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| © American Airlines PHOTO: American Airlines fleet team member loading baggage onto aircraft. (photo courtesy of American Airlines) |
By Donald Wood, TravelPulse
American Airlines announced Thursday it was raising prices for the first and second checked bags for passengers by $5 each.
The changes went into effect on flights tickets purchased Friday.
For travelers flying with American, the first checked bag will now cost $30 and the second will cost $40. The price increases apply to travel in the United States and other North American and Caribbean destinations.
American officials specified that certain customers will still be eligible for free checked bags, including AAdvantage members; Citi/AAdvantage cardmembers; customers confirmed in the first or business class cabin; customers traveling on military fares and more.
The airline’s official website has more details on free checked bag eligibility.
Friday’s price increase for checked bags marks the first time the carrier has made a change of this magnitude since 2010 and follows similar fee hikes made by other airlines over the last month.
Other carriers such as Delta and United recently announced they would be increasing the prices for checked bags, with Delta charging $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second.
United’s prices also jumped to $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second.
