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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