American Airlines hikes baggage fees up to 37%. What it means for CLT travelers
American Airlines, the largest provider of flights at Charlotte’s airport, is raising its baggage fee by $10 for most travelers with luggage, the company announced Thursday.
The Fort Worth-based airline follows other major carriers, such as United, Delta, Southwest and Alaska, which have raised their rates amid rising worldwide oil and jet fuel prices during the war in Iran.
“These changes are the result of the airline’s continuing evaluation of pricing and in light of the current operating environment,” American said in a statement.
The airline accounts for about 90% of all flights in and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Depending on services and online booking discounts, these fee increases range from 20% to 37.5%%.
New baggage fees for American Airlines customers
For many passengers with tickets booked on or after Thursday, April 9, the new fee for a first checked bag is $50 (previously $40 — 25% increase), the second is $60 (previously $50 — 20% increase) and the third is $200 (previously $150 —33% increase) when purchased at the airport.
This applies to domestic trips — including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands — as well as Canada and short-haul international flights.
Customers can save $5 by prepaying for their first and second checked bags on aa.com or through the mobile app. These online discounts reduce the price of the first and second bags to $45 and $55, respectively.
American Airlines makes basic economy changes
American is also making a distinction between its basic economy tickets and regular main cabin fares.
For flights purchased May 18 and beyond, basic economy passengers will be charged $55 (previously $40 — a 37.5% increase) for one checked bag and $65 (previously $50 — 30% increase) for the second, though they can still save $5 by prepaying online.
The airline will continue to offer basic economy fares in the main cabin, including one free personal item, one free carry-on, free snacks and inflight entertainment. However, for tickets purchased May 18 and beyond, these travelers will no longer be eligible for complimentary or systemwide upgrades, and must pay a fee to pick a seat.
Later this year, basic economy passengers who do not have AAdvantage status or select co-branded credit cards will board in Group 7.
American Airlines loyalty and premium benefits
AAdvantage members and most co-branded credit card members will continue to receive complimentary checked bags on domestic routes.
AAdvantage members will also retain complimentary seat selection and upgrades when traveling on a main cabin fare.
Complimentary bag service also remains in place for customers in premium cabins on domestic and international flights, as well as active-duty U.S. military personnel.
