American Airlines passengers should prepare to dig a little deeper into their wallets when checking bags for their flights. The airline has announced an increase in its checked bag fees, effective immediately, in a move that could impact travelers’ budgets.
Starting now, passengers checking a bag at the airport will face a $10 hike, with fees jumping from $30 to $40. Meanwhile, those who opt to check their luggage online via American’s website will see a more modest increase, from $30 to $35.
Budgeting for Baggage
This fee adjustment extends to second checked bags as well, with the cost rising from $40 to $45, regardless of whether it’s purchased online or at the airport. In comparison to rival carriers like Delta and United, which have maintained their first checked bag fees at $30, American’s new charges represent a notable increase.
Second, checked bags on these competing airlines range from $40 to $50. This marks the first time since 2018 that American has chosen to revise its checked bag fees, a decision likely driven by various economic factors and industry trends.
However, American Airlines isn’t just hiking fees without offering incentives. The airline unveiled changes aimed at encouraging passengers to enroll in its AAdvantage loyalty program. Members of this program will continue to enjoy complimentary checked bags on American Airlines flights.
Moreover, most AAdvantage credit cardholders will receive their first eligible checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries. Furthermore, passengers purchasing tickets for premium cabins, whether domestic or international, will still enjoy complimentary checked bags.
Vasu Raja, American’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the benefits of booking directly with the airline and becoming an AAdvantage member. He stated, “Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it’s also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members.”
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American Airlines Caps Fees for Overweight Baggage
American Airlines isn’t just adjusting its checked bag fees; it’s also overhauling its fee structure for overweight items. For bags exceeding the 50-pound limit by just 3 pounds, the fee will now be a significantly reduced $30, down from $100. Similarly, the fee for items surpassing the 62-inch limit by 3 inches will also be $30.
Furthermore, the airline is capping fees for items that are both oversized and overweight at $200 for weights up to 70 pounds. For items weighing up to 100 pounds, fees will be capped at $450.
The fee adjustments come on the heels of American Airlines posting a $19 million profit for the final quarter of 2023, surpassing Wall Street estimates. This financial performance suggests that despite the fee hikes, the airline is finding ways to navigate the complexities of the industry and remain profitable.
While these fee increases may pose challenges for budget-conscious travelers, American Airlines is aiming to balance the equation by offering enhanced benefits for its loyal customers through the AAdvantage program.
As travelers weigh their options, the calculus of cost versus convenience will undoubtedly come into play when deciding whether to check a bag on their next American Airlines flight.
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