American Airlines has joined the latest wave of U.S. carriers raising checked bag fees, adding another reminder that the cost of flying is continuing to climb even before travelers get to the ticket total. For tickets booked on or after April 9, the airline is charging $50 for a first checked bag and $60 for a second checked bag on domestic flights, as well as flights to Canada and short-haul international destinations. That is a $10 increase on both. A third checked bag purchased at the airport now costs $200.
There is a partial discount for travelers who pay in advance through American’s website or app. In those cases, the first bag costs $45 and the second costs $55. Even so, the broader direction is clear: airlines are looking for more revenue from ancillary fees as operating costs rise, particularly because of higher jet fuel prices. American is following competitors including Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines, all of which have recently made similar moves.
The fee changes are especially significant for Basic Economy passengers, who are once again being asked to accept a harsher tradeoff in exchange for the lowest fare. For domestic Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after May 18, a first checked bag will cost $55 and a second will cost $65. Travelers who prepay online or in the app can reduce those to $50 and $60. In selected South America markets, some Basic Economy passengers will face even higher baggage costs.
American is also making Basic Economy less flexible in other ways. Starting May 18, all customers on those fares, including elite status members, will have to pay to select a seat. They also will no longer be eligible for complimentary upgrades or systemwide upgrades on Basic Economy tickets. Later this year, non-status AAdvantage members without eligible co-branded cards are also expected to board later, in Group 7. Altogether, these changes widen the gap between Basic Economy and the standard Main Cabin product.
From the airline’s perspective, the strategy is straightforward. Rising fuel and operating costs are squeezing margins, and baggage fees remain one of the fastest ways to recover revenue without raising every published fare by the same amount. But from the traveler’s perspective, the effect is cumulative. A ticket that may still look competitive at first glance becomes notably more expensive once bags, seats, and fare restrictions are added back in.
American has kept some protections in place. AAdvantage status members still receive complimentary bags, many co-branded credit card holders still get a first checked bag free on eligible domestic itineraries, premium-cabin passengers continue to receive free baggage, and active-duty U.S. military personnel still qualify for complimentary bags. Even so, for many ordinary leisure travelers, especially families and occasional flyers, another major carrier has made the total price of a trip harder to keep under control.
