American Airlines to charge $25 for second checked bag

2 May, 2008:

American Airlines, based in the United States and the largest carrier in the world, has announced that it will join several competitors in the airline sector in charging for a second checked bag.

The new fee of $25 a bag each way will take effect on May 12, 2008, according to the newspaper Los Angeles Times.

American Airlines'fee for a second checked bag will apply to economy-class passengers with some exceptions, such as high-mileage frequent fliers, buyers of full-fare tickets and most international travellers. Third, fourth and fifth bags will cost $100 each.

A statement from American Airlines – based in Fort Worth, Texas, the United States, and serving Portland International Airport – explained that elite members of its frequent-flier programmes will not have to pay the charge. The fliers exempted include those customers who have achieved AAdvantage Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum status, those who bought full-fare tickets and those who are travelling internationally outside Canada and United States territories.

Based on these exceptions, American Airlines estimates that 4% of domestic travellers who check on a second bag will be charged the $25 fee.

Customers can pay the fees at an airport self-service machine or at the curbside check-in area with a credit card. Customers also can pay the fee at the check-in counter with a credit card, check or cash.

The enhanced fee for a second checked bag will also affect passengers on the American Eagle commuter line, also owned by AMR Corporation.

American Airlines has, in the statement, requested customers to visit its website for details.

Airlines, grappling with skyrocketing fuel prices, are trying to hold on by increasing air fares, raising fees for bags and choice of seats, as well as changing itinerary, among other measures.

delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines – all major airlines based in the United States – had earlier announced fees for a second checked bag.

Even a low-cost carrier, JetBlue Airways, has decided to add a "service fee" of $20 for a second bag from June 1, 2008.

In the statement, American Airlines said: "The new fee will help offset the rising costs associated with the transportation of checked baggage, including the price of fuel."