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American Airlines is a major airline based in the US. In 2024, it flew a staggering 249 million passengers across the globe, making it the most popular airline in the world. Its main hub is at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) but it also has several other bases across the country. Along with its regional brand, American Eagle, American Airlines flies to more than 350 destinations. As mainline American Airlines (excluding American Eagle), the carrier flies to just under 200 destinations.
American Airlines launched back in 1926, making it one of the oldest airlines that is still currently active today. It was also recognised as a "trunk airline" from the 1930s. The airline flies direct to lots of places in the world, with flights across the US, as well as to Europe, all of the Americas and even to destinations in Asia, like China and Japan.
Thanks to its partner airline connections, American Airlines offers connecting flights from the US to virtually anywhere in the world. The airline is one of the founding members of the Oneworld alliance has codeshare agreements with Air Tahiti Nui, Fiji Airways (Air Pacific), Cape Air, Alaska Airlines, Gulf Air, Jetstar Airways and Korean Air.
Skytrax Rating ⭐⭐⭐
American Airlines is a 3-star airline on Skytrax, which is the average airline score. It promises a good level of service.
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Baggage Policy
Carry-on and personal items
All American Airlines passengers can bring:
- 1 personal item - Must fit under the seat (e.g. handbag or laptop bag).
- 1 carry-on bag - Maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches. No weight limit, but must fit in the overhead bin.
- Regional aircraft may require gate-checking larger carry-ons.
Checked baggage rules
- Basic Economy and Main Cabin - From \$40 for the first checked bag on domestic flights (\$35 if paid online).
- Premium Economy, Business and First Class - At least one free checked bag included, with higher allowances for top-tier AAdvantage members.
- Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) or 50 lbs (23kg) in weight.
Special items
American accepts most sports equipment, musical instruments and special items, often counting them as part of your checked allowance. Oversized or overweight fees may apply. Examples include:
- Guitars and violins (can be carried on if overhead space allows)
- Golf clubs, skis and surfboards (special handling fees may apply)
Check-In
Online and airport check-in
American Airlines lets you check in online or via the mobile app starting 24 hours before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international departures. You can:
Airport check-in is available at self-service kiosks, ticket counters and select curbside locations.
Recommended arrival times
To keep your trip stress-free, plan to arrive at least:
Baggage check-in closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights. Boarding typically begins 30-50 minutes before departure, depending on your boarding group and aircraft type.
💡Top tip: Arriving early gives you time to clear security, grab refreshments and reach your gate without rushing. If you’ve booked through Alternative Airlines, you’ll have all your booking details in one place, making check-in smoother and faster.
Fares and Cabin Classes
The main cabin offers Economy seats and standard legroom.
The airline also offers:
- Economy Plus
- Premium Economy
- Business Class
- First Class service
Economy Class
Economy class comes in three fares; Basic Economy, Main Cabin and Main Cabin Extra. All fares include free carry-on baggage, with each increasing fare including things such as free entertainment systems, free snacks, complimentary beer and wine in your flight and extra legroom. Within these fares, you can also book 'Main Cabin Flexible' and 'Main Cabin Fully Flexible' tickets. Main Cabin Flexible and Fully Flexible allow you to make changes and request refunds where applicable - you can also choose your seat at no extra cost.
Economy Class Facilities
Passengers will receive complimentary snacks and soft drinks, free carry on baggage and free entertainment; everything you’ll need to relax in comfort for your flight. Passengers who have selected the higher fare will also be able to select their seat at the point of booking, rather than waiting till check-in.
Economy Class Seats
Economy class seats are basic but comfortable. When choosing Main Cabin Extra, passengers can enjoy extra legroom as they sit at the front of the main cabin, allowing them to stretch out and relax more easily.
Premium Economy Class
Premium Economy passengers enjoy selected special amenities, from privileges in the airport meaning you can swiftly pass through check-in, security and boarding, to a premium experience in the cabin.
Premium Economy Class Facilities
On the plane, passengers will receive amenity bags to help them stay comfortable, refreshed and relaxed. A premium, chef-inspired, meal will also be part of the service, where flight length permits.
Premium Economy Class Seats
Seats are wider in premium economy, with more legroom. The leather seats are also extendable, allowing passengers to adjust to their own personal comfort level. Seats also now feature power charging outlets and USB ports.
Business Class
Business Class tickets allow passengers excellent service and facilities on flights. On short international flights (between the US, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Puerto Rico and South American cities.
Business Class Facilities
Stay connected on your Business Class flight with WIFI on selected aircraft. Passengers will be able to relax in maximum comfort with complimentary pillows and blankets.
What are the Business Class Seats Like?
Business Class seats are wider and allow ample legroom for you to stretch out on board your flight.
More information about American Airlines' business-class cabin is available below in this guide.
First Class
American Airlines passengers receive a 5-star service, from their time on the ground and up in the air. First class passengers get priority of check-in, security boarding, and receiving their checked luggage before other travellers meaning their experience on the ground is swift and seamless.
What does First Class Include?
First Class passengers will receive premium seats, which are wider, have more legroom and lie-flat (on international flights), allowing you to fully relax. First Class passengers will also enjoy a premium dining menu and free entertainment. An amenity kit will also be provided, including skincare and other comfort items such as slippers, pillows and blankets.
Does First Class Facilities Have a First Class Lounge?
Passengers travelling internationally in First Class will enjoy the premium Flagship Lounge in selected hub cities, which includes a spa, showers, food and more.
In-Flight Entertainment
American Airlines offers Live TV and Entertainment services on both domestic and international flights. Sit back and enjoy your flight with an excellent range of free entertainment services.
