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Driving in France Requirements Checklist

What do i need to drive in france, the legal requirements checklist.

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Driving in France Kit

Other legal requirements, position in vehicle, type of seat/restraint, the 'not so' legal requirements, european breakdown cover, fire extinguisher, breathalysers.

Spectacles, Glasses

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Coming to France? Your Covid-19 questions answered

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French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures.

This FAQ supplements the information on the Conseils aux voyageurs (Travel advice, in French only) section.

— Last updated on 26 August 2022 —

What are the rules relating to the vaccine pass?

Since 14 March 2022, the “vaccine pass” has been lifted in France in all areas where it was previously required (cultural and leisure venues, commercial catering, professional trade shows, etc.). Similarly, the COVID certificate is no longer required as of 1 August 2022.

What are the current rules applied at national borders?

Since the outset of the crisis, the health check system at borders has protected our healthcare system and delayed the arrival into France of worrying variants. This system was removed on 1 August 2022.

Therefore, the rules previously in place for travellers to France no longer apply :

Travellers no longer have any formalities to complete before arriving into mainland or overseas France, and the COVID certificate can no longer be required, irrespective of the country or area of origin;
Proof of a compelling reason for travel can no longer be required ;
Travellers no longer need to present a sworn declaration that they are not infected with COVID-19 and pledge to take an antigen test or biological exam upon arrival in France. This also applies to travel between mainland France and each of the overseas territories.

However, in the event of a dangerous variant, a system requiring a negative virological test upon entering France may be reinstated for travellers arriving from countries believed to be at risk.

The government will thus maintain the option to use “emergency brake” measures for a maximum period of two months, following a recommendation from the Haute autorité de santé (French National Authority for Health) in the event of the emergence and circulation of a new COVID-19 variant which can be a serious health risk, or in overseas territories, if the health system is at risk of saturation.

Furthermore, for foreign travel, a vaccination certificate, a negative test certificate or proof of recovery in EU format may be required by the destination country. It is also recommended to store all relevant documents on the TousAntiCovid application or print them out.

For the health rules in force for entering other countries, travellers should visit the “ Conseils aux voyageurs ” section on the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website (in French only).

What are the rules concerning mask-wearing in France?

Mask-wearing is no longer mandatory in establishments open to the public, nor on board maritime, river, land and air transport;
Mask-wearing continues to be recommended in enclosed and small spaces, and at large gatherings for vulnerable persons due to their age;
It is also highly recommended in hospitals and retirement homes.
Details on travelling to and from France

Entry Requirements for American Travelers to France

Passports and visas.

All U.S. and Canadian citizens, including infants, need a valid passport to enter France. Visas are not required for American and Canadian visitors staying in France for up to 90 days. For more information, contact your nearest French Consulate. See a list of local French consulates in the U.S. (External link)

It is mandatory in France to carry some form of identification at all times. If you lose your passport, the nearest U.S. Consulate will issue Americans a limited-validity replacement if travel is imminent, or a full-validity passport if further travel is not within two weeks. When in France, please carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. The copy will facilitate issuance of a replacement ($75 fee for adults, $85 for children). The American Embassy in Paris is at 2, avenue Gabriel, tel. 01 43 12 22 22. The Passport Section is nearby at 4, avenue Gabriel (open 9a.m.-noon, Monday- Friday). There are other Consular Offices in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Rennes, Strasbourg and Toulouse that provide assistance to American citizens.

Entering France : Travelers from countries outside the European Union (EU) must declare certain articles when entering France. Duty and import taxes are levied on items not for personal use that individually or collectively exceed 175€ in value. Certain categories of items for personal use (tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, coffee and tea, etc.) may be brought in untaxed up to certain authorized amounts. The following are forbidden or subject to strict control: drugs, radioactive materials, firearms, endangered species, plants, ivory and food, meat and dairy products. Carry prescriptions to authenticate any controlled substances. “Monetary instruments” equal to more than 10,000€ (whether brought into or taken out of France) must be declared. When in doubt, consult the French Embassy (External link) , a French Consulate or the French Customs and Excise Service's “ Info Douanes Service (External link) ” in Paris at tel. 08 20 02 44 44 (8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday)

Re-entering the U.S. : Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You're charged a flat rate of duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases, and any dollar amount beyond that is subject to duty at whatever rates apply. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is $200. Have your receipts or purchases handy to expedite the declaration process. Note: If you owe duty, you are required to pay upon your arrival in the United States, using cash, personal check, government or traveler's check, or money order; some locations also accept Visa or MasterCard.

