5 Essential Carry-On Luggage Guidelines for American Airlines

carry on luggage

Carry-On Luggage Guidelines for American Airlines-Be aware of what you can bring with you. Some items are only allowed in your carry-on bag, while others must be packed in your checked luggage. Make sure you’re clear on where to pack these restricted items and whether they’re permitted in your carry-on.

Restricted items 

Here is a table summarizing the carry-on and personal item allowances:

ItemDetails
Personal ItemMust fit under the seat. Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Items Exempt from Personal/Carry-On– Diaper bags (1 per child)
– Breast pump
– Small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk
– Child safety seats, strollers, medical or mobility devices
Carry-On Bag AllowanceMaximum dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Must fit in overhead bin or under the seat.
Soft-Sided Garment BagMaximum size: 51 inches (130 cm) in length + width + height.
Musical InstrumentsMust fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Traveling with Musical InstrumentsMust be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Valet Bags (Regional Flights)If the carry-on is larger than personal item dimensions, valet bag is required. Free bag check at the gate.
Important NoteRemove batteries, electronic cigarettes, and other restricted items from checked bags.
Carry on Bag size
  1. Personal Item Dimensions
    Every traveler can carry one bag or any other item that the airline considers as a personal item, to be stored at the passenger’s feet or behind the seat. The personal items should not exceed the following sizes: length 45cm, width 35cm, height 20cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches). Regular paraphernallia tends to encompass handbags, small purses, backpacks or briefcases and computer bags. Any bag with a dimension larger than stated above will not be accepted as a personal item and may require checking in.
  2. Carry-On Bag Dimensions
    It is to be placed in the overhead bin and should not exceed the allowed size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Another important thing is to ensure you do not put your carry-on in the category that makes it get sent to the gate, the best thing is to use the airport sizing tool to ensure this does not happen. Luggage that exceeds these measurements will have to be checked.
  3. Valet Bags for Regional Flights-If your travel involves regional American Eagle® flights and where space for overhead bins is extremely small you will have to ‘check-in’ your carry-on bag. However, if the bag exceeds the carrier’s personal item size, it will be allowed at the gate with a fee for checking. For your luggage, it will be offloaded from the coach immediately you set off the vehicle.
  4. Moving Musical Instruments
    Musical instruments, which can easily fit into the overhead compartment or under the seat in front, can also form part of your hand luggage. If your instrument is larger than the approved size, you will require special consideration.
  5. TSA Standards for Liabilities and Dutiable Merchandise
    When it comes to liquids in your carry-on bag, you can only transport them according to Trusted Shipper Access TSA regulations. It is accepted to bring duty-free liquids provided the liquids are packed in a tamper-evident bag. If in doubt about anything containing a liquid, it is recommended to look at the TSA regulations or contact the TSA before the travel.

Here’s a table summarizing valet bags, carry-on pets, liquids, and related policies:

ItemDetails
Valet Bags (Regional Flights)– For regional flights on American Eagle® planes with limited overhead bin space.
– If your carry-on is larger than personal item dimensions, valet your bag at the gate.
– Free bag check at the gate. You’ll receive your bag on the jetbridge after exiting the plane.
Important Note– Remove batteries, electronic cigarettes, and other restricted items from checked bags.
Carry-On Pets– Review the airline’s policy for specific guidelines, limitations, and restrictions regarding carry-on pets.
Liquids– TSA allows duty-free liquids in a security tamper-evident bag through security.
– Contact TSA if unsure about any liquid item.