American Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees Amid Rising Fuel Costs American Airlines announced on Thursday that it is increasing fees for checked bags as the airline and other carriers face escalating fuel costs. The changes, which took effect on April 9, include a $10 to $50 increase for the first checked bag and a $60 hike for the second bag on domestic, Canadian, and short-haul international flights. A third checked bag will now cost $200 at the airport, up $50 from previous rates. Travelers who prepay for their first and second bags through the airline’s website or mobile app will receive a $5 discount, reducing the costs to $45 and $55, respectively. The fee adjustments apply to customers purchasing tickets on or after May 18 for domestic basic economy fares, with the first bag priced at $55 and the second at $65. AAdvantage status holders will continue to receive complimentary checked bags on domestic flights, while AAdvantage credit cardholders will get their first eligible bag free. Premium cabin passengers and active-duty U.S. military personnel will also retain complimentary baggage allowances. The move aligns with broader industry trends as airlines grapple with surging fuel prices. Jet fuel costs have risen sharply, climbing from approximately $85 to $90 per barrel in February to around $209 per barrel following disruptions tied to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war, according to Reuters. Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have also raised their checked bag fees by $10, bringing the first bag to $45 and the second to $55. Delta’s changes, effective Wednesday, mark its first domestic baggage fee increase in two years, while Southwest’s adjustments took effect Thursday.#delta_air_lines #southwest_airlines #united_airlines #american_airlines #alaska_air_group
