Traveling in less than three weeks! Confused with American airlines' bag policy...HELP!?

Question

I'm going to be traveling via American Airlines from n.o. to st croix in less than 3 weeks and I need advice!!

Im probably going to confuse myself just but asking this question...but how many bags am I allowed to bring on my flight? I believe because of the recent changes made by the airline, I can only have 1 bag checked for free and the 2nd bad checked for $25 each way.

So does this mean that the 1 bag that is checked I can use as a carry on...or is this 1 bag the only bag I can bring without having to pay for another? Or does it mean that I can have 1 bag checked to put in my over-head compartment, and another bag stowed away in the cargo?

Oh and another question, I booked my flight online through expedia so do I have to print out my receipt and my itinerary and that would play as my ticket or do I check into the airport and show them a picture id and they issue me a ticket?

Answer 1

Carry on is what you take on the plane. You are allowed 1 carry on plus a hand item such as a purse or laptop.

Checked bags (the bags the airline tags & loads in the belly) - one bag free up to 50 lbs for international travel.

2nd bag - $25 bucks.

Answer 2

go to their website and they should break it down for baggage. as for your ticket it should also be in the confirmation email they send you, when in doubt print the info you have. I fly southwest and i jus need my ID

oh yeah and if you have questions about what you are allowed to carry on the plane check out this site: http://www.faa.gov/passengers/

Answer 3

American recently changed their policy, so it depends on whether your bought your ticket before or after June 15th.

If after June 15th, the first checked bag is $15, the second is $25.  But if your flight is an international one, the first bag is free.

If before June 15th, the first checked bag is free, and I think the second is still $25.

"Checked bag" means a bag that rides in the belly of the plane, and you can't get to it until the plane lands.  It's the opposite of "carryon" which means a bag you carry with you while you're walking in the door of the plane, and then you put it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.  Carryon bags are free, but you are limited to 1 bag + 1 personal item.  A personal item is for instance a purse, laptop bag, sack of drivethru, etc.