American Airlines has increased the fee for checking a bag for the first time in over five years and announced restrictions on which travel agency bookings qualify for frequent flyer miles. Passengers will now pay $35 to check a first bag for domestic flights if booked online in advance, or $40 at the airport, up from the previous $30. The cost for a second checked bag has risen to $45 from $40, whether purchased in advance or at the airport.
For flights between the U.S. and Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico, the fee for the first checked bag will be $35, regardless of the booking method. The airline’s decision to raise bag fees aligns with a broader industry trend of seeking additional revenue streams amid declining airfare prices.
Elite frequent flyer members and select American Airlines credit card holders will still enjoy a complimentary checked bag. Additionally, the airline is adjusting fees for slightly overweight bags, reducing the penalty for bags up to three pounds over the 50-pound limit from $100 to $30.
Furthermore, American Airlines is implementing changes to limit the eligibility of tickets purchased through third-party vendors to earn AAdvantage frequent flyer miles. This strategy aims to drive traffic to the airline’s website. Basic economy ticket holders will only accrue frequent flyer miles if they make their purchase directly through the American Airlines website. The airline plans to release a list in April of preferred travel agencies whose bookings will remain eligible for rewards credits.
