American Airlines Carry-On Rules: Size, Personal Item & Fees
Quick answer: American Airlines generally allows one carry-on bag and one personal item in all cabins. Your carry-on must fit the airport sizer and the overhead bin; your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. The published carry-on maximum is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026. Check American Airlines’ official carry-on policy before you fly.
American Airlines carry-on allowance at a glance
| Bag type | Allowance | Key rule |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 1 | Up to 22 x 14 x 9 in, including wheels and handles; must fit in the sizer/overhead bin. |
| Personal item | 1 | Must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Regional-flight valet bag | Possible | Some American Eagle aircraft have limited overhead space; larger carry-ons may be valet checked at the gate at no charge. |
What size carry-on can you bring on American Airlines?
For the standard overhead-bin carry-on, stay at or under 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Measure the exterior of the packed bag—not only the suitcase shell. Wheels, handles, outside pockets, and rigid protrusions all matter when a bag goes into the airport sizer.
A 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on is the most direct starting point for this rule. If you prefer less bulk, browse lightweight carry-ons; if you want to keep everything below the seat, compare underseat luggage and personal item bags.
What counts as a personal item on American Airlines?
A purse, small handbag, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack can work as your personal item when it fits under the seat ahead of you. American Airlines does not publish one universal personal-item measurement in its general carry-on summary, so plan around the actual under-seat space and avoid treating a full-size travel backpack as a guaranteed personal item.
Your personal item is the best place for medication, keys, travel documents, electronics, and other essentials. American also advises moving batteries, electronic cigarettes, and restricted items into the cabin bag if a carry-on must be gate checked.
Will American Airlines gate-check or valet-check my carry-on?
Yes, especially on smaller regional aircraft with limited overhead-bin space. American’s valet-bag process is generally used for a carry-on that is larger than the personal-item dimensions on certain American Eagle flights. The bag is tagged at the gate, checked at no charge, and returned on the jetbridge after arrival. Embraer ERJ-175 aircraft are an exception noted by American because they allow carry-ons and do not use valet service.
Pack so that valuables and lithium-battery items can move quickly into your personal item if gate staff need to take the larger bag.
American Airlines checked-bag fees: what to know
Checked-bag fees vary by route, fare, elite status, card benefits, and purchase date. American’s current published policy lists different prices by market and notes fee changes for tickets issued on or after May 18, 2026. For many U.S. and nearby international itineraries, the listed first and second checked-bag prices can differ when paid online versus at the airport, and Basic Economy may cost more. Use American’s official checked-bag policy for your exact itinerary rather than relying on a generic number.
American Airlines packing checklist
- Measure your loaded carry-on including wheels and handles.
- Keep one compact personal item for documents, medication, chargers, and anything you cannot risk losing to a gate check.
- Check your exact flight if it is operated by a partner or uses a small regional aircraft.
- Review restricted-item rules before packing batteries, aerosols, tools, or e-cigarettes.
American Airlines carry-on FAQ
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on on American Airlines?
Usually yes, when the backpack qualifies as your under-seat personal item and the other bag meets the carry-on requirement. Both must fit in the available cabin storage.
Does American Airlines have a carry-on weight limit?
American’s general carry-on rule focuses on the bag fitting the sizer and storage space. Always check the official policy for your route and aircraft, particularly on international or partner-operated travel.
What is the safest bag size for American Airlines?
A bag at or below 22 x 14 x 9 inches, measured on the outside with its wheels and handles, is the appropriate published maximum. Choosing slightly below that maximum gives you more practical margin.
Next step: compare American Airlines-friendly 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on luggage, or see the full Airline Carry-On Rules Center.