Do AAdvantage Members Get Free Checked Bags 

For a newcomer without status in the AAdvantage program to start earning benefits like free checked bags, here are some direct paths to this:

1. Join AAdvantage: Sign up for the American Airlines AAdvantage program. It’s free to join and you can start earning miles immediately for flights, hotels, car rentals, and other services.
2. Fly with American Airlines: You’ll earn miles based on the amount you spend on tickets, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees. These miles count towards earning status.
3. Use Co-Branded Credit Cards: Consider applying for an American Airlines co-branded credit card. Some of these cards offer benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and a fast track to earning elite status through spending.
4. Special Promotions and Partnerships: Keep an eye out for special promotions from American Airlines or its partners that may offer additional miles or status boosts.
5. Reach Elite Status: To start enjoying benefits like free checked bags, you need to reach at least Gold status. You can earn Gold status by accumulating 40,000 Loyalty Points within a calendar year.

Please note! That due to recent changes (June 7, 2023), American Airlines has canceled the free checked baggage privilege on international Basic Economy flights for: Eligible AAdvantage Aviator and Citi / AAdvantage cardmembers (on domestic American Airlines operated itineraries), AAdvantage Gold status, GOL Diamond Smiles members, oneworld® Ruby. 

Leaving these benefits only for members starting from the paid membership level and above, and some credit cards.

What level of AAdvantage membership level gives you the possibility to check bags free of charge

AAdvantage members do receive free checked bags, but the number of free checked bags and the terms depend on the member’s status within the AAdvantage program:

• AAdvantage Gold members are entitled to one free checked bag on all itineraries. This benefit is a significant saving given that American Airlines typically charges between $35 and $40 for the first checked bag within the United States​​.
• AAdvantage Platinum members can check two bags free of charge on all itineraries. This status also provides priority handling for checked baggage​​.
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum members receive three free checked bags. Additionally, these members can check bags weighing up to 70 lbs (32 kg) without incurring overweight fees

These benefits are also available to members with equivalent Oneworld status (oneworld® Ruby, oneworld® Sapphire, oneworld® Emerald) and those traveling in premium classes such as business or first class. 

Keep in mind that the specifics can vary by route and the terms of your fare. 

Check out the updated 2024 baggage rules in our article or on the official American Airlines website for the most up-to-date information.

Which co-branded credit cards offer the benefit of free checked baggage allowance

Here’s a detailed table summarizing the key American Airlines AAdvantage co-branded credit cards, focusing on the free checked bag benefits:

These cards also offer additional travel benefits like priority boarding and inflight discounts, making them quite valuable for regular American Airlines travelers. 

Each card requires the cardholder to add their AAdvantage number to the booking and ensure the card account is open and in good standing prior to travel to avail of the free checked bag benefit​.

Do Veterans Get Free Checked Bags On American Airlines?

Veterans who are not active duty military personnel are not eligible for baggage allowance benefits.

American Airlines offers free checked baggage benefits only to active duty military personnel and cadets of the United States. 

It does not apply to dependents of military personnel, civilian government employees, employees of the U.S. Public Health Service, or inactive members of the Reserve and National Guard.

Screenshot from the AA 

Here’s how military baggage benefits work

1. Active Duty on Orders: If traveling on orders, active U.S. military personnel can check up to 5 bags without any charge. Each bag can weigh up to 100 lbs and measure up to 126 inches in total dimensions.
2. Active Duty on Personal Travel: When traveling for personal reasons, active military members can check up to 3 bags for free, with each bag up to 50 lbs and 62 inches in total dimensions.
3. Dependents Traveling on Orders: Military dependents who are traveling on orders have the same baggage privileges as the military member with whom they are traveling.

It’s important to note that these benefits require a military ID and, if applicable, orders to be presented at the check-in counter. 

The free checked baggage allowance does not apply to codeshare flights operated by American Airlines partners.