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Carry-on Allowance

Travel is easier when you know what to expect and plan ahead. From packing to security checks, arranging for special circumstances such as children, pets, medical equipment or musical instruments, here's the information that you'll need to know.

The following applies to travel within the United States unless otherwise stated. Please check the chart on the Liquids and Gels tab for country-specific information for exceptions to the U.S policies. Our Reservations agents can assist with policies or information not covered.

How Much Can I Carry On?

Carry-On Bags Cannot Exceed 22 Inches Long, 14 Inches Wide And 9 Inches Tall

You can bring one small carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as the carry-on bag fits comfortably in the sizer without being forced and does not exceed overall dimensions of 45 inches (length + width + height).

The maximum dimensions cannot exceed any of the following measurements: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall or 115cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm). All carry-on items should be stowed in an overhead bin.

Personal item - includes: purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote that does not exceed 36 inches( length+width+height) and must fit under the seat in front of you. As an added bonus, travelers who are only bringing a personal item can board the plane before Group 2 boarding.

Additional items that will be allowed above and beyond the restrictions listed above include:

  • Outerwear such as coats/wraps/hats
  • Book or newspaper
  • Small bag of food to eat on the flight - see guidelines for liquids
  • Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child
  • Pillow or blanket
  • Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child
  • Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child
  • Assistive devices for passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers, portable oxygen concentrators, and CPAP machines, etc.

Important Travel Information

TSA's recently announced changes to its Prohibited Items list, including allowing small pocket knives on aircraft, has been temporarily delayed. For more information visit tsa.gov.

Restricted Items - See the list of items that may not be carried on board including European Union rules for transporting animal products.

Battery Tips - Carry spare lithium batteries for laptops, phones and cameras in your carry-on bag with the terminals covered/insulated.

If government regulations are more restrictive, they will apply.


  • At some airports, carry-on baggage may be more restricted.
  • Additional limits may be placed on carry-on bags because of aircraft stowage capacity.
  • Limits may be imposed after the boarding process has begun.
  • Carry-on roller board bags, duffle bags, large backpacks, or other personal items that don't fit in the overhead bins or under the seat must be checked at the gate and placed in the cargo compartment on American Eagle aircraft.
  • Horizontal rolling and/or hanging garment bags are considered to be the customer's carry-on bag and must fit comfortably in the bag sizer, not exceed the following measurements: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" high or 115cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm). A bag that is 22" long by 24" high by 10.5" wide for a total of 56.5 inches would be too big therefore would not be allowed.

Packing

When traveling by air, limited quantities of liquids, gels and aerosols may be carried in cabin bags including travel-size toiletries. Check the liquids and gels section for more information.

The TSA allows passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new "checkpoint friendly" standards. For more information see the TSA News Release

Clear Plastic Zip Lock Bag

For Security Screening:

  • Place liquids in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 3.4 oz./100 ml each.
  • All liquids, gels and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in your checked bag.
  • Place all liquid containers in a separate clear plastic, zip-top bag no larger than 8in x 8in (20cm x 20cm) or is quart size.
  • Items must fit in the bag comfortably so that it closes completely and must be submitted for inspection separately from other carry-on baggage.
  • Remove the plastic bag from the carry-on bag at the security checkpoint for separate x-ray screening.

Exemptions to the liquids rule apply for liquid medicine or baby milk/food. View TSA guidelines for traveling with formula, breast milk or juice.

Customers carrying liquids in carry-on bags may be subject to secondary searches before boarding.

Examples Of Liquids, Gels And Aerosols:

  • Toiletries - shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, perfume, shaving foam, aerosols, deodorant, eye care products
  • Cosmetic products - perfume, hair spray/gel, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish, makeup removers/cleansers, foundation
  • Non-solid food items - soups, syrups, pressurized food containers (cheese or whipped cream), gelatin, pudding, yogurt
  • Liquid soaps, sanitizers, bath oils, bubble bath
  • Any creams, ointments or lotions
  • All other liquids/gels not listed here

Duty Free Restrictions:

Connecting in the United States

Liquids/gels/aerosols 3.4 oz. or less may be brought on board after clearing customs only if the item is placed in a quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag. Otherwise, these items will be confiscated. See the chart for any additional conditions.

