American Airlines has increased the price of checked baggage and updated its basic economy rules in response to rising fuel costs.
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American Airlines has joined the ranks of major U.S. airlines to increase fees for checked baggage.
The Texas-based airline announced on April 9 that it would revise its base economy fares and increase fees for checked baggage. American Airlines said the changes are the result of “ongoing evaluation of pricing in light of the current operating environment.”
The move makes American Airlines the fifth major airline to raise prices to compensate for soaring jet fuel prices caused by the Iran war. JetBlue Airways was the first U.S. airline to announce baggage fee increases at the end of March to cover “increased operating costs,” the airline previously told USA TODAY in a statement.
Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines quickly followed suit.
What are American Airlines’ new baggage fees?
The new rates apply to domestic (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada) and short-haul international tickets booked after April 9. Travelers who pre-pay for their first and second bag online or through the airline’s mobile app will receive a $5 discount.
The new baggage fees for Main Cabin fares are:
- If paid in advance, the first checked bag is $45, or $50 ($10 increase) if paid at the airport.
- Second checked bag is $55 if paid in advance or $60 ($10 increase) if paid at the airport.
- Third checked bag is $200 ($50 increase).
Checked baggage continues to be free for premium cabin passengers, active duty U.S. military, and AAdvantage status members. AAdvantage credit card members receive their first checked bag free on domestic flights.
Basic economy changes
Customers traveling in Basic Economy, the lowest fare, will pay more for checked baggage. In some markets in South America, the first checked bag fee will increase by $10.
Below are the new baggage fees for Basic Economy tickets.
- The new price for domestic tickets purchased after May 18th will be $55 for the first ticket and $65 for the second ticket. The $5 discount on prepaid baggage still applies.
- For tickets purchased after April 9th to South America, excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru, the first checked bag will cost $70 and the second piece will cost $100. These tickets also have no prepayment discount.
- For flights to Panama purchased after May 18, the first checked bag costs $55 and the second bag costs $100, with no prepayment discount.
- For flights to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru purchased after May 18, the first checked bag will cost $70 and the second piece will cost $100.
The company is also adjusting basic economic policy. From tickets purchased after May 18, these passengers will have to pay to select a seat and will not be eligible for upgrades, even if they have airline status.
Later this year, basic economy passengers without status or co-branded credit cards will also be flying in Group 7, although passengers flying in Group 7 will still be offered priority or preferred boarding.
