Basic luggage allowance question (American Airlines)

[DanP]

Maybe I missed it but could not find a decisive answer on their website:

AA says I am allowed 2 checked bags with a weight limit of 50 lbs. Does this mean 2 x 50lbs bags, or is the 50lbs limit per passenger?

Thanks in advance trying to avoid calling them and being on hold forever...

 

[braumeister]

Depends where you're traveling, but normally a weight limit is for all checked bags.

 

[MichaelB]

Methinks the 50 lb weight limit is per checked bag.

 

[Sunset]

In the USA it's 50lbs per bag. Be careful if you are near the limit as the overage fee is expensive.

 

[Aerides]

Pretty sure it's per bag, and then there are additional charges for bags over 50, and over 70. Some countries have different limits as well.

Heck I can almost get my carry on close to 50!

 

[tmm99]

I believe it's per bag. I've seen people switching items around two bags to make both bags below 50lbs. The limit must have something to do with people's lifting restrictions.

 

[Big_Hitter]

Methinks the 50 lb weight limit is per checked bag.

I think you are correct - I flew Saturday and that was the limit on UA

 

[Rickt]

50Lb per checked in bag.
Depending on where you are traveling to the airline may allow one or two checked in bags

 

[aja8888]

Heck I can almost get my carry on close to 50!

My DW can too! I usually put the spillover in my 1/2 empty bag.

 

[audreyh1]

Methinks the 50 lb weight limit is per checked bag.

Agreed.

 

[Aerides]

I believe it's per bag. I've seen people switching items around two bags to make both bags below 50lbs. The limit must have something to do with people's lifting restrictions.

Yes, I remember now we did this one going international.

 

[Bamaman]

I don't care what the airline limits me to. I limit myself to a 21" rolling carry on bag with a maximum weight of 22 lbs. Anyone can travel indefinitely with that weight if they pack properly.

And I never check a bag due to past airline problems.

I remember my poor father hauling my mother's suitcases all over the world--poor guy. Might have traveled another 5 years had she not burdened him so much.

 

[HarveyS]

Weight is per bag. Weight limit depends on where you are flying to. Most countries are 50 lbs. However, for example, flying to/from Brazil has a limit of 70 lbs. I don't know why, but that's the way it is.

 

[DanP]

Thanks folks, seems like consensus is 50 lbs / bag, great!

Flying from US to Europe, for my type of fare the allowance is 2 bags.

 

[DanP]

Update should it help someone else: AA replied via email confirming that their policy is 50 lbs / bag, not per passenger.

 

[Souschef]

It pays to invest in a luggage scale. That way you can do the juggling at home as opposed to the floor of the airport. FWIW, I saw an area at an LAX terminal marked as a repacking zone.