Airline check-in guide
American Airlines check-in: cutoffs, carry-on rules, and bag fees
Check in online 24 hours before departure and be through airport check-in by American Airlines's cutoff of 45 minutes before departure on domestic flights. Bag-drop closes 45 minutes before departure — miss that window and your bag may not make the plane even if you do.
Looking for oversize fees, sports equipment, or stroller policy? See the full American Airlines baggage guide.
When does American Airlines open online check-in?
American Airlines opens online check-in 24 hours before departure and closes it 45 minutes before departure (domestic); 60 minutes before departure (international). The moment the window opens today, check in — you lock in your seat, skip the ticket-counter queue, and have your boarding pass on your phone before you leave home.
What is American Airlines's airport check-in cutoff?
| Flight type | Check-in closes | Bag drop closes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| International | 60 minutes before departure | 60 minutes before departure |
These are hard deadlines — American Airlines can give your seat to a standby traveler once the cutoff passes. Arrive with room to breathe, not at the last second.
Can I bring a carry-on on American Airlines?
Yes. One full-size carry-on and one personal item are included on main-cabin fares at no extra charge. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin — American Airlines sets the limit at 22 x 14 x 9 in (must fit in overhead bin sizer at airport).
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you (18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm); must fit under the seat in front). Pack it smart so you have easy access during the flight.
How much does American Airlines charge for checked bags?
| Bag | Main cabin | Basic economy |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $50 at airport ($45 if prepaid online) — for tickets issued on/after May 18, 2026 | $55 at airport ($50 if prepaid online) — for tickets issued on/after May 18, 2026 |
| 2nd checked bag | $60 at airport ($55 if prepaid online) — for tickets issued on/after May 18, 2026 | $60 at airport ($55 if prepaid online) — for tickets issued on/after May 18, 2026 |
Prices shown are for online prepayment. Paying at the airport or the gate runs higher. Baggage fees compared across every airline shows how American Airlines stacks up against the rest.
How does a bag fee change my Leave-By Time?
Checking a bag adds 5 to 10 minutes at the counter — time in line, handing off the bag, collecting a receipt. That window sits between your arrival at the terminal and your walk to security, so it shifts your Leave-By Time at home earlier, not just your airport arrival.
Recompute your Leave-By Time with bag drop factored in — enter your flight, mark that you are checking a bag, and the calculator adds the counter time so you leave home with exact numbers, not a guess.
Things to know before you fly American Airlines
- AA raised bag fees in 2026: domestic 1st bag now $50 Main Cabin / $55 Basic Economy at airport (effective for tickets issued on/after May 18, 2026); Basic Economy pays $5 more per bag than Main Cabin.
- Basic Economy on AA includes 1 free carry-on bag and 1 personal item — unlike Delta/United which charge for carry-ons in their basic tier.
- AAdvantage credit cardmembers get the 1st checked bag free on domestic AA itineraries; all AAdvantage status members also receive complimentary bags on AA flights.
Related guides
Verified against American Airlines's official site, . Sources: aa.com — flying with american.jsp; aa.com — optional service fees.jsp; aa.com — carry on baggage.jsp.