Connecting in Norway, Iceland, Switzerland or any EU country

Liquid items purchased in the U.S. or onboard non-European Union airlines that exceed 3.4 oz. and are not in a quart-size plastic bag may be confiscated at the security checkpoint.

EU airline / airport Duty Free purchases

Liquids must be carried in a bag that is tamper-evident and displays satisfactory proof that the liquid was purchased on the day of travel. See chart for China, Japan and India restrictions.

Liquids purchased from the secure concourse are allowed on the aircraft except when noted in chart below.

European Union countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom

U.S. Policies

  • United States
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Puerto Rico

APPLIES TO TRAVEL WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Allowed Through Security Checkpoint
Gels or liquids (including juice) for diabetic or other medical needs. Must advise TSA at the security checkpoint if not the approved zip-lock bag and/or are over 3.4 oz.

Secure Concourse Purchases
Yes

Duty Free Purchases
Yes

Exceptions to U.S. Policies

APPLIES TO TRAVEL FROM OR CONNECTING THROUGH:

  • Belgium

  • BELGIUM

Duty Free Purchases
For international passengers connecting in Belgium, Duty Free liquids purchased in the U.S. or onboard a U.S airline exceeding 3.4 oz. will be confiscated by government authorities.

  • China

  • CHINA

  • Japan

  • JAPAN

Allowed Through Security Checkpoint
For diabetic passengers, up to 5 oz. of liquid/gel medications or juice to address their medical condition.

Secure Concourse Purchases
Liquids may NOT be brought on the aircraft.

Duty Free Purchases
Purchases are only allowed if they can be delivered directly to the aircraft.

  • India

  • INDIA

Allowed Through Security Checkpoint
Food items EXCEPT:

  • camelbaks (similar backpacks and water bottles must be empty)
  • gel-based sports supplements
  • gelatin, puddings, yogurts or gel-like substances

For diabetic passengers, up to 5 oz. of liquid/ gel medications or juice may be carried on to address their medical condition.

Secure Concourse Purchases
Liquids may NOT be brought on the aircraft.

Duty Free Purchases
Purchases are only allowed if they can be delivered directly to the aircraft.

  • United Kingdom

  • UNITED KINGDOM

For details, visit the BAA Web site.

ALL OTHER COUNTRIES

Allowed Through Security Checkpoint
Check with local airport personnel for current policies regarding carriage of liquids, gels, or aerosols.

Secure Concourse Purchases
Check with local airport personnel to determine if items purchased in the secure area of the airport terminal may be brought onboard the aircraft.


Electronic Equipment On The Plane

Certain devices used on board the aircraft, both on the ground and during the flight, may radiate electronic pulses affecting the aircraft navigational or communications equipment. While electronic disruptions in the cockpit are rare, they cannot be tolerated at any time. Portable electronic devices, including laptops, must remain off during taxi, takeoff, approach and landing until arrival at the gate when the seat belt sign has been turned off.

Devices that cannot be used onboard include:

  • Radios - AM, FM, VHF, battery or cord operated TV sets, TV cameras
  • Electronic games or toys with remote control, except those installed on the aircraft
  • Cordless computer mouse
  • Portable Global Positioning System (GPS.)

Child Safety Seats

For taxi, takeoff, landing, during turbulence, or when the Fasten Seatbelt sign is on, children must remain secured in the child safety seat. American accepts only FAA approved infant seats/child restraint devices that are certified for use in aircraft. See www.aa.com/children for more information.

Pets

A pet kennel or container that is taken in the cabin counts as either your personal item or your one carry-on bag - the cabin pet charge still applies. See www.aa.com/pets for information on sizes of containers allowed and applicable charges.

Medical Equipment

Hearing aids, heart pacemakers, or other approved medical devices are accepted during all phases of flight. If a passenger must travel with oxygen due to medical necessity, a 48-hour notice is required. You will have the option to indicate a request for special assistance when making your reservation on AA.com. See Special Service Requests for more information.

Musical Instruments

Small musical instruments may be carried onboard the aircraft providing they meet existing carry-on size requirements and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. We recommend all musical instruments travel in a hard-sided case in the event the item needs to be checked. Case dimensions may not exceed 45 dimensional inches (width + length + height), except for guitars which may be brought on board only if they can be safely stowed in an overhead bin or approved stowage location in the cabin.

The instrument is considered the passenger's one allowed carry-on bag. A personal item is allowed in addition to the instrument.