American Airlines (AA) has announced a US $5 increase in checked baggage fees effective for tickets issued on/after February 20, 2024.
The first checked bag now costs US $35, and the 2nd checked bag fee will now cost US $45.
This new price is valid for tickets booked for travel to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana. AA has also increased US domestic checked bag fees – 1st checked bag fee is now US $40 (US $35 if paid for online) and the 2nd checked bag fee is US $45. Carryon bags remain free for all itineraries.
Effective April 17, 2024, if your bag weighs between 50 and 53 lbs, it will cost US $30. Bags 53 to 70 lbs will continue to attract a fee of US $100.
American Airlines says this is the first time it has adjusted bag fees for first and second-checked bags since 2018. According to the airline, customers who purchase premium cabins on domestic and international flights will continue to receive complimentary bags.
According to a recent Forbes article, airlines earned US $117.9 billion from these extras in 2023, with baggage fees accounting for US $33 billion alone.