American Airlines Travel Restrictions

Frequent fliers know that the list of restrictions from an airline is often longer than the flight itself. While these restrictions are put into place to keep passengers safe and airlines running efficiently, not knowing what your airline does and does not allow can put a damper on your travel plans. Knowing American Airlinesâ?? travel restrictions before setting out on your trip can make for a much more enjoyable vacation.

American Airlinesâ?? checked baggage restrictions are based on your destination. Passengers traveling within the United States, the US Virgin Islands, Canada and Puerto Rico are not limited regarding the number of bags they are allowed to check as long as each bag does not exceed a total of 115 inches when the length, width and height measurements are added together, and does not exceed 100 pounds. Passengers traveling to Europe, Asia, South America and India are subject to different baggage restrictions based on their specific destinations. Like most major airlines, American charges passengers a per-bag fee for checked luggage on domestic flights. On some international flights, passengers are allowed to check one or two bags at no charge. Additional baggage restrictions might be in effect during peak travel months or for specific destinations. Check the American Airlines website before traveling.

Passengers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item when flying with American Airlines. Carry-ons cannot exceed a size of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. Laptop cases, purses, small backpacks and briefcases are considered personal items. The combined weight of the personal item and carry-on cannot exceed 40 pounds and both must fit in an overhead bin or under a seat. This policy applies to domestic and international flights.

In addition to the materials banned by the TSA, American Airlines does not allow passengers to bring alcohol on board in carry-on luggage. A limited amount of alcohol can be packed in checked baggage. As long as the customs of the destination country allows it, passengers can bring any amount of alcohol that is less than 48 proof and as much as 5 liters that is between 48 and 140 proof. No alcohol above 140 proof is allowed.

Children under 2 can sit in an adultâ??s lap free of charge on flights in the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico; children 2 and older must have a ticket. Passengers traveling with children are allowed to bring an umbrella stroller, car seat and diaper bag in addition to the standard baggage allowance. American also allows children from 5 to 14 to travel alone with its unaccompanied minors program.

Cats and dogs are the only pets allowed to be carried on board American flights in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, although no pets may be carried on flights to or from Hawaii. Carry-on pets must fit in a pet carrier no larger than 19 inches long, 13 inches wide and 9 inches tall. The pet cannot be removed from the pet carrier at any point during the flight. The pet carrier counts as a carry-on bag and is subject to an additional fee.

Cats and dogs older than 2 months can be checked as baggage for transport in the planeâ??s cargo compartment on flights in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For information on transporting pets overseas, call the American Airlines Reservations number. Reservations are not accepted for pets and pets are checked on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional fee. Pets must be in a kennel with a water container that can be refilled by airline staff. American Airlines will refuse to check pets when the ground temperature reaches 85 degrees F in any of the cities the flight is scheduled to stop. Check with the airline for additional restrictions for particular breeds and destinations.