American Airlines next to hike checked bag fees
The world’s largest carrier is joining its peers in hiking checked bag fees by an extra $5.
JetBlue, United and Delta have all announced fee increases and now American Airlines is doing likewise.
American customers will now pay $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second, in line with the other major carriers.
This leaves only Southwest Airlines of the top five network carriers not to raise fees.
Southwest famously has a ‘Bags Fly Free’ policy and has said it doesn’t plan to change that.
American’s increase in the baggage fee is effective immediately for new flight bookings
Customers who booked their flights before September 21 are exempt from the increase.
"Like airfares, baggage fees are set by supply and demand and these are in line with what other U.S. competitors are charging," American Airlines spokeswoman Kristen Foster said.
The airline still offers at least one free checked bag for holders of AAdvantage co-branded credit cards and elite members in the American AAdvantage program.
First, Business Class and Premium Economy also get one free checked bag as well as those traveling on military fares.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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