American Airlines becomes the 5th major US airline to raise bag fees
American Airlines becomes the 5th major US airline to raise bag fees
Kathleen Wong, USA TODAYThu, April 9, 2026 at 1:01 PM UTC
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American Airlines has joined the flock of major U.S. carriers that have increased the cost of checked bags.
The Texas-based airline announced on April 9 that it is hiking costs for checked bags, along with updating its basic economy fare. American Airlines said the changes are the result of "continuing evaluation of pricing in light of the current operating environment."
This makes American Airlines the fifth major airline to raise fees to offset higher jet fuel prices caused by the war in Iran. JetBlue was the first U.S. carrier to announce an increase to bag fees at the end of March to cover "rising operating costs," the airline previously told USA TODAY in a statement.
Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines shortly followed suit.
1 / 0See inside all three cabins on American Airlines' new Boeing 787American Airlines Flagship business class suites, with Preferred seats in the foreground.What are the new American Airlines bag fees?
The new fees apply to tickets booked on or after April 9 for domestic flights — including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — Canada, and short-haul international flights. Travelers who prepay for their first and second bags online or via the airline's mobile app will get $5 off.
Here are the new bag fees for main cabin fares:
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$45 for the first checked bag when prepaid, $50 when paid for at the airport (an increase of $10).
$55 for the second checked bag when prepaid, $60 when paid for at the airport (an increase of $10).
$200 for the third checked bag (an increase of $50).
Checked bags will still be complimentary for premium cabin passengers, active-duty U.S. military personnel, and AAdvantage status members. AAdvantage credit card members who receive their first checked bag free on domestic flights will continue to do so.
Air travel: Meet the airline that only offers business-class seats — and see what it's like inside.
Changes to basic economy
Passengers flying in basic economy, the lowest fare, will pay more for checked baggage. Some South American markets will also see a $10 increase for the first checked bags.
Below are the new bag fees for basic economy tickets:
For domestic flight tickets purchased May 18 or later, the new price for the first bag will be $55, and $65 for the second. The $5 discount for prepaid bags still applies.
For tickets purchased on April 9 or later to South America, excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Peru, the first checked bag will cost $70, and the second will cost $100. There is also no prepaid discount available for these tickets.
For tickets to Panama purchased on May 18 and later, the first checked bag will cost $55 and the second $100, with no prepaid discount offered.
For tickets to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru purchased on May 18 or later, the first checked bag will be $70, and the second will cost $100.
The airline is also tweaking its basic economy policy. Starting with tickets purchased on May 18 or later, these passengers will need to pay a fee to select a seat and are ineligible for upgrades, even if they have status with the airline.
Later in the year, basic economy passengers without status or a co-branded credit card will also board in Group 7, but those who do will still receive priority or preferred boarding.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American Airlines hikes bag fees as airlines face rising costs
Source: “AOL Money”
