American Airlines: Status, Baggage & Traveler Guide

Planning a trip with American Airlines? We have got you covered. Find live flight updates, check baggage policies, connect to Wi-Fi easily, and get the insider info that makes flying AA simpler.

Flight Status

American Airlines offers real-time tracking across its global network. We recommend checking status starting 24 hours prior to departure.

• Official Tracking: Search by flight number or route at aa.com/status
  
  
• Mobile App: Features "Where is my plane?" tracking to see your aircraft's previous leg and potential inbound delays.
  
  
• Using FlyFiApp :

• Scan Boarding Pass: Scan your QR/Barcode in the FlyFi app to auto-import your gate, seat, and live delay alerts.
• Manual Entry: Enter your flight number (e.g., AA2026) to pin the journey for instant push notifications.
  
  

Inflight Wi-Fi

As of early 2026, American Airlines has launched Free High-Speed Wi-Fi sponsored by AT&T across most of its domestic and narrow body fleet.

• Free Access: Available exclusively for AAdvantage® members on domestic flights.
  
  
• Messaging: Free text-only messaging via iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger is available on most Viasat/Intelsat-equipped aircraft
  
  
• Streaming Quality: The high-speed satellite system supports video streaming and work applications.
  
  
• How to Connect: Enable Airplane Mode > Connect to "aainflight.com" network > Log in with AAdvantage credentials.

View our Full American Airlines Wi-Fi Guide for detailed connectivity steps and international Wi-Fi Packages and pricing.

Baggage Policy & Fees

Understanding the difference between carry-on allowance and checked fees can save you up to $100 per trip.

1. Carry-on & Personal Items (Always Free)

Every passenger, regardless of ticket type (including Basic Economy), is allowed:

• One Personal Item: Must fit under the seat in front of you.Max dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).Examples: Purse, small backpack, or laptop bag.
• One Carry-on Bag: Must fit in the overhead bin.Max dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.
• Note:If you are on a smaller American Eagle® regional plane, you may be asked to "valet" your carry-on at the gate for free due to smaller overhead bins.

2. Checked Baggage Fees (2026 Domestic)

For flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, standard fees are:

• 1st Bag:$35 (if paid online) or $40 (at airport).
• 2nd Bag:$45.
• 3rd Bag:$150
• Standard Limits: Max weight 50 lbs (23 kg) and max linear size 62 inches (length + width + height).

3. International Variations

• Transatlantic/Transpacific: The 1st bag is typically $75 for Basic Economy but Free for Main Cabin and above.
• South America/Asia: Main Cabin usually includes 1 free bag, while Business/First Class includes 2–3 free bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each.

4. How to Get Free Bags

• AAdvantage® Credit Cards: Most co-branded cards (like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select) give you and up to 4 companions a free first checked bag on domestic itineraries.
• Elite Status:AAdvantage Gold members (and Oneworld Ruby) get 1 free bag; Platinum members get 2; and Executive Platinum members get 3 bags up to 70 lbs each.
• Military: Active U.S. military traveling on orders can check up to 5 bags (100 lbs each) for free.

Primary Airport Hubs

American Airlines utilizes a large hub-and-spoke network. Terminal assignments can change, but the primary operations are located as follows:

Customer Support

• General Reservations: 1-800-433-7300 (24/7)
• Baggage Tracking: 1-800-535-5225
• AAdvantage® Support: 1-800-882-8880
• Chat: Available via the American Airlines mobile app.