Flying with American Airlines (AA) soon and planning to check a suitcase? Well, that’s going to cost you a little bit more. The Dallas-based carrier announced a US $5 increase in checked baggage fees effective for tickets issued on/after February 20, 2024.
The first checked bag now costs US $35, and the 2nd checked bag fee will now cost US $45. This new price is valid for tickets booked for travel to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana. AA has also increased US domestic checked bag fees – 1st checked bag fee is now US $40 (US $35 if paid for online) and the 2nd checked bag fee is US $45. Carryon bags remain free for all itineraries.
Got an overweight bag? That pricing structure is seeing some adjustments as well. Effective April 17, 2024, if your bag weighs between 50 and 53 lbs, it will cost US $30. Bags 53 to 70 lbs will continue to attract a fee of US $100.
Airlines around the world have generated billions in ancillary revenue from various sources such as fees for seat selection and baggage fees. According to a recent Forbes article, airlines earned US $117.9 billion from these extras in 2023, with baggage fees accounting for US $33 billion alone.
American Airlines says this is the first time it has adjusted bag fees for first and second-checked bags since 2018. According to the airline, customers who purchase premium cabins on domestic and international flights will continue to receive complimentary bags.