BRINGING YOUR PETS TO FRANCE

Travelers may bring dogs, cats and ferrets into France. Each family is limited to five animals, which must have valid rabies vaccination certificates and be identifiable by a microchip or tattoo. For more information, including details about travel with pet rodents, reptiles, birds or other species, visit www.ambafrance-us.org or contact the French Embassy.

FACEBOOK - France in the US on Facebook (External link)
TWITTER - Follow the Embassy on Twitter (External link)

Practical info

Getting Married in France

Customs and Visas

Driving in France

Security measures in France

Regulation about smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs

Civil Unions in France?

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad
Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in France set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact France’s Embassy in the UK .

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Public spaces

You’re strongly recommended to wear a face mask in health settings. In some areas, people aged 6 and above may need to wear a face mask.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the French Embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Passport stamping

At French border control, you may need to:

show proof of where you intend to stay, for example, a hotel booking or proof of address if visiting your own property
show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance
show a return or onward ticket
prove that you have enough money for your whole stay

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through France as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

If you live in France, read our Living in France guide for passport stamping information.

Proof of accommodation and funds

You may need to show proof of where you intend to stay. Read about documents you may need for short stays on the French government website . This will differ depending on where you are staying.

Staying with family, friends or a third party

You may be asked to provide an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) from your host. The French resident hosting you must get the ‘attestation d’accueil’ from their local mayor’s office, and send the original ‘attestation’ before you enter France. Be prepared to show proof that you have at least €32.50 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

Second homes in France

You will need to be able to prove ownership or tenancy of your property, such as a tax or utility bill.

Staying in a hotel or other commercial accommodation

You may be asked for confirmation of your reservation when entering France. Be prepared to show proof that you have at least €65 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

Other circumstances

If you do not have an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) or any pre-booked accommodation, you may be asked to prove you have at least €120 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

For more information on these requirements, visit the French government’s website on travel conditions for British citizens.

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

as a tourist
to visit family or friends
to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to France and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you will need to meet the French government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you may need on the France Visas website .

If you are travelling to France for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in France with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

British citizens who cannot return to the UK before their visa, permit or visa-free limit expires should contact their local prefecture in France .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of France. Check the French Directorate General of Customs and Excise website . Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

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The Best Vacations and Tours Packages to Paris, France

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Is it safe to travel to France? The latest advice

T he French government has raised its terror alert to the highest possible level, “emergency”, following the terror attack in Moscow that left more than 135 people dead.

French prime minister Gabriel Attal said the decision was taken “in light of the Islamic State’s claiming responsibility for the [Moscow] attack and the threats weighing on our country”.

France’s terror threat system has three levels. The highest level is announced if there is a terrorist attack in France or overseas, or if an attack on French soil is considered to be imminent.

France was already on high alert for potential terrorist attacks, with the Paris Olympics and Paralympics due to take place in the capital this summer.

The updated terror alert comes just days before the UK Easter school holidays, when thousands of British holidaymakers will travel across the Channel for a getaway.

What is the Foreign Office advice for France?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) France advice, which was last updated on February 20, reads: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.”

“Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities,” the FCDO adds.

The FCDO lists shopping centres, entertainment establishments, cultural events, public transport and places of worship as settings where “indiscriminate” terrorism attacks could take place.

Check the France FCDO page for the latest advice.

What happened in the Moscow terror attack?

On Friday, terrorists carried out an attack at the Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow, killing at least 137 and injuring 140.

Four men, all of whom are citizens of Tajikistan, have been formally charged with committing a group terrorist attack. The attack has been claimed by the Afghanistan-based Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) group.

On March 7, the United States warned its citizens in Russia that extremists had “imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow” and specifically mentioned concert venues. It advised Americans to avoid large gatherings.

