Many airlines, as of late, have tightened up their carry-on rules – and figuring them out can be yet another stressor for air passengers. Understanding American Airlines’ carry-on size rules can make your trip with this major carrier much smoother.
American Airlines carry-on: What fits, what doesn’t and what else to know
Below, the exact dimensions required by American Airlines for carry-on luggage. Each passenger can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin; otherwise, it must be checked at the gate (and you may incur a fine, too). Keep it compact and can avoid extra fees and hassles.
American Airlines carry-on basics: Inside intel, tips and tricks
Your carry-on bag needs to fit either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you – no exceptions.
The total size of your carry-on, including wheels and handles, is what counts. If you’re questioned by an American Airlines employee at the airport, you’ll need to demonstrate that it fits in the sizing device. If not, you’ll likely need to pay to check it.
The good news? American Airlines doesn’t have a weight limit for carry-on bags across any of its fares. Just make sure your bag is within sizing rules – and that you can lift it yourself.
Personal items, like a purse or small backpack, need to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you – just like your carry-on needs to easily fit into the overhead bin.
What doesn’t count as a carry-on?
Good to know: the following don’t count toward your allowance for a personal item or carry-on, so you can bring them on board stress-free.
What extra items can you bring on board?
- Musical instruments can fly as carry-ons if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
- Pets are welcome too — their carrier just needs to fit under the seat.
- No weight limit for instruments or pet carriers, as long as they fit.
- Sports gear or other oversized items may have special rules — worth checking American Airlines’ policy before you go.
- Strollers can be gate checked — just ask for a tag so it’s waiting at your arrival gate.
Carry-on confusion? A few common FAQs, answered
No one wants to be that passenger haggling with the gate agent about their bags before boarding. Below, the most commonly asked questions about carry-on luggage – with vetted answers that will help make your trip as smooth and stress free as possible.
Top three carry-on luggage tips for American Airlines
from expert traveler Blane Bachelor
Tip #1: Carry-on in exit rows
If you’re sitting in an exit or bulkhead row, you’ll need to put all your carry-on items in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing. So don’t wait to board until the last group, when that critical space will likely be full.
Tip #2: Board with your group
Overly eager travelers on American Airlines, beware: The carrier recently introduced technology to identify so-called “gate lice”: passengers who try to board ahead of their group (and presumably grab bin space for their carry-ons). Board with your group, or you may be sent to the back of the line – and forced to gate-check your carry-on.
Tip #3: Personal item goes under the seat
Don’t assume you can store a personal item – say, a backpack – alongside your larger carry-on in the overhead bin, especially if you have a basic economy fare. One, bins may be full by the time you board; and two, the carrier may slap you with a gate service fee for personal items deemed too big.
Still have questions about carry-ons?
Luggage policies can be confusing. For an easy way to compare carry-on rules across airlines, check out our carry-on luggage guide. Need help deciding between a carry-on or checked bag? Or perhaps you’re stuck on what to pack? We have plenty of handy tips for that, too. Finally, don’t forget to check what’s allowed in a carry-on before you head to the airport.
Last update: September 22, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.
