What You Need to Know Before Flying With American Airlines

From fare classes to cancellation policies, here’s what to consider before booking your ticket.

Key Information

• American Airlines offers eight fare classes at different price points with varying amenities.
• All fares include a carry-on bag and personal item, though main cabin passengers must pay to check bags.
• Travelers can earn miles through the free AAdvantage loyalty program, which includes additional benefits.

With around 6,800 daily flights serving destinations in over 60 countries worldwide, American Airlines is the largest passenger airline in the United States. Whether you frequently fly American Airlines or simply choose whichever carrier offers the best schedule, you’re likely to board one of its flights at some point.

There are several factors to consider before booking, including fare classes, onboard amenities, baggage fees, and loyalty perks.

American Airlines Fare Classes

American Airlines offers eight fare classes with different amenities and price points. Amenities may vary based on aircraft type and destination.

Flagship First

Available only on select international and transcontinental routes aboard Boeing 777-300 and A321T aircraft, Flagship First is American Airlines’ most premium product. Passengers receive private check-in, priority security and boarding, lounge access, and elevated service. Onboard features include lie-flat semi-enclosed Flagship Suite seats, chef-inspired dining, and luxury amenity kits.

Flagship Business

Flagship Business includes many of the same benefits as Flagship First, such as priority services, lounge access, lie-flat seating, premium dining, and amenity kits, though seating is slightly less spacious. Travelers can upgrade to Flagship Business Plus, which adds up to three checked bags and access to preflight Flagship Dining.

First Class

First class is the highest level of service on non-transcontinental U.S. flights. Passengers enjoy priority airport services, larger seats, and premium meals. Boarding occurs after ConciergeKey members and before business and economy passengers. Reviews vary, with some praising the space and others criticizing service consistency and food quality.

Business

Business class is offered on shorter international routes to destinations such as Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Benefits include priority boarding, lounge access on select flights, wider seats, additional legroom, premium dining, and alcoholic beverages.

Premium Economy

Premium economy offers priority airport privileges, more spacious seating, complimentary entertainment, chef-inspired meals, and amenity kits on select flights. Passengers board in Group 4.

Main Cabin Extra

Main Cabin Extra includes standard economy seating plus extra legroom, early boarding, and complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcohol. These passengers board in Group 5.

Main Cabin

Main cabin tickets include seat selection, complimentary snacks and soft drinks, one carry-on bag, and one personal item. Checked bags are not included. Long-haul flights typically include meals.

Basic Economy

Basic economy is the lowest-priced fare with the most restrictions. Seat selection requires an additional fee, and travelers may be separated if seats aren’t purchased together. Boarding occurs last. Snacks, soft drinks, and entertainment are included.

Flight Changes and Cancellations

All fares can be canceled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking, provided the ticket was purchased at least two days before departure.

After 24 hours, most fare classes allow changes without change fees. Passengers pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more or receive a travel credit if it costs less. Nonrefundable tickets canceled outside the 24-hour window receive a flight credit for future travel. Basic economy fares are more restrictive, though AAdvantage members may qualify for partial credits after a cancellation fee.

Baggage Policies and Fees

All tickets include one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item.

• First class: two to three checked bags up to 70 pounds
• Business class: two checked bags up to 70 pounds
• Premium economy: two checked bags up to 50 pounds
• Main cabin: up to two checked bags up to 50 pounds, usually with fees starting at $35

Fees and policies vary depending on fare type, destination, elite status, credit cards, military status, and bag weight.

Seats and Legroom

Seat size and legroom vary by aircraft and fare class. Flagship fares include lie-flat seats, while first and business class offer wider seats and more legroom than economy. Travelers can check seat dimensions by aircraft type on the American Airlines website or third-party seat maps.

Amenities and Entertainment

All passengers have access to free entertainment and paid Wi-Fi on most flights. Wi-Fi is free for AAdvantage members on equipped aircraft. Entertainment includes movies, TV shows, music, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Skillshare content. Some aircraft feature seat-back screens, while others require personal devices.

Food and beverage offerings vary by route length and cabin. Main cabin passengers may receive snacks, meals, and alcoholic beverages on long-haul flights. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on flights over 250 miles. First-class tickets include snacks, drinks, and full meals on longer routes.

American Airlines Credit Cards

The AAdvantage loyalty program is free, but additional benefits are available through co-branded credit cards:

• AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard – no annual fee, miles on everyday purchases
• Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard – first checked bag free, preferred boarding, $99 annual fee (waived first year)
• Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard – Admirals Club membership, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, $595 annual fee
• Citi/AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard – business-focused rewards, $99 annual fee
• Citi/AAdvantage Globe Mastercard – Admirals Club passes, enhanced mileage earning, $350 annual fee

Full card details and benefits are available on the American Airlines website.