What should I do if I get caught up in a terrorist attack?

Britain’s counter-terrorism police gives advice on what to do in the event of an emergency . This includes to run to a place of safety: “This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate.” To hide: “It is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so.” And to tell: “Make sure you know the local emergency numbers in the country you are travelling to. For all EU countries call 112.”

Have there been recent terrorist attacks in France?

There have been a number of terrorist attacks in France over the past decade. In January 2015, eight cartoonists, two guests and two police officers were murdered at the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo . The gunmen identified as belonging to al-Qaeda.

In November that year, in the deadliest terrorist attack in French history, 131 people were killed and 413 were injured in a series of shooting and grenade attacks at the Bataclan music venue, near the Stade de France and at several restaurants and bars across Paris. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.

In July 2016, 86 people were killed and 434 injured in Nice after a 19-tonne cargo truck was driven into crowds during Bastille Day celebrations on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Again Islamic State claimed responsibility.

What if I want to cancel my trip to France?

If you have booked a package holiday to France and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates.

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any advice against travel to France, there is no guarantee that you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

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France was already on high alert in advance of the Olympics, but this has now been upgraded to 'emergency' - Shutterstock

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Many travelers have France on their minds, especially with the 2024 Olympic Games coming up in Paris. And what better way to fly to any country than on its namesake airline and flag carrier?

But, is Air France actually good? Here's our breakdown of what travelers considering flying to France or beyond need to know about Air France.

» Learn more: The best airlines to fly to France

What is the Air France experience?

From booking to boarding, here's each step of flying on Air France.

Making reservations: If you're determined to fly Air France, you can head straight to Air France's website to search and book your flight. However, you'll usually be better served by searching through a flight aggregator such as Google Flights . After finding a good fit, Google Flights will link you to Air France for booking.

Check-in: Air France's online check-in opens 30 hours before departure — except for flights from Atlanta or Detroit, for which check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure for Air France flights departing the U.S.

Boarding: Air France groups passengers into five zones for boarding. Elite members and premium cabin passengers board in Sky Priority zones 1 and 2, while economy passengers are grouped into zones 3 through 5.

(Photo courtesy of Air France)

In-flight experience: Air France offers an extensive library of movies and TV shows to help pass long-haul flights, with free headphones provided. Food and drink options will vary based on your service class and flight length. Air France offers Wi-Fi on 90% of its aircraft fleet, with three different speed options available for purchase.

Different fare types listed on Air France's website.

Fare types: There are four classes of service on Air France : La Première (first class), business class , premium economy and economy .

» Learn more: Air France Business Class review

Air France reviews

Airlines understandably showcase their best elements in advertisements. So, that's why it's important to get advice from independent sources on just how good an airline is — and Air France is generally regarded as one of the best airlines in the world in independent award ratings.

In the Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2023 , Air France was voted #7 in the world — placing the airline ahead of stalwarts Cathay Pacific Airways, EVA Air and Korean Air. While it didn't take top honors in any individual field, Air France scored high marks in the Skytrax 2023 rankings in the following areas:

World's Best First Class (#2).

Best Airline in Europe (#2).

Best Airline Staff in Europe (#2).

World's Best Business Class (#7).

World's Best Premium Economy (#8).

In-Flight Entertainment (#10).

World's Best Economy Class (#16).

World's Cleanest Airline (#19).

Best Airport Services (#20).

However, Air France failed to land in the top 20 for Best Airline Cabin Crew Worldwide and finished outside the top 10 in the world's most family-friendly airlines.

Air France is one of 34 airlines with a five-star rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).

Other independent rating awards won by Air France include Business Traveler USA's Best First Class in the World and the World Traveler Awards' Europe Leading Airline 2023.

Air France safety record

According to AirlineRatings.com , Air France's safety rating is 7 out of 7 stars. Air France hasn't had a fatal crash in the past 10 years.

This is an improvement from recent audits. In a 2022 blog post, AirlineRatings explained that it downgraded Air France's safety rating after it was revealed that two of the airline's pilots got into a physical fight midflight. Reportedly, cabin crew had to intervene to ensure the safety of the flight.

