American Airlines Streamlining Baggage Allowance Policies

Image: PHOTO: An airport baggage carousel. (photo via anyaberkut/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: An airport baggage carousel. (photo via anyaberkut/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 2:42 PM ET, Tue February 23, 2021

American Airlines announced it would start aligning its baggage allowance policies to offer travelers a more consistent and transparent booking experience.

As part of the changes that went into effect Tuesday, Premium Economy tickets will now include two free checked bags on all routes where American provides the enhanced travel experience.

Main Cabin tickets on all long-haul international routes will now include one free checked bag.

American is also introducing a new Basic Economy Plus Bag ticket-which provides a low non-changeable fare with a free checked bag-for flights to Asia, Oceania, India and Israel.

"We want to make American the easiest airline to do business with," American Chief Revenue Officer Vasu Raja said. "To accomplish this, we are creating transparent fare products and policies that are consistent across our global network so customers can clearly choose their experience when they travel with us."

For travel agencies that use new distribution capability (NDC), the airline will offer new packaged fares and corporate experiences, including certain seats, bags and privileges together at the time of booking.

American also announced in partnership with Amadeus that they've renewed their content distribution agreement, continuing to make the airline's flights and services available to Amadeus-powered travel agencies and corporations around the world via the Amadeus Travel Platform.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ice: Explore the Poles the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Way.Friday, September 25, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Darrell Wyatt, Regional Sales Director, and Kevin Rattue, Naturalist, to discover what makes...
Upcoming Webinar
Journey to HawaiiWednesday, September 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 as we take a virtual journey to the islands of Hawaii....
Upcoming Webinar
The Return of Grand VoyagesThursday, October 1, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As luxury travelers seek deeper, more immersive ways to explore the world, demand for extended voyages...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ice: Explore the Poles the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Way.Friday, September 25, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Darrell Wyatt, Regional Sales Director, and Kevin Rattue, Naturalist, to discover what makes...
Upcoming Webinar
Journey to HawaiiWednesday, September 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 as we take a virtual journey to the islands of Hawaii....
Upcoming Webinar
The Return of Grand VoyagesThursday, October 1, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As luxury travelers seek deeper, more immersive ways to explore the world, demand for extended voyages...