Originally Posted by
ricktoronto
It is all available to read on AA.com but vs. making you read YAT (yet another thread), here's what it says:
Bags – One personal carry-on item that fits under the seat (such as a purse or small backpack) is allowed. No overhead bin luggage may be brought on board. Larger carry-ons such as a rollerboard bag must be checked at the ticket counter for the applicable checked-baggage charge. Basic Economy customers who bring more than an under-seat personal item to the gate will incur regular checked baggage charges plus a $25 gate service charge per bag.
Elite customers and eligible AAdvantageŽ credit cardmembers will be allowed to bring one personal item, one rollerboard, and they maintain their current free checked bag allowance.
What you could have done is not bought this terrible class of service. But kiss that bag goodbye for the duration and avoid the fee + their fee for collecting the baggage fee. Or get that AA credit card in the next month or so.
The Basic Economy rules changed a while ago to the following:
Bag details
You can board with 1 carry-on and 1 personal item. The carry-on item must fit in the overhead bin and be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm). The personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you and be no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
In addition to your personal item; instruments, pets and special items that meet our guidelines can be carried on but will be subject to standard charges.
No other items can be carried on; they must be checked at ticket counters.
On the other hand, the overhead bins could already be full when you board in the last group.