This incident came to light just days after the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) released a report indicating that Air France's pilots weren't rigorous about following safety procedures.

Air France's loyalty program

Air France shares a loyalty program with Netherlands-based KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and smaller airline Transavia. The joint loyalty program is called Flying Blue.

Despite being a European-based loyalty program, Flying Blue partners with most major U.S.-based transferable point programs, including:

American Express Membership Rewards .

Capital One Miles .

Chase Ultimate Rewards ®.

Citi ThankYou Points .

Marriott Bonvoy .

Bilt Rewards .

Flying Blue used to use a convoluted pricing scheme for award redemptions based on the origin and destination of the flight. However, it recently standardized award rates. While Flying Blue doesn't publish award rates, travelers have found that Flying Blue award rates between the U.S. and Europe now start at:

20,000 Flying Blue miles in economy.

35,000 Flying Blue miles in premium economy.

50,000 Flying Blue miles in business.

Air France often runs monthly award discount programs that can reduce the cost even more. However, be wary if you see award rates that seem too good to be true. In December 2023, Air France ran a flash sale that discounted business class awards to Europe to just 13,500 Flying Blue miles one-way plus $250 in taxes/fees.

Unfortunately, the Flying Blue director later got cold feet and canceled award fares for most of the 2,500 travelers who took advantage of the deal.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Who should avoid Air France?

Not every airline is suitable for every traveler. Here are a few examples of what kind of travelers should find another airline to fly:

Travelers who want to visit Australia, New Zealand or parts of Southeast Asia. Air France operates an incredible route network to almost 200 destinations across over 80 countries. However, it doesn't fly everywhere in the world. Air France's route map doesn't extend to Australia, New Zealand or parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia.

Travelers who want to visit Asia. Particularly for travelers based on the U.S. West Coast, it will be an excruciatingly long journey to Asia via Paris. For example, flying from San Francisco to Seoul takes more than 23 hours. Other airlines can fly you to Asia in almost half of that flying time.

Travelers who are Francophobes. Air France is unabashedly French, from serving French wines to French being the primary language spoken onboard. If you're not a fan of French culture, it's best to find another airline that serves your destination.

Final thoughts on flying Air France

Air France is generally ranked as one of the best airlines to fly — particularly in first class. Its loyalty program partners with many U.S. point programs and can offer excellent redemption rates, making it an appealing option to fly to Europe.

However, its Flying Blue loyalty program has been known to backtrack on deals that it offers to travelers. Even so, Air France can be a great option when traveling from the U.S. to Europe.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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At the airport

Checked bag policy

Checked bag allowances.

Changes to bag allowances and fees have been updated as of February 20, 2024.

Travel within / between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands – 1st checked bag fee is $40 ($35 if you pay online) and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45.

Travel to / from Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana – 1st checked bag fee is $35 and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, at each check-in location, each way, even if you purchase or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you've been incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

Bag limitations
Bag and optional fees

How many bags can you take?

Check up to 10 bags on american airlines operated flights if your trip is:.

Transatlantic
Transpacific

Check up to 5 bags on American-operated flights if you’re traveling to / through / from:

Mexico / Caribbean / Central America*
South America*
Bag regions

*There are seasonal and year-round bag restrictions

We calculate the size limits of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height.

For all regions, except to / from Australia or New Zealand, your checked bag allowance is:

Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm
Weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs
For First / Business, weight is 70 lbs / 32 kgs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags

For all confirmed customers on flights to / from Australia or New Zealand:

Weight: 70 lbs / 32kgs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags
Oversize and overweight bags

What it will cost

In some cases, you won't have to pay the fees for up to 3 bags when traveling on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines. If you qualify for complimentary bags based on your AAdvantage ® status or one world ® status, the benefits are based on your highest status level at time of ticketing or check-in.

If your status level is:

Higher at ticketing than at check-in, show your ticket receipt to the airport agent
Lower at ticketing than at check-in, current benefits will automatically apply

Free checked bags may not apply to codeshare flights operated by our partners. Visit the website of the airline operating your flight for details.

