Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links below. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
American Airlines has implemented some baggage fee increases for checking a first bag on many short-haul international routes. The change, which took effect on today, December 1st, brings the airline’s fees for these markets in line with what it already charges on most domestic flights.
Travelers flying between the United States and several nearby international regions will now pay $40 to check their first bag or $35 if the fee is paid in advance online. This applies to routes serving:
- Canada
- The Caribbean (excluding Cuba and Haiti)
- Central America (excluding Panama)
- Guyana
The adjustment represents a modest $5 increase from the previous standard of $35. Fees for a second checked bag remain unchanged at $45. Delta and United still charge $35 for these routes (now, we’ll see if they also increase rates).
The pricing now mirrors what American already charges for checked bags on domestic flights, including service to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Unifying the carrier’s fee structure simplifies the process for passengers preparing for trips and likely reduces confusion among employees as well. Travelers with elite status, cobranded credit cards, or premium cabin tickets will continue to enjoy existing baggage allowances.
Anthony’s Take: Passengers planning international trips to the affected regions may want to review their loyalty program perks or get a co-branded credit card to offset baggage costs (or consider prepaying online to secure the lower rate).
(Image Credits: American Airlines.)
(H/T: Upgraded Points.)
User Generated Content Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat encourages constructive discussions, comments, and questions. Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. These responses have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.
Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
