If you’re checking a bag for an American Airlines flight, expect to pay more.
The carrier has announced it is raising its checked bag fee by $10, from $30 to $40, for bags checked at the airport. For luggage checked online through American’s website, the fee is increasing from $30 to $35.
For a second checked bag, the fee is rising from $40 to $45, whether purchased online or at the airport.
By comparison, a passenger’s first checked bag on Delta and United still costs $30, while second ones cost $40 to $50.
It’s the first time since 2018 that American has increased its checked bag fee.
The changes, and others, were announced Tuesday as part of an effort to nudge passengers to become American Airlines AAdvantage status members. Customers who sign up will continue to receive complimentary bags on American Airlines flights, the carrier said. And most customers who have an AAdvantage credit card will get their first eligible checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries. Customers who buy a ticket for a premium cabin on a domestic or international flight can still check their bags for free.
“Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it’s also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members,” Vasu Raja, American’s chief commercial officer, said in a statement.
A full list of new changes for AAdvantage members can be found here.
American is also changing its fee structure for checked items that are overweight.
For bags that exceed the 50-pound limit by just 3 pounds, the fee will be $30, down from $100. The same fee will apply to items 3 inches larger than the 62-inch limit.
For items that are both oversized and overweight up to 70 pounds, the fee will be capped at $200. Fees for items that are up to 100 pounds will be capped at $450.
Last month, American posted a $19 million profit for the last three months of 2023, topping Wall Street estimates.
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