American carry-on size

American’s published carry-on size is 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including handles and wheels. One carry-on + one personal item is free on every fare, including Basic Economy. Unlike United Basic Economy (usually personal-item only), AA Basic still includes the overhead bag — but Basic typically boards Group 9, so bins are often full. Plan a free gate-check and keep essentials in the 18 × 14 × 8 in under-seat personal item. No published carry-on weight limit.

Field	American published value
Max dimensions (in)	22 × 14 × 9 in (handles & wheels included)
Max dimensions (cm)	56 × 36 × 23 cm (AA publishes 36 cm width — not Delta’s 35)
Linear	Not the primary published carry-on rule · soft-sided garment bag ≤ 51 in (130 cm) L+W+H
Weight	None published; check the airline for rare route exceptions
Wheels / handles	Included in 22×14×9; must fit airport sizer; label recommended
Fare inclusion	Free on all fares, including Basic Economy
Personal item (cross-ref)	18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm), under seat, free → personal item
Soft-sided garment bag	≤ 51 in (130 cm) total L+W+H
Contrast: United Basic	United BE is usually personal-item only; AA Basic still includes free overhead

Free with every ticket: one size-compliant carry-on (22 × 14 × 9 in / 56 × 36 × 23 cm) plus one personal item (18 × 14 × 8 in / 45 × 35 × 20 cm) — including Basic Economy.

Paid: checked bags only. Domestic Main Cabin tickets issued on/after Apr 9, 2026: 1st $45 online / $50 airport; 2nd $55 / $60. Basic Economy checked bags on tickets issued on/after May 18, 2026 are +$5 vs Main. Full ladders, ticket-issue windows, and status/card/military waivers → American baggage fees.

Unlike United Basic Economy: American Basic includes the overhead carry-on. The traveler risk on Basic is bin space (Group 9 boards last), not a fee for bringing an allowed carry-on — do not invent a gate penalty dollar for an otherwise allowed bag.

• Basic Economy boards last (typically Group 9). AA warns overhead is usually full — plan to gate-check the carry-on and fly with the personal item only onboard. Special-assistance customers may ask to board early.
• American Eagle / regional: limited overhead; if the carry-on is larger than personal-item size, expect valet at the gate (tagged, returned at the jetbridge) — free. ERJ-175 allows a carry-on / no valet (per research).
• Size-check / sizer at the airport — the bag must fit the overhead or under the seat.
• Carry-on weight: none stated as a published US carry-on limit; check the airline for rare route exceptions.
• Instruments / pets / special items beyond the one personal item: standard fees; other items must be checked at the ticket counter.
• When bins are full for an otherwise allowed carry-on, AA’s published language is free valet / free gate-check — do not invent a penalty gate fee.

1. Stay ≤ 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm); measure including wheels and handles.
2. On Basic, pack essentials (meds, chargers, valuables) in the 18 × 14 × 8 in personal item in case bins are full.
3. For checked bags, prepay on aa.com/app when eligible ($5 cheaper on 1st/2nd in core domestic markets) — see baggage fees; ticket-issue date controls the fee table.
4. Don’t confuse AA’s free Basic carry-on with United Basic Economy (personal-item only on most routes).

Soft picks only — measure your packed bag before travel. Look for bags marketed as airline carry-on / “22×14×9” compliant that stay at or under American’s published 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) including wheels and handles. Under-seat companions should stay ≤ 18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm).

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AmazonCard — AA-size carry-on (~22×14×9)
Softside or hardside spinner marketed as carry-on compliant for major U.S. airlines. Confirm the product’s listed exterior dimensions (wheels/handles included) are ≤ 22 × 14 × 9 in before you buy, then re-measure when packed so it clears American’s airport sizer.

AmazonCard — Under-seat personal item (≤18×14×8)
Slim backpack or tote aimed at under-seat fit. Especially useful on Basic Economy (Group 9) when overhead is full and the personal item is the bag you can count on keeping.

When a dedicated BagRule guide goes live, start at /guides/best-carry-on-luggage/ — until then, filter for ≤22×14×9 in and verify yourself.

What is the American Airlines carry-on size limit?

22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including handles and wheels. No published carry-on weight limit; check the airline for rare route exceptions. Soft-sided garment bags: ≤ 51 in (130 cm) L+W+H.

Does American charge for carry-on bags?

No — one size-compliant carry-on plus one personal item is free on all fares, including Basic Economy.

Does Basic Economy include a carry-on on American?

Yes — complimentary carry-on + personal item (unlike United Basic Economy on most domestic routes). Basic typically boards in Group 9, so overhead is often full — plan a free gate-check and keep essentials under the seat.

What if my bag doesn’t fit the American sizer?

Expect to check it (checked-bag fees may apply). On many American Eagle flights, oversized-for-bin carry-ons are valet-tagged free and returned at the jetbridge (ERJ-175 exception: carry-on allowed / no valet).

What is American’s personal item size?

18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm), must fit under the seat, free on all fares. Full detail: American personal item.

Is American carry-on the same as Delta, United, Frontier, or Southwest?

Same common 22×14×9 family as Delta/United (AA publishes 56×36×23 cm; Delta uses 56×35×23). Frontier allows a larger published max (24×16×10) but often charges for it on Basic. Southwest publishes 24×16×10 free on all fares. AA’s advantage vs United BE: free overhead on Basic — with Group 9 bin risk.

Fees and rules change; confirm on aa.com before travel. BagRule is not affiliated with American Airlines.