In May, 2008, American Airlines turned the airline industry on its ear when it became the first major U.S. carrier to charge for checked bags (low cost and ultra low cost carriers had been charging for checked bags for a while, but this was the first time a legacy carrier joined in the nickel and diming of passengers). Delta and United quickly followed. Prices to check bags initially weren’t horrific – just $15 for the first checked bag. But in the 15 years since American introduced a checked bag fee, that first bag on a domestic flight has increased to $30.
However, some international travel meant a higher fee for checked bags. On American Airlines, that price had been $60 for Transatlantic Basic Economy, but had been increased to $75 in April, 2020. Happily though, all tickets, even Basic Economy, were entitled to one checked bag on flights to and from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Oceania.
Not anymore.
The airline has modified its policy and, effective June 7th, is introducing a $75 first-checked bag fee for all of its international basic economy tickets.
American claims that the $75 bag fee will make the price of their checked bag options less confusing.
“We are simplifying our product offerings to make it easier for customers when they are shopping for travel. With this change, our Basic Economy product will include all of the same features whether a customer is purchasing it for a domestic or international flight,” said American Airlines spokesperson Andrea Koos, when asked about the new fee structure.
Isn’t that nice of them? #rolleyes
Checking a second bag internationally will cost $100, and a third bag will set you back $200. Lovely.
The good news is that travelers who have AAdvantage Gold or oneworld Ruby aren’t affected by the change; they still receive one free checked bag, even if they’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket. Any member who has oneworld Sapphire and AAdvantage Platinum will still be able to bring two free checked bags on all routes. And if you have an even higher status, you can still take three checked bags, even on basic economy fares.
But for those who don’t have such status, they get to enjoy an extra $75 per checked bag for each member of their party.
As of this writing, Delta and United still offer one free checked bag on transpacific routes to Oceania.
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21 comments
what if you have the AA credit card? still 1 checked bag for free?
That’s my question as well.
It’s bad enough the airline prices are high now you have to pay for luggage. They are getting like the low end air lines nickel and dime !
This can cost a small fortune for those travelling with family, especially younger children.
For travel to Asian countries there are better options if you are willing to take Southwest to major international gateway airports like LA, San Francisco, Chicago etc., and transfer to carriers like Qatar, Air India, Emirates. You get 2 checked in baggage all the way.
I find this totally disgusting. For God’s sake, AA is charging far more than a price of a regular ticket.
AA is charging us, the consumer, for its losses during COVID. Well, guess what, Covid affected every single
person in the USA, and we suffered the losses too. There are still many people in the USA who are without food and housing after COVID. Why would we pay for AA’s losses? I’ve flown many times to many places
with AA over the years, but I would not step foot in one of its planes. Iys pur greedIt’s time to boycott AA.
How dare them hike up
That’s sounds like a plan, I will fly another airline!
This is why I have always flown with Delta and Northwest back in the day.
No more AA FLIGHTS FOR US
Yes we have to boycott AA.Greeit,s I would not step foot in of its planes anymore
American Airlines has been awfully lately with their cancellation and giving people money back for their cancelled flight. Prices are expensive and now this ? Good luck of anyone buying a ticket, there are many airlines better then AA flying to Europe. Domestic is a joke just like spirit and frontier .
For all of you who need to choose a preferred airline, don’t chose American Airlines. They are the worst. I was with them for over 20 years and they are the least beneficial to the flyer. They are thieves.
I think this is bad for AA everyone lose big in covid,so what now they think we do not get the end of the stick ,everything they blame the innocent people for they problems. Shame on you guys at AA. Reap where you sow AA.
Is premium economy included?
Not flying with AA at all
Haven’t since before the pandemic
SHIP your baggage by UPS or Fed Ex might be less expensive ahead of time buy making arrangements at. Your densanation
Has it come to a point where it’s cheaper to buy my baggage an actual seat????? Lol
The government needs to intervene, not even a carry on is allowed,we the tax payer bail them out during COVID-19 now they making a fortune from carry on to check bags I would consider these fees as junk fees the government again needs the intervene on our behalf
There is some hight for greediness limit!!
Any way I have decided not to take sdcc uch airlines with high cost troubling middle class passengers if I do not have a luggage. Better not to travel if airlines have such attitude.
This is why I fly Southwest even with an upgrade on my position they are cheaper and 2 checked bags free I hope they never change this policy. This is just getting greedy. The elite will pay but I choose where I spend my money.
Corrected
There is some hight for greediness limit!!
Any way I have decided not to take such airlines with high cost troubling middle class passengers , even if I do not have a luggage. Better not to travel if airlines have such attitude.