American Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees, Following Other Major U.S. Carriers

American Airlines announced on April 9 that it is increasing its fees for checked bags, becoming the fifth major U.S. airline to do so. This move aligns American Airlines with other prominent carriers that have recently adjusted their baggage pricing structures. The airline, based in Texas, has implemented these changes as part of a broader trend within the industry.

The new fee structure for American Airlines passengers will see the cost for the first checked bag rise from $30 to $35 when purchased online, and to $40 if purchased at the airport. For a second checked bag, the fee will increase from $40 to $45 online, and to $50 at the airport. These adjustments apply to domestic flights, as well as those to Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. The airline has also indicated that these new fees will be applicable to tickets purchased on or after February 20, 2024.

American Airlines is not alone in this decision. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue Airways have all previously announced increases to their checked bag fees in recent months. This collective action by major airlines suggests a widespread industry trend to raise ancillary revenue through baggage charges. The specific details of American Airlines' fee hike, including the online versus airport pricing and the effective date for ticket purchases, reflect a common approach seen across its competitors.