Can I bring a carry-on and a backpack on American Airlines?

American Airlines allows you to bring a backpack as your personal item and a carry-on bag, as long as they meet the size requirements.



Yes, on American Airlines, most passengers are permitted to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a backpack) for free. This policy applies even to those traveling on "Basic Economy" fares, which is a major advantage over some competitors. The main carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and should not exceed dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). The personal item, which would be your backpack, must be able to fit completely under the seat in front of you and should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). If your backpack is very large (like a 50L hiking pack), it will be counted as your primary carry-on, and you would not be allowed an additional suitcase. It is important to note that soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches also count as a carry-on. If the flight is full and overhead bin space runs out, gate agents may ask you to "gate-check" your larger carry-on bag to your final destination, usually for free, but you will always be allowed to keep your backpack with you under the seat for access to your essentials during the flight.

People Also Ask

Personal items and American Airlines. In addition to a carry-on bag, American Airlines allows passengers to carry one personal item, such as a small backpack, laptop bag, camera bag, briefcase, or purse. No matter what kind of personal item you choose, it must be able to fit securely underneath the seat in front of you ...

MORE DETAILS

If your backpack is carry-on size, you are usually able to take the backpack, a smaller bag and even a personal item such as a purse into the cabin. The backpack is stored in the overhead compartment, while the personal item and small bag must be placed under the seat.

MORE DETAILS

In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you. For example, if you use a backpack as a personal item and put it under the seat in front of you, you can then use a duffel as a carry-on bag as long as it's under the airline's size requirements.

MORE DETAILS

American Airlines allows you to bring a backpack as your personal item and a carry-on bag, as long as they meet the size requirements.

MORE DETAILS

In general, a backpack is considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you. This means that the backpack must be no larger than 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height. If the backpack is larger than this, it will be considered luggage and must be checked.

MORE DETAILS

What is American Airlines' (AA) carry-on baggage policy? American Airlines (AA) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free.

MORE DETAILS

Volume: A 45L backpack is the maximum-sized carry on allowed on most US airlines. For international or budget airlines, choose a bag under 40L. If you want to pack ultralight, anything 35L or under can be carried on virtually any airline. Dimensions: The common 45L volume is usually measured as 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

MORE DETAILS

Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

MORE DETAILS

2 bags standard, up to 10 bags maximum for U S domestic, Transatlantic, and Transpacific, up to 5 bags maximum if your travel includes the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and South America. Maximum dimensions: 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height).

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS

Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

MORE DETAILS

While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most airlines consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be a personal item. These must always fit under the seat in front of you. Many airlines restrict passengers to one personal item and one carry on bag.

MORE DETAILS

It is stated that one carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed per passenger. The dimensions of the under-seat compartment are 18 x 14 x 8 inches, which applies to all cabin and flight configuration.

MORE DETAILS

A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekender or small duffel bag.

MORE DETAILS

American Airlines (AA) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free. Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions: 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.

MORE DETAILS

Most domestic airlines allow passengers two carry-on items, depending on their fare type. For example, Southwest stands out among carriers for allowing passengers two free carry-on bags and two checked bags, regardless of fare type. That's also the case for Delta, American, Alaska and Hawaiian passengers.

MORE DETAILS

To calculate the size of your carry-on bag, measure the length, height, and depth (or width) of your bag. You can add the three numbers together to find the total linear inches. For example, a bag with a length of 20 inches, width of 12 inches, and depth of 6 inches would be 20+12+6 = 38 linear inches.

MORE DETAILS

Are cabin bags weighed? They can be, but more often they are size-checked. We recommend that you ensure your bag is within the weight and size limits the airline specifies if you want it on board with you. If the staff deem your bag too big or too heavy, it will be checked.

MORE DETAILS

Yes. The usual maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This is 43.12L, so your 50L backpack is about 16% too big. You might get away with it because the gate staff often doesn't (have the time to) check the bag sizes in all detail.

MORE DETAILS