Other airlines

1st checked bag is complimentary for:

Eligible AAdvantage ® Aviator ® and Citi ® / AAdvantage ® cardmembers (on domestic American Airlines operated itineraries)
AAdvantage Gold ® status
oneworld ® Ruby

or when traveling to these destinations:

El Salvador*
New Zealand^
South Korea^
Transatlantic*

*Excluding Basic Economy

^Excluding Basic Economy for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023

1st and 2nd checked bags are complimentary for:

AAdvantage Platinum ® status
one world ® Sapphire members
Confirmed Domestic First customers
Confirmed Business customers
Confirmed Premium Economy customers

1st, 2nd and 3rd checked bags are complimentary for:

Confirmed Flagship ® First and Flagship ® Business Plus customers*
AAdvantage Executive Platinum ® status
AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® status
one world ® Emerald
Active U.S. military and / or dependents with ID traveling on orders (1st - 5th bags free of charge)**
Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel**

*Applicable only to Flagship ® First International, Flagship ® First Transcontinental and Flagship ® Business Plus. AAdvantage Executive Platinum ® status, AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® status and oneworld ® Emerald members traveling in Flagship ® First may check a 4th bag at no charge

**Free checked bags apply when traveling on American marketed and operated itineraries. Free checked bags don't apply to codeshare flights operated by our partners.

Save time, pay online

Don’t wait in line at the airport – get the best price available and check up to 3 bags when you check-in on aa.com or in the app.

Pay for your checked bags online within 24 hours of departure and receive the best price available for travel on domestic flights within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, and select markets in the Caribbean and Central America.

For tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024, save $5 on the 1st checked bag fee for travel within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information about paying for your bags online, visit our customer service FAQs.

Customer service FAQs

All published bag fees apply at each check-in location and are base rates according to travel dates and destination; applicable taxes are not shown.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you buy or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you were incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

^Main Plus includes 1 extra free checked bag in addition to the Main Cabin allowance (max of 2)

^^A $30 1st checked bag fee and a $40 2nd checked bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024. A $40 1st checked bag fee ($35 if paid online) and a $45 2nd checked bag fee applies within / between the U.S. (including HI / AK), Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024. Otherwise, a $35 1st checked bag fee and a $45 2nd checked bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024.

*Free bag excludes Basic Economy: For Basic Economy travel to / from Haiti, a $30 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024 and a $35 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024. For Basic Economy travel to/from Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru a $45 1st bag fee applies. For Basic Economy travel to / from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname) a $45 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and a $60 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023. For Transatlantic Basic Economy travel, a $75 1st bag fee applies. For Transpacific Basic Economy travel for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023 a $75 1st bag fee applies and for tickets issued on / before June 6, 2023 there is no 1st bag fee.

**For travel to / from Honduras, a $65 2nd bag fee applies seasonally for travel November 27, 2023 – January 10, 2024 for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023 a $40 2nd bag fee applies year round. For travel to / from Panama and South America (except Guyana and Suriname), a $65 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and a $100 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023.

If your region isn’t listed, we can still help:

Reservations and ticket changes

Through checked bags

We only through check bags if all your tickets are in the same reservation and you’re connecting to another American Airlines or one world ® flight.

Each passenger traveling to Cuba may only check up to 2 bags* with a maximum weight of 70 lbs / 32 kgs per bag, plus 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item.

Carry-on bags

*Seasonal exceptions apply to Havana, Cuba effective for travel on / after March 14, 2023

*For travel to Cuba, a $30 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and Main Cabin for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023. For tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023 a $30 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and there is no 1st bag fee for Main Cabin. For tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024 a $35 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and there is no 1st bag fee for Main Cabin.

**For travel to Cuba, a $150 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after March 14, 2023 for travel on / before November 15, 2023 or travel on / after January 10, 2024. A $200 2nd bag fee applies otherwise. Excludes Main Plus for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023.

^Main Plus includes 1 extra free checked bag in addition to the Main Cabin allowance (max of 2).

What else can you travel with?

Mobility and medical devices
Traveling with pets
Special items and sports equipment

Restricted items

There are some items that are only allowed in checked bags or your carry-on. Check to see how to pack and travel with restricted items.

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

British Airways
Japan Airlines
Qatar Airways