American Airlines — Complete Airline Guide 2026

Fort Worth, Texas · Founded 1930 · Oneworld

American Airlines is the world's largest airline by fleet size and revenue, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. As the flagship carrier of the Oneworld alliance, American operates an extensive domestic and international route network from nine hub airports. The airline merged with US Airways in 2013, creating the current mega-carrier. American offers three cabin classes on most domestic flights (First, Main Cabin Extra, Main Cabin) and up to four on international routes (Flagship First, Flagship Business, Premium Economy, Main Cabin).

Alliance Oneworld Loyalty AAdvantage Fleet ~950 aircraft Hubs 9

American Hub Airports

American Airlines operates from 9 hub airports across the United States:

American Terminal Locations at U.S. Airports

Find which terminal American Airlines uses at airports across the U.S. Click the airport code to see the full airport guide with maps, dining, and more.

CodeAirportTerminalGates
ATLAtlantaConcourse DD1–D42
BOSBostonTerminal BB1–B38
BWIBaltimore/WashingtonConcourse DD1–D20
CLTCharlotteConcourse A, Concourse B, Concourse CA1–A22, B1–B25, C1–C16
DCAWashington NationalTerminal B, Terminal C (New)B10–B37, C39–C59
DENDenverConcourse CC28–C53
DFWDallas/Fort WorthTerminal A, Terminal B, Terminal CA1–A39, B1–B46, C1–C39
DTWDetroitNorth TerminalGates 1–28
EWRNewarkTerminal BB1–B20
FLLFort LauderdaleTerminal 3Gates F1–F10, G1–G12
HNLHonoluluTerminal 2 (Lobby 5–8)Gates 31–60
IADWashington DullesConcourse C/DC1–C22, D1–D28
IAHHouston IntercontinentalTerminal EE1–E24
JFKNew York JFKTerminal 8Gates 1–50
LASLas VegasTerminal 1 (Gates A, B, C, D)A1–A19, B1–B26, C1–C24, D1–D46
LAXLos AngelesTerminal 4, Terminal 5Gates 40–49, Gates 50–59
LGANew York LaGuardiaTerminal B (New)Concourses 1–4
MCOOrlandoSouth Terminal (Gates 70–129)Gates 70–129
MIAMiamiNorth Terminal (Concourse D), South Terminal (Concourses H & J)D1–D60, H1–H17, J1–J30
MSPMinneapolisTerminal 1 — LindberghC1–C25, D1–D12, E1–E18, F1–F17, G1–G25
ORDChicago O'HareTerminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L)G1–G21, H1–H20, K1–K20, L1–L20
PDXPortlandConcourse BB1–B8
PHLPhiladelphiaTerminals A-West & A-East, Terminals B & C, Terminal FA1–A30, B1–B20, C1–C30, F1–F14
PHXPhoenixTerminal 4 — North, Terminal 4 — SouthN1–N28, S1–S12
SANSan DiegoTerminal 2 (East & West)Gates 30–55
SEASeattleConcourses C & DC1–C20, D1–D12
SFOSan FranciscoTerminal 2D1–D18
SLCSalt Lake CityConcourse BB1–B28
TPATampaAirside FF80–F95

American Baggage Policy & Fees

Here's what American Airlines charges for baggage. Fees may vary by route, fare class, and elite status. Always confirm on American Airlines's website ↗.

Baggage Policy

Carry-on1 carry-on bag (22×14×9 in) + 1 personal item, free for all passengers
1st Checked Bag$35 domestic, free for elite members and premium cabins
2nd Checked Bag$45 domestic

American Check-In Tips

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure via aa.com or the AA app. Boarding passes can be mobile or printed. Curbside check-in is available at most airports. Check-in counters close 45 minutes before domestic departures and 60 minutes before international flights.

Seat selection: Basic Economy fares receive seat assignments at check-in. Main Cabin and above can select seats for free at booking. Preferred seats and exit rows available for a fee or free to elites.

AAdvantage — American's Frequent Flyer Program

AAdvantage is American's loyalty program. Members earn miles on flights, credit card purchases, and partner activities. Elite tiers include Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum, each unlocking upgrades, lounge access, priority boarding, and bonus miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What terminals does American Airlines use?

American Airlines operates from dedicated terminals at its hub airports. At DFW, American uses all five terminals (A through E). At ORD, it's Terminal 3. At JFK, Terminal 8. At LAX, Terminals 4 and 5. At MIA, Concourses D, E, and H/J. Terminal assignments vary by airport — check the airline directory on each airport's page.

Does American Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

Standard carry-on bags (one bag + one personal item) are free for all American Airlines passengers, including Basic Economy. However, Basic Economy passengers on certain routes may have overhead bin restrictions.

What is American Airlines' cancellation policy?

American offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking for tickets purchased at least 2 days before departure. Non-refundable tickets can be changed for a fee or used as trip credit. Refundable tickets can be cancelled for a full refund anytime.

What alliance is American Airlines in?

American Airlines is a founding member of Oneworld, one of the three major global airline alliances. Oneworld partners include British Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and others, allowing reciprocal benefits like lounge access and mileage earning.

Explore American Hub Airports