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Baggage Tips

Before you set out for the airport, be sure to check what you can – and can't – pack for your trip. Below are some general baggage packing tips.

One-Quart Clear Plastic Bag

Liquids And Gel Information
In general, liquids and gels are limited to containers no larger than 3.4 ounces each, which must be in a quart-size, clear, zip-top style bag (see example at right). You can find more detailed information on our Carry-On Baggage page.

Important Reminders

  • Pack your photo ID, medicine, prescription, cash, keys, jewelry, electronics, film and cameras in your carry-on baggage — not your checked baggage.
  • If you are carrying gifts onboard, make sure they are unwrapped for easier security clearance. All carry-on baggage is subject to inspection by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Important Bag Information

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. Learn more about Baggage Charges.

Changes to bag charges when traveling Canada to, from or through Europe for tickets purchased for the Main Cabin on or after August 30, 2011. Learn more about Baggage Charges.


Baggage charges may apply if you're flying:

  • Within and Between the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Between Canada and the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Between Mexico and the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada or Europe
  • The Caribbean, Central America and South America to and from the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada or Europe
  • The U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada to, from or through Belgium, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Switzerland

For information regarding these locations, please visit our Baggage Allowance page. For flights to other locations, please contact Reservations for the applicable baggage allowances.

Checked Baggage Tips and Information

  • Baggage cannot be checked prior to the day of departure.
  • Visit our Suggested Arrival Time page to learn how far in advance you should check in and the cutoff times for baggage acceptance.
  • Your baggage will only be checked to your final destination.
  • All checked baggage will be screened by the TSA.
  • Only use a lock that is identified as a "TSA-recognized locking mechanism." For more information, visit the TSA Web site www.tsa.gov.
  • Your name and address must be on the outside of your baggage. Name tags are available at all airport baggage check-in locations.
  • Put your name and address on the inside of your baggage too.
  • Claim your baggage immediately upon arrival.
  • If you are deviating from your ticketed itinerary, please advise the airport agent before checking your luggage.
  • Verify that the number of claim checks you are given corresponds to the number of bags you checked.
  • Remove straps, hangers and protruding objects to avoid damage to your bag.
  • Don't over pack. Bulging bags are not sufficiently constructed to support excess weight and may split during transport.
  • Do not pack fragile items inside your checked luggage.
  • Visit our Baggage Allowance page to find information for everything from briefcases to boogie boards.

Note: if you are carrying gifts in your checked luggage, make sure they are unwrapped for easier security clearance.

These Items May Not Fly
Some items are restricted from traveling on aircraft. Our Restricted Items page has more detailed information, but below are some common examples of items which have specific guidelines for travel air or may not travel at all. Learn more about the Department of Transportation's guidelines for traveling with batteries

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Batteries
  • Defense Sprays/Mace
  • Dry Ice
  • Explosives/Flammable Liquids
  • Lighters
  • Pressure Containers
  • Self-Heating Meals
  • Self-Inflating Life Jackets

Luggage Tags

Make Your Luggage Stand Out
Spend less time at baggage claim wondering "Is that my bag?" American Airlines personalized, durable plastic luggage tags are emblazoned with your name, and make spotting your baggage easy.

oneworld Partner Travel Information

Baggage Information