
Whether you're flying for business, vacation, or an upcoming tournament, managing baggage can be a significant challenge, particularly when carrying multiple or oversized bags. While minimizing luggage is easy for short trips, you need more space for an adventure sports tour. Whether it's a skiing adventure or a golf tournament, traveling with sports equipment can add more complexity to your journey.
American Airlines is one of the largest and most preferred airlines for travelers, with an extensive network of flights operating globally. The US flag carrier has specific guidelines, especially regarding sports equipment. If you are traveling with AA anytime soon, make sure you know the baggage restrictions the airline sets. Adhering only to the sports equipment, we have tried to gather as much information as possible to ensure you did not end up paying extra at the airport. Let us understand American Airlines' sports equipment policy, including rules for fees, elite members, and first-time flyers.
American Airlines Sports Equipment Allowance and Requirements:
There is a list of sports gear one can carry onboard with American Airlines; however, some restrictions are set to the weight and dimension. The maximum linear size, length + width + height, must not exceed 115 in. The maximum weight set is 70 lbs. This is also subject to change, depending on the cargo space and size of the aircraft. If you are traveling from Madrid, Spain, a maximum length set for a checked item cannot exceed 43 in.
Here is a list of sports gear you are allowed to carry onboard. These are subject to a standard checked bag fee if they fall under the restricted weight category of 50 lbs.
Accepted Sports Equipment
- Antlers and Archery Equipment
- Baseball Bats
- Bicycles
- Bowling, Camping, Curling, and Fencing Equipment
- Fishing Gear
- Golf, Hockey, Cricket, and Lacrosse Gear
- Oars and Paddles
- Parachutes
- Scuba Gear
- Shooting Equipment
- Skateboards, Skis, and Snowboards
- Tennis, Badminton, Squash, or Racquetball Equipment
- Windsurfing Gear
Gears such as antlers, scuba gear, and windsurfing have a weight limitation of 70 lbs, and the baggage fee charged for the equipment will be approximately $150. The rest of the equipment is liable for the standard checked bag fee, around $30 to $40.
Carrying sports equipment aboard American Airlines
Sports gear is expensive and needs special care, so American Airlines requests every passenger to pack these with extra care. The airline will only be liable if any damage is caused to well-packed sports equipment.
Bicycles: Partially disassemble the parts and deflate the tires. Use foam to pack the bicycle and keep the helmet in a bike-specific bag with padded protection.
Surfboards, Skis, and Snowboards Golf clubs: These must be packed in a hard- or soft-sided bag solely designed for keeping these gears. Note that wingless golf clubs' load strips and lighters or torches for applying ski wax are prohibited.
Shooting Equipment: You must carry only unloaded rifles or shotguns. A hard-sided case with a lock must be used to ensure safety.
Scuba Gears: To carry scuba gear with a tank, make sure it is completely disconnected from the cylinder. It should be packed in a case with an opening to allow a visual inspection inside.
Whichever sports equipment you carry, make sure it is packed in hard-sided cases. It is always advisable to notify the airline at least 72 hours before the departure for a smoother check-in process.
American Airlines Sports Equipment Policy for Elite Passengers
American Airlines has a class division to provide extra amenities and comfort to passengers depending on their budget preferences. Passengers flying as Oneworld Emerald customers can carry baggage up to 70 lbs free of charge for CK/EP/PRO. There is no additional fare benefit charge for AAdvantage Elite passengers, Oneworld elites, and credit card holders; however, they can use their baggage allowance to check sports equipment for free. They can also check sporting equipment bags weighing up to 70 pounds without any additional charges.