AA · North America
American Airlines Carry-On Size
Complete carry-on and personal item dimensions for American Airlines, including weight limits, enforcement level, and packing tips.
Carry-on bag
Personal item
Important notes for American Airlines passengers
No weight limit enforced for carry-ons. Basic Economy passengers board last and may have overhead bin space taken — bag could be gate-checked for free. Personal item must fit under the seat.
Packing tips for American Airlines
American Airlines has moderate enforcement — limits are real but not always checked. That said, oversized bags risk being gate-checked, especially on full flights. Use packing cubes to stay organized and compressible, and check our what not to pack guide to avoid wasting space on items you will not need.
For clothing that packs small and performs well in transit, see our travel fabrics guide and our merino t-shirt roundup — merino compresses better than cotton and handles multi-day wear between washes.
FAQ
What is the carry-on size limit for American Airlines?
American Airlines allows carry-on bags up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22.0 × 14.2 × 9.1 inches), including handles and wheels. There is no weight limit enforced for carry-on bags.
What is the personal item size for American Airlines?
American Airlines allows a personal item up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm (17.7 × 14.2 × 7.9 inches). This must fit under the seat in front of you.
Does American Airlines weigh carry-on bags?
American Airlines has moderate enforcement. They may weigh or measure bags, especially on full flights or at certain airports. Slightly oversized bags sometimes pass, but it is not guaranteed.
Can I bring a carry-on and a personal item on American Airlines?
American Airlines generally allows one carry-on bag for the overhead bin and one personal item for under the seat. No weight limit enforced for carry-ons. Basic Economy passengers board last and may have overhead bin space taken — bag could be gate-checked for free. Personal item must fit under the seat.
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