Movies
On almost all flights, you can stream a wide range of movies to your phone, tablet or laptop. All you have to do is download the American app onto your device. For domestic flights, go to airborne.gogoinflight.com. For international flights, go to aa.viasat.com or aainflight.com. Then click on "Free Entertainment" or "Watch Now." Then select the movie of your choice!
TV
You can access Live TV on your flight. If flying domestically, simply connect to the "gogoinflight" WIFI network and go to airborne.gogoinflight.com. Select Live Television from the menu, then choose a TV channel and enjoy! For those flying internationally, choose the "AA inflight" WIFI network and go to www.aainflight.com. Click on the entertainment tab then choose the TV channel you want to watch. Live TV is not available on American Eagle flights without WIFI.
Onboard Experience
Entertainment and WiFi
Most American Airlines aircraft offer WiFi, with Viasat providing the fastest speeds on many narrowbody jets. Widebody aircraft feature seatback entertainment screens, while many narrowbody flights stream movies, TV and music to your own device via the 'AA-Inflight' network. Content includes Apple TV+ exclusives, live TV and games.
Food and beverage service
- Domestic - Complimentary snacks and soft drinks on most flights over 250 miles, with buy-on-board options for longer routes.
- International long-haul - Free meals and drinks, including beer, wine and spirits.
- Premium cabins - Multi-course meals designed by chefs, paired with premium wines and spirits.
Amenities
- Power outlets and USB ports available on most aircraft.
- Premium Economy - Wider seats, extra recline and adjustable footrests.
- Business & First Class - Lie-flat seats, comfort kits with toiletries, noise-reducing headphones and priority service.
Whether you’re flying across the country or across the world, American Airlines combines in-flight connectivity, dining and comfort to suit every cabin and budget.
AAdvantage Loyalty Program
AAdvantage is American Airlines’ frequent flyer program, rewarding members with miles for flights and partner purchases. It uses a Loyalty Points system with four elite tiers: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum. Higher tiers unlock perks like bonus miles, free checked bags, upgrades and priority services.
Earning and redeeming miles
You can earn miles by:
- Flying with American or oneworld partner airlines
- Using an AAdvantage credit card
- Shopping, dining or booking hotels with program partners
Miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, car rentals, hotels and more.
Oneworld Alliance benefits
As a founding oneworld member, American Airlines connects you to over 900 destinations in 170+ countries through 13 partner airlines. Benefits include:
- Global lounge access for eligible elite members
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling
- Reciprocal mileage earning and redemption across all member airlines
The program also offers lifetime elite status for the most loyal travellers, making it a strong choice for frequent flyers.
Deals and Discounts
Finding deals and using promo codes
At Alternative Airlines, you can search and compare American Airlines flights alongside 600+ other carriers to find the best fare. Take advantage of our seasonal flight promotions and apply valid promo codes at checkout for extra savings.
Flexible payment methods
We offer 40+ ways to pay for your American Airlines booking, including:
Tips for saving on American Airlines flights
- Book early - Fares often rise closer to departure.
- Be flexible - Flying midweek or outside peak hours can be cheaper.
- Mix and match - Compare one-way tickets across different airlines for the best value.
- Best Fare Finder - Find the cheapest days to fly with American Airlines.
By booking through Alternative Airlines, you get choice, flexibility and control over how you pay, helping you travel with American Airlines in a way that works for your budget.
Best Time to Book American Airlines Flights
How much do American Airlines flights cost?
American Airlines fares can vary widely depending on route, season and booking window.
Domestic one-way tickets often start from under $100 during sales, while long-haul international flights can range from $400-$1,200+ depending on destination and cabin class.
Best times to book or travel
- For US domestic flights, aim to book 1-3 months ahead.
- For international trips, booking 3-6 months in advance can secure better prices.
- Travelling in shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) often means lower fares and fewer crowds.
When searching with Alternative Airlines, you can quickly compare American Airlines fares across dates and routes, helping you spot the best deals without endless browsing.
Complete list of American Airlines destinations
American Airlines serves 230+ destinations within the United States, connecting major cities, regional hubs and holiday hotspots. Its extensive domestic network makes it easy to find convenient flight times and connections.
Alternatives to American Airlines
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Special Services
Military discounts and benefits
- American Airlines offers special fares and benefits for active-duty US military personnel, including free checked bags and priority boarding on select fares.
- We recommend carrying valid military ID when travelling.
Travelling with pets and service animals
- Small pets can travel in the cabin on most domestic flights and select international routes, provided they meet carrier size and health requirements.
- Larger animals may need to travel as checked baggage or cargo.
- Service animals fly free when they meet American’s documentation and behaviour standards.
Bereavement and emergency bookings
- For urgent trips, American Airlines may offer flexible booking and change options, though proof is often required. When you book through Alternative Airlines, you can add our Cancellation Protection at checkout, giving you the option to claim a refund if you can’t travel due to emergency situations, including bereavement.
- Availability and pricing vary, so contact the airline directly or speak to our Customer Service team for help arranging last-minute travel in these situations.
When booking through Alternative Airlines, you can compare fares, check pet travel rules and secure flights quickly, even in time-sensitive circumstances. Our Customer Service team are here to help make your travel planning as stress-free as possible.
Hub Airport
Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport is the main international airport serving Dallas. It is the main hub airport also for UPS Airlines and Ameriflight. It has seven runways and receives nearly 65 million passengers every year.
Other airlines that use Dallas/Fort Worth as its hub include Frontier, Spirit Airlines, Envoy Air, Skywest Airlines, Volaris, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, United Express and previously Air Jamaica and ATA Airlines.
Fleet
The fleet includes Airbus A319-100, Airbus A320-200, Airbus A321-200, Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft.