You have probably already heard the news that a number of airlines have started charging to check a second bag, but late last month American Airlines decided that it really wasn’t so thrilled with people bringing luggage at all so it started charging $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second bag ($100 for the 3rd bag). That charge is each way. So if you check any bag and do a round trip expect to pay an additional $30 above what is the price of the ticket.
You can avoid this fee if you travel in first or business class. It also will not apply to Elite AAdvantage members who are American’s frequent flyers. It also will not apply if you have the unfortunate experience of paying for a full fare ticket.Clearly rising fuel costs are behind American’s need to raise fees somewhere, but we will see if passengers like being surprised with an extra fee for what used to be free. I expect that American has actually gone a step too far with this move and would not be surprised to see that this hurts their business when word gets around.
For more information read American’s luggage policy.
Woman’s Luggage Burned in Transit
by Chris Christensen
Chris Christensen is the host of the Amateur Traveler. Chris left his day job in January 2010 to focus on consulting, podcasting and blogging . He was the Executive Vice President of Engineering and Operations for a company in Silicon Valley (LiveWorld) that runs online communities for companies like eBay, Marriott, American Express, Campbells, Kimberly Clark, A&E, and Mini Cooper.No Responses to “American Airlines Charges To Check Luggage”
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Wes
Says:June 13th, 2008 at 4:29 am
United & US Airways just added the policies this morning. I certainly step clear when possible of the companies implementing these over-the-top policies. When is it going to become clear to them that Southwest is working (no baggage fees, no cancellation fees) and the others are not?
Kirk Crawford
Says:June 18th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
My company just announced a policy change in accordance with these new baggage charges. They will reimburse us for the first checked bag, but will only reimburse use for the second bag fee or oversize/overweight fees if we can justify that it is required for “Company Business Purposes”. I guess Ill have to start packing less stuff.