American Airlines announced a series of changes to its baggage policy, including an increase in checked bag fees. As travelers, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes to avoid any surprises and plan our trips accordingly.
American Airlines has adjusted its baggage fees for the first time since 2018, aiming to align with the evolving economic landscape and rising operational costs. These changes went into effect on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. For tickets purchased on or before February 19, the previous lower fees will still apply.
For domestic American Airlines flights, the fee for a checked bag has been increased to $35 when purchased online. However, if you opt to purchase the bag at the airport, the fee will be $40. Additionally, for a second checked bag, the fee is $45 both online and at the airport. It’s essential to note that these fees may vary depending on the weight and size of the bag.
Apart from the checked bag fees, American Airlines has also made adjustments to other fees and policies. The airline has increased the fee for in-cabin pets from $125 to $150. On the other hand, they have reduced fees for overweight bags. Previously, a 50 to 70 pound bag incurred an extra charge of $100 to $200. Now, a 50 to 53 pound bag will cost an additional $30, while a 53 to 70 pound bag will range from $100 to $200, with the fee increasing with weight and size.
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American Airlines is not the only airline to modify its baggage fees. Let’s take a closer look at how other major U.S.-based airlines stack up in terms of their baggage policies.
Frontier Airlines stands out with some of the highest baggage fees among U.S.-based airlines. The fees for the first carry-on and checked bag on most domestic Frontier flights are $59 each when purchased during the booking process. However, these fees increase to $74 if paid before check-in and $99 if paid at the airport. It’s worth noting that most airlines do not charge for carry-on bags.
Spirit Airlines also charges for carry-on bags and provides a calculator on their website to determine baggage fees. For standard tickets on domestic flights, a carry-on costs $49, while the first checked bag is priced at $44 if purchased during the booking process. If you choose to buy these bags before check-in or at the airport, the prices will increase accordingly.
As of January 2, 2024, Alaska Airlines increased the fees for the first and second checked bags on domestic flights by $5 each. The new fees are $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. However, the fees for third or additional checked bags and overweight bags remain unchanged.
JetBlue offers different tiers for its checked bag system. If you purchase a basic ticket for a domestic flight, the fee for the first checked bag is $35, and for the second bag, it’s $50. By adding the bags before check-in, you can reduce these fees, but if you pay within 24 hours of departure, an additional charge applies. JetBlue also offers a membership program called Mosaic, earned by accumulating miles, which waives baggage fees for its members.
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United Airlines provides a baggage fee calculator on its website, allowing passengers to estimate their fees. For most domestic flights, such as New York to Miami or Los Angeles to Dallas, the standard fee for the first checked bag is $35, while the fee for the second bag is $45. Passengers can save $5 on each bag if they pay in advance.
Delta’s baggage policy for domestic flights includes a $30 fee for the first checked bag and a $40 fee for the second bag. These fees are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay updated with the latest information.
In contrast to many other airlines, Southwest offers a generous policy of allowing two free checked bags. However, it’s important to note that the bags must be under 50 pounds and within the size limit of 62 inches. Additionally, certain items like ski and golf bags may also fly for free, and surfboards are exempt from fees in Hawaii. However, for third or additional checked bags, a fee of $125 applies, and overweight checked bags incur a $100 charge.
As the United States faces inflation and rising concerns about airline fees, the Biden administration has vowed to address these issues. The goal is to ensure transparency and protect consumers from hidden fees. These fee adjustments by American Airlines and other major carriers reflect the ongoing efforts to balance the economic realities of the airline industry with the needs and expectations of travelers.
American Airlines’ recent increase in checked bag fees has prompted a closer look at the baggage policies of other major U.S.-based airlines. As travelers, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes to avoid any surprises and plan our trips accordingly.
By understanding the new fees and comparing them with other airlines, we can make more informed decisions when it comes to our travel arrangements. Remember to stay updated with the latest information as airline policies may evolve over time. Safe travels!
