As predicted by @xJonNYC, American Airways has simply elevated checked bag charges, creating a brand new file for bag charges among the many legacy US carriers…
American Airways raises checked bag charges to $40+
American Airways has up to date its baggage web page to mirror new charges for tickets bought as of February 20, 2024. The airline has drastically raised the price of checked luggage.
For context, beneath is American’s new baggage price chart, for tickets bought as of February 20, 2024.
In the meantime beneath is American’s outdated baggage price chart, for tickets bought by means of February 19, 2024.
Simply to focus on a few of the most necessary factors:
- For journey inside america, the price for a primary checked bag has elevated from $30 to $40, whereas the price for a second checked bag has elevated from $40 to $45
- For many quick haul worldwide journey, the price of a primary checked bag has elevated from $35 to $45, whereas the price of a second checked bag has elevated from $40 to $45
As you’ll be able to see, this represents a $5-10 improve on charges in lots of markets. Whereas airways have traditionally raised checked bag charges on occasion up to now, it has nearly at all times been by $5. Now we’re seeing a $10 improve on the most well-liked type of checked bag, which is the primary checked bag on a home flight.
As earlier than, many passengers are entitled to free checked luggage. Along with firstclass passengers:
Will different airways comply with American Airways’ lead?
The foremost US airways are inclined to comply with each other. The final time we noticed all the key US carriers match each other on growing checked bag charges was backed in 2018. We’ve seen some minor changes since then, however nothing throughout the trade.
A number of weeks in the past, Alaska elevated checked bag charges from $30 to $35 on the primary checked bag on home itineraries. Now we’re not solely seeing American match that, however surpass that. Personally I believe it’s extremely probably that each Delta and United quickly match American on this.
Backside line
American Airways has simply significantly elevated checked bag charges. For home itineraries, we’re seeing the price of a primary checked bag improve by $10, and the price of a second checked bag improve by $5.
I can’t say I’m shocked to see airways looking for new income sources, given how a lot their bills have elevated up to now couple of years. I think this gained’t be the final change we see to checked bag charges within the coming weeks.
If American goes to bump checked bag charges, it could at the least be good to see the airline enhance service related to these luggage, by introducing a 20-minute baggage assure, like we see at Alaska and Delta. Nonetheless, I do know that’s extremely wishful pondering.
What do you make of American growing checked bag charges?
