American Airlines just became the fifth major airline to hike the fees for checked bags in the wake of rising fuel prices, and it’s going a step further.
The Texas-based carrier announced on April 9 that it will be raising the costs for checked bags and charging economy passengers to select a seat, along with other changes. 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.
American Airlines said the changes are the result of “continuing evaluation of pricing in light of the current operating environment.” Other airlines agree. JetBlue was the first U.S. carrier to hike bag fees in March, followed quickly by United Airlines at the beