to medical necessity, a 48-hour notice is required. You will have the option to indicate a request for special assistance when making your reservation on AA.com. See Special Service Requests for more information.

Musical Instruments

Small musical instruments may be carried onboard the aircraft providing they meet existing carry-on size requirements and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Case dimensions may not exceed 45 dimensional inches (width + length + height), except for guitars which may be brought on board only if they can be safely stowed in an overhead bin or approved stowage location in the cabin.

The instrument is considered the passenger’s one allowed carry-on bag. A personal item is allowed in addition to the instrument.