Planning to check a bag on your next American Airlines flight? Adding a checked bag to your reservation is easy if you know the process.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of adding checked luggage to your American Airlines booking so your trip goes smoothly from wheels up to wheels down.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question:
You can also call American Airlines or add bags at the airport.
Check American Airlines’ Baggage Policies
Before you start packing for your next trip with American Airlines, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their baggage policies.
Understanding the size and weight restrictions, fees, and allowances will help you avoid any surprises at the airport and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Checked Bag Size and Weight Restrictions
When it comes to checked baggage, American Airlines has specific size and weight restrictions in place.
The maximum dimensions for a checked bag are typically 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and the maximum weight is usually 50 pounds.
It’s important to note that these restrictions may vary depending on your destination and fare class, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific requirements for your flight on the American Airlines website.
Checked Bag Fees
American Airlines operates on a fee-based system for checked baggage. The fees for checked bags can vary depending on factors such as your destination, fare class, and loyalty status.
As a general rule, it’s often more cost-effective to pay for checked bags in advance rather than at the airport.
Military Personnel Baggage Allowances
American Airlines offers special baggage allowances for active U.S. military personnel and their dependents.
It’s worth noting that military personnel and their dependents may be eligible for waived fees or additional baggage allowances, which can be a great benefit when traveling.
Add Checked Bags Online
If you are flying with American Airlines and need to add a checked bag to your reservation, you can easily do so online.
Adding checked bags online is a convenient option that allows you to save time and avoid long lines at the airport.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add a checked bag on American Airlines’ website.
Log In to Your AA.com Account
The first step is to log in to your AA.com account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by visiting www.aa.com and clicking on the “Create Account” button.
Having an account will give you access to manage your reservations and make changes to your flight details.
Access Your Reservation
Once you are logged in, navigate to the “Manage Reservations” section.
Here, you will find a list of all your upcoming trips with American Airlines. Select the reservation for which you want to add a checked bag.
Select ‘Add Bags’
Within your reservation, look for the option to “Add Bags.” This option is usually located under the “Travel Information” or “Baggage” section. Click on it to proceed.
Choose Your Checked Bag Options
After selecting “Add Bags,” you will be presented with the available checked bag options for your flight. American Airlines typically offers different options based on the destination and fare type.
Choose the option that best suits your needs.
Pay Baggage Fees
Once you have selected your checked bag option, you will be prompted to pay the applicable baggage fees.
The fees vary depending on factors such as your destination, fare class, and loyalty status. Make sure to review the fees before proceeding with the payment.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that American Airlines’ baggage policies and fees are subject to change.
For the most up-to-date information, it’s always a good idea to visit the official American Airlines website or contact their customer service.
Adding checked bags online is a quick and hassle-free process that allows you to manage your travel details from the comfort of your own home.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily add a checked bag to your American Airlines reservation and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Add Bags By Phone
If you are planning to add a checked bag to your American Airlines reservation, one of the easiest and most convenient ways to do so is by phone.
By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your baggage is properly accounted for and avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport.
Call American Airlines Reservations
To add a checked bag by phone, start by calling American Airlines Reservations.
Their friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives will be able to assist you with adding the bag to your reservation.
You can find the phone number on the American Airlines website or on your booking confirmation.
Provide Your Reservation Details
Once you are connected with a representative, be prepared to provide your reservation details. This includes your booking reference number, flight details, and personal information.
Providing accurate information will help the representative locate your reservation quickly and efficiently.
Select Your Checked Bags
After verifying your reservation, the representative will guide you through the process of selecting the number of checked bags you would like to add.
Be sure to consider the baggage allowance for your specific fare class, as additional fees may apply for exceeding the allowed limit.
Pay Baggage Fees
Once you have selected your checked bags, the representative will inform you of the applicable baggage fees. Be prepared to provide a form of payment to cover these fees.
American Airlines accepts various forms of payment, including credit cards and debit cards.
Remember, adding a checked bag by phone is just one of the options available to you. American Airlines also offers the convenience of adding bags online through their website or at the airport kiosks.
Choose the method that works best for you and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with American Airlines.
Add Bags at the Airport
Adding checked bags at the airport is a convenient option for travelers who did not include baggage during their initial booking.
American Airlines provides a straightforward process for adding bags at the airport, ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers.
Arrive Early
When planning to add bags at the airport, it is crucial to arrive early. Allow yourself enough time to complete the check-in process and add your baggage without feeling rushed.
Arriving at least two hours before your domestic flight or three hours before your international flight is recommended.
Go to Baggage Drop-Off Counter
Once you have arrived at the airport, proceed to the baggage drop-off counter. Look for signs or ask airport staff for directions if needed.
The baggage drop-off counter is where you will complete the process of adding your checked bags to your itinerary.
Show Your Itinerary
When you reach the baggage drop-off counter, present your itinerary to the airline representative. This can be in the form of a printed boarding pass or an electronic version on your smartphone.
The representative will need to verify your flight details and ensure that your bags are added correctly.
Choose Your Checked Bags
At the baggage drop-off counter, you will have the opportunity to choose the number of checked bags you want to add to your itinerary.
American Airlines typically allows passengers to check up to 10 bags, but fees may apply for additional bags beyond the standard allowance.
Be sure to check the airline’s baggage policy and fees beforehand.
Attach Luggage Tags
After selecting the number of checked bags, the airline representative will provide you with luggage tags.
These tags are essential for identifying and tracking your bags throughout the journey. Attach the tags securely to each piece of checked baggage, ensuring that they are visible and easily readable.
Pay Baggage Fees
Finally, you will need to pay any applicable baggage fees. American Airlines’ baggage fees vary depending on factors such as your destination, fare class, and frequent flyer status.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the airline’s fee structure beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Pay the fees using a credit card or any other accepted form of payment at the baggage drop-off counter.
By following these steps, you can easily add checked bags at the airport when traveling with American Airlines.
Remember to arrive early, present your itinerary, choose your bags, attach luggage tags, and pay any applicable fees. This way, you can ensure a hassle-free start to your journey.
Conclusion
Adding checked bags to your American Airlines reservation is easy when you know the process.
By reviewing baggage policies, adding bags online or by phone ahead of time, and allowing extra time at the airport, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your flight knowing your luggage is taken care of.
