Last updated on August 31st, 2022 at 02:01 pm
A Simple Guide to Finding What Size
is a Carry On for American Airlines
As a frequent traveler, you need to keep an eye out for airline luggage rules. From the 15-inch laptop size to the 2 pieces of luggage size, there are plenty of regulations to keep in mind when packing for a trip. Some airlines charge extra fees for overweight bags, so it’s important to stay within weight limits. But what about carry on items–how big can those be?
Each airline has its own rules regarding carry-on luggage. The size of the plane often determines the maximum allowable carry-on size, so it’s best to check with your airline before you head out on your next adventure.
American Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on item and one personal item onboard the aircraft. Items that are too large or heavy may be checked at the gate for a fee, or you can choose to check them in with other bags at no charge. If you have more than two bags, additional fees will apply.
Below is a detailed guide about what size is a carry on for American Airlines and how to measure your bag. It also includes key carry on details such as weight, dimensions, and items that are allowed.
Table of Contents
How is My Carry On Baggage Size Calculated?
When you’re packing to travel, the last thing you want to be doing is worrying about whether your carry on luggage is within airline limits. It’s just extra stress that you could do without. Fortunately, there are ways to calculate your carry on size before you even arrive at the airport.
The most common way to determine your carry on size is by measuring its height x width x depth (HWD). The total allowance for a carry on bag varies from one airline to another but it generally ranges from 22” H x 14” W x 9” D.
How Do I Know What the Airlines Require?
Over-packing can be stressful when you have a tight schedule to catch a flight and everything has to go right. This is why it is important to do your research beforehand and know exactly what you need to travel with on an airline. Then you will know what to pack and you won’t waste time repacking your bags.
Security Checks and Liquid Rules for Carry On
For a long time, airlines have had very strict standards on what you can and cannot take on a plane. If you’ve ever taken a trip, you know that it is common practice to check your bags if you are carrying something most airlines consider dangerous or threatening.
Even though this practice has been in place for decades, there are still many people who don’t follow the rules when they fly. This causes problems for everyone else on the flight, as these people needlessly make others wait longer in lines and often cause delays.
What Size is a Carry On for American Airlines?
When flying, it’s always best to be prepared. If you’re planning on bringing carry-on luggage, knowing the size of your carry-on is key. American Airlines carry-on baggage requirements are strictly enforced. Passengers are required to meet all the carry on requirements and make sure their carry-on baggage complies with American Airlines size, weight, and measurement restrictions.
These carry on rules are not to be taken lightly. Failing to comply may result in you having your bag checked, paying a fee, or being denied boarding.
Here are the required sizes for American Airlines carry ons and personal items:
Carry On Luggage
In Inches: 22x14x9 inches
In Linear Inches: 45 inches
In Centimeter: 56x36x23 cm
Weight: 40 pounds maximum
- All carry on bags should fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
- The baggage should also not exceed 45 linear inches in total dimensions, including handles, wheels, and any protrusions.
- You may also take a soft-sided garment bag with a dimension of 51 linear inches (130cm) or less as your carry-on item.
Personal Item
In Inches: 18x14x8 inches
In Linear Inches: 40 inches
In Centimeter: 45x35x20 cm
- Only one personal item is allowed
- The item should be stored under the seat without blocking anyone’s path
Articles That Don’t Count as Carry On or Personal Item
There are a few things that can be brought on board as carry-on items, but don’t actually need to be placed in the overhead bin. These include:
- Medical devices
- Baby strollers
- Child safety seats
- One diaper bag per child
- Wheelchairs
- Duty-free articles
- Other articles such as jacket, umbrella, etc.
Items That Are Restricted as Carry On
It’s no doubt that the airlines are full of rules, restrictions, and extra charges. The list of items that are restricted as carry on in American Airlines is no different. The same rules apply to all airlines but they may have different names for some products. These include:
- Guns
- Ammunition and explosives
- Razor blades, knives, etc.
- Liquid bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml)
American Airlines Checked Luggage Policy
Passengers traveling on domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific flights can check up to ten bags per person. If you are flying to, through or from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America or Brazil, then five bags is the maximum permitted.
American Airlines Excess Baggage Rules
If your checked bag weighs more than 50lb/23kg or goes over the maximum size of 158cm, you will be charged for excess luggage. This fee will be per person and each way besides being nonrefundable.
American Airlines Exceptional Baggage Policy
When traveling with exceptional luggage such as sports equipment or a musical instrument, you may be subject to special limits and charges. The limits and amount of the fee depend on the item and travel route.
Carry On Pets on American Airlines
In the past, pet travel was limited to either cargo holds or with a passenger. Now, passengers can take their pets in the cabin on certain flights. This has been a huge hit with many people, as they no longer have to worry about their dogs traveling in the cargo hold.
There is also a new American Airlines policy provisioning for carry-on pets. The carrier will accept cats, dogs, and some types of birds in the cabin on most flights if they are in a carrier that fits under your seat.
Also Read: How to Pack a Suit in a Backpack
Conclusion
Packing for a long flight can be a stressful experience. With all the different airline requirements for carry-on sizes, it’s not always easy to know what you can take on the plane with you.
