From FlyerGuide Wiki
[edit] Luggage and Baggage
Before relying on this information, be sure to check out AA Baggage Information.
[edit] How much will I pay to check my baggage in?
Customers who purchased domestic economy class tickets May 12, 2008, through June 14, 2008, may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008, will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. $100 is charged per piece for the 3rd, 4th and 5th checked bags, and $200 per piece for the 6th checked bag and any additional pieces. Baggage charges are higher for bags exceeding 62 in/157 cm or / and weighing over 23 kg / 50 lbs; baggage measuring more than 115 in/292 cm will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Exceptions include those flying on purchased First or Business Class tickets, those who purchase full-fare economy tickets, AAdvantage elite members and military members flying on orders.
[edit] Can I check in my bags at a non-airport location?
Yes, AA has a new program called AAdvance Bag Check which lets you drop of your bags in a number of convenient locations including Boston, Chicago, Coronado, Dallas, Honolulu, Lake Buena Vista, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Francisco. Pricing starts at $10 per person. These are oriented to cruise and convention passengers primarily.
[edit] Can I simply ship my bags?
Yes - some people ship bags via FedEx, UPS, DHL and a number of luggage forwarding services.
[edit] What if my bags are overweight/oversized?
Pay according to AA's schedules.
[edit] How much should I tip a Skycap to help get my bags to the check-in?
Some of the airports charge $2. It is important to realize that the $2 fee is not a tip. In general it is good etiquette to tip a couple of dollars per bag on top of the fee. Be extra generous if a Skycap needs to assist you for a longer period of time.
[edit] Do I have to re-check my bags when flying internationally?
It's complicated and depends on a number of factors - such as where you're connecting and where you have to clear customs. Best thing to do is to ask the check-in agent.
[edit] Can I check my bags through via another airline?
This process is known as Baggage Interlining. See Interline Ticketing and Bags. You can't interline with Southwest or JetBlue, for instance.
[edit] I have two itineraries, can I have my bags go all the way through?
Show the check-in agent both itineraries and depending on the airline of the second itinerary (see above), he/she may be able to check the bags all the way through via interlining. Note that if you are going to do an overnight stop in a city, then you will most likely have to pick up your bags.
[edit] I want to fly my pet as cargo; can I?
Yes, but there are requirements and fees to be paid. Check the AA Traveling With Pets page: [1]
[edit] Who should I go see about missing or damaged luggage?
You must report the missing or damaged bag to the last carrier that you travelled on before leaving the airport. In many cases, that carrier will contact the interim carriers to try to locate it. Some people keep with their carry-on bags a photo of their checked-in luggage; it may help to include an itinerary and basic contact information on top of your packed goods inside the bag, and some include it in a marked external tag.
AA has a bag claim status page that you can use to check the status of your claim. See also the FT thread on the service.
AA's information on delayed and missing baggage and a FlyerTalk Thread on damaged bags.
[edit] What about compensation for expensive items?
Most airlines do not cover documents, electronic, photographic, jewelry or a number of other valuable items. Maximum compensation is determined by international agreements (Warsaw or Montreal Conventions) and whether the itinerary is domestic or international.
[edit] My bag was damaged; can I request compensation?
Maybe - but the airline will not cover wear (scuffs, etc.) nor any "protrusion" such as handles, wheels, and the like.
[edit] Will my bags be on the same plane with me?
Likely they will be. Note that for all international flights, bags are supposed to be on the same flight as you. For domestic flights, sometimes they may arrive on an earlier flight. If you are conservative in choosing your domestic connections, consider inspecting the luggage office and "cages" when you arrive, just in case your bags made it onto an earlier flight.
[edit] My bags were delayed, can I get some compensation?
AA may refund "Consequential Expenses" and in some circumstances provide miles. Check the Compensation article for information on what others have received.
[edit] Can I check in additional bags en route?
According to this thread, you can. Be sure to be aware of your baggage allowance.
[edit] I want some of those cool AA luggage tags!
We have a whole article on the subject....Luggage tags
