American Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees

American Airlines recently announced an increase in checked bag fees, aiming to affect travelers at both the airport and those checking bags online. The fee for bags checked at the airport will jump from $30 to $40, while those checked online through the airline’s website will see a smaller increase from $30 to $35.

For passengers with a second checked bag, the fee is also climbing, now standing at $45 regardless of whether it’s purchased online or at the airport.

This marks the first time since 2018 that American Airlines has raised its checked bag fees. The changes come as part of a broader strategy to incentivize passengers to join the American Airlines AAdvantage program.

Under this program, members receive complimentary bags on American Airlines flights, a perk that extends to most AAdvantage credit card holders as well. Additionally, customers purchasing premium cabins on domestic and international flights will continue to enjoy complimentary bags.

In a statement, Vasu Raja, American’s chief commercial officer, said, “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.”

In addition to the checked bag fee adjustments, American Airlines is also revising its fee structure for items that exceed weight and size limits. For bags slightly overweight or oversized, the fee will be significantly reduced from $100 to $30. However, for items that are both oversized and overweight, fees will be capped at $200 for up to 70 pounds and $450 for items exceeding 100 pounds overweight.

These changes come on the heels of American Airlines reporting a $19 million profit for the last quarter of 2023, surpassing Wall Street’s expectations.

For a detailed list of changes affecting AAdvantage members, you can visit American Airlines’ website.