We hope this guide helps you know What Size is a Carry On for American Airlines. If there are any other questions or comments regarding these or any other airlines, please leave us a comment in the box below. Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a carry on bag?
A carry on bag is a bag that you can take on board the plane with you. It’s smaller than the luggage that goes in the hold of the plane, but still must be big enough to carry your travel essentials.
The carry-on bag will easily fit underneath the seat in front of you, or above your head in the overhead compartment, and should be large enough so that you don’t have to check any bags.
Why are carry on bags important?
Carry-on bags are important because they provide convenience to travelers. If you travel often, you know how frustrating it can be to go through the airport with 5 million pieces of luggage. You have to wait in long lines just to get to the front of the security line. This is where a carry on bag comes in handy.
Carry-on bags make your life easier because they are much lighter than checked bags and they don’t take up much room. So you can easily move through the airport without having to leave anything behind or wait in any long lines.
What size bag should I choose for carry on?
A carry-on bag is a personal item that you can take with you onboard an aircraft. It must fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you. If your carry on bag doesn’t fit in either spot, you will have to check it at the gate or pay for a checked bag at the airport.
There are no specific dimensions for carry on luggage. However, most major airlines offer very similar guidelines for what is considered an acceptable carry on size. For example, American Airlines allows bags up to 45 linear inches (length + width + depth) to be considered a carry on.
How should I pack my carry-on bags to save space and weight?
Airlines have become very strict about their baggage policies, making it difficult to pack all you need in a carry-on bag. But there is one trick that allows you to save space and weight and bring more items with you on the plane.
This trick is simple: roll your clothes instead of folding them and use packing cubes to organize your items. Rolling your clothes will save you about 3 inches of space in your carry-on bags — enough for that extra pair of shoes or even a souvenir!
What if I am traveling with lots of handbags as carry on?
This is when you should opt for a duffel bag. Duffels are the best choice for people with lots of handbags to carry. This type of bag has a wide opening, so it can accommodate all your bags and belongings with ease. You can just open the bag and put your things in.
If you’re on a budget, you should get a duffel bag. It’s inexpensive but very durable and reliable. You can use it to pack your things even when you’re traveling around the world. It won’t break easily, thanks to its quality material.
What if I need to check my bag?
The rules for checking a bag vary from airline to airline, but in general, you shouldn’t check your bag more than an hour and a half before your flight leaves.
While checking your bag at the airport, you will want to make sure you have everything packed and organized correctly. For safety reasons, it is best to pack all liquid items in containers that are no bigger than 3.4 oz. and place them in your carry-on bag. Make sure you have your boarding pass on hand and bring your ID with you.
What are carry on restrictions and weight limits?
Every airline has different restrictions and weight limits that vary depending on the route and aircraft. Before you plan your trip, check to make sure that your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you. If your bag is too big, you may need to pay extra fees to check it.
How strict is American Airlines on carry-on size?
The carry-on size restrictions of American Airlines are not that strict, and a lot of people are skeptical about whether their carry-on will fit or not. Some people think that AA is more strict on the size of their carry-ons than others, but that’s not true.
Can I take a backpack and a carry-on on American Airlines?
American Airlines allows the customers to take a backpack and a carry-on to the cabin at the same time. Your backpack would be considered a personal item if it is small enough to fit under the seat.
Can a 25-inch suitcase be a carry-on?
The general answer is no, a 25-inch suitcase cannot be a carry-on. This is because the standard size for a carry-on is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches. A 25-inch suitcase would be too large to fit within these dimensions.
Some airlines may have different size restrictions for carry-on luggage, so it’s always best to check with your airline before packing your bags. And if you’re really determined to bring a 25-inch suitcase on your next flight, you can always try to gate-check it.
What if my carry on is half an inch too big?
All carry-on bags have to fit the standard size for overhead bins in the cabin. This means that even if your bag is a little too big, it can still be taken on board if there’s space left over in the overhead compartment. If your bag is significantly larger than the standard carry-on size, it may not fit into the compartment and you might have to check it.
If you have a carry on bag that is too big, use a garment bag. Not only will this keep the carry on within the size specifications, but it will also protect your clothing.
How much room is under an airplane seat?
The space under your seat is about the size of a small purse or backpack. You can fit a small bag in there, but you won’t have enough room for a roller bag. If you have a larger bag, you’re better off bringing it on the plane with you.
If you do decide to put a small bag under your seat, make sure it fits precisely and isn’t too heavy. Otherwise, it could block the aisle and create an unsafe situation.
Can I take my phone charger in my carry-on?
Depending on the model, many electronic devices have a lithium-ion battery. Recently, the U.S. and other countries have banned the transport of lithium batteries by air. But there are exceptions.
Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry-on?
The simple answer is no, a 24 inch luggage cannot be a carry-on. The maximum size for a carry-on bag is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches. A 24 inch luggage would be too big to be considered a carry-on.
Of course, you could always check your 24 inch luggage, but then you would have to pay the checked baggage fee. So if you’re trying to avoid that fee, you’ll need to find a smaller bag to use as your carry-on.
Does American Airlines give free carry-on?
American Airlines does give one free carry-on to basic economy travelers. Each passenger is also allowed one free personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag.
