American raises bag fees, trims perks

American Airlines has raised checked-bag fees and, starting May 18, will strip more perks from basic-economy tickets. (news.aa.com) For tickets bought on or after April 9, the first checked bag now costs $50 at the airport and the second costs $60 on domestic, Canada and short-haul international itineraries. Travelers who prepay on American’s website or app get a $5 discount, lowering those prices to $45 and $55. (news.aa.com) For domestic basic-economy tickets bought on or after May 18, the first checked bag will cost $55 at the airport and the second will cost $65. Prepaying cuts those charges to $50 and $60. (news.aa.com) American said it is “further differentiating” basic economy from standard Main Cabin service as it reevaluates pricing in the current operating environment. CNBC reported the move comes as major carriers face higher jet-fuel costs after a recent run-up in oil prices. (news.aa.com, cnbc.com) The changes also tighten what loyalty members get on the cheapest fares. American’s fare chart says basic-economy tickets bought on or after December 17, 2025 do not earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points, and the airline’s updated policy removes seat-selection and upgrade perks for elites on those fares from May 18. (aa.com, cnbc.com) Basic economy still includes one carry-on bag and one personal item, even after the latest changes. American says those fares do not include free checked bags, though AAdvantage status members still get complimentary bags and eligible co-branded credit cardholders still get a first checked bag free on qualifying domestic itineraries. (aa.com, news.aa.com) American is not alone in raising bag charges. CNBC reported that United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have also increased checked-bag fees in recent weeks, but American is charging more for bags on basic-economy tickets than on standard economy. (cnbc.com) Premium-cabin passengers, active-duty United States military personnel and AAdvantage status members keep their complimentary bag benefits under the new policy. For everyone else buying the lowest fare, American is making the cheapest ticket look more like a no-frills product and charging more when a suitcase comes with it. (news.aa.com)