Personal-item bag · 16.5 × 11.8 × 5.9 in (41.9 × 30 × 15 cm)
Fits 3.8 cm (1.5 in) to spare on the length
American Airlines Basic Economy: what bags you can bring
Personal item
18 × 14 × 8 in
Included on Basic Economy.
Carry-on
22 × 14 × 9 in
Included on Basic Economy. Full carry-on allowed, but boards last (Group 9); AA warns bins are often full, so plan to check the carry-on.
Checked against American Airlines' pages on 5 October 2026 · All American Airlines fares and rules
How Basic Economy compares with American Airlines' other fares
| Fare | Personal item | Carry-on | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Included | Included | Full carry-on allowed, but boards last (Group 9); AA warns bins are often full, so plan to check the carry-on. |
| Main Cabin and above | Included | Included | Same 1 carry-on + 1 personal item allowance. |
Personal-item bags that fit American Airlines
Even with a carry-on allowed, Basic Economy boards last, so the overhead bins may be full. A bag that fits under the seat is the one you know you can keep. These fit with at least 1 cm to spare on every side:
Personal-item bag · 16.5 × 11.8 × 5.9 in (41.9 × 30 × 15 cm)
Fits 3.8 cm (1.5 in) to spare on the length
Personal-item bag · 15.4 × 12.6 × 5.9 in (39.1 × 32 × 15 cm)
Fits 3.6 cm (1.4 in) to spare on the width
Personal-item bag · 15.6 × 12.2 × 7.5 in (39.6 × 31 × 19.1 cm)
Fits 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to spare on the depth
Personal-item bag · 15.6 × 12.2 × 7.5 in (39.6 × 31 × 19.1 cm)
Fits 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to spare on the depth
Personal-item bag · 41.9 × 28.4 × 15.2 cm (16.5 × 11.2 × 6 in)
Fits 3.8 cm (1.5 in) to spare on the length
Personal-item bag · 42.9 × 29 × 16 cm (16.9 × 11.4 × 6.3 in)
Fits 2.8 cm (1.1 in) to spare on the length
Personal-item bag · 34 × 19 × 15 cm (13.4 × 7.5 × 5.9 in)
Fits 5.3 cm (2.1 in) to spare on the depth
All bags that fit American Airlines → · Basic economy on other airlines →
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Questions people ask
Can I bring a carry-on on American Airlines Basic Economy?
Yes. Full carry-on allowed, but boards last (Group 9); AA warns bins are often full, so plan to check the carry-on.
What size is the personal item on American Airlines Basic Economy?
18 × 14 × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm). It has to fit under the seat in front of you.
What happens if I bring a full-size carry-on on Basic Economy?
American Airlines will check it at the gate; the airline doesn't publish the fee on its baggage page.
Airline staff have the final say at the gate. Will This Bag Fit is independent and not affiliated with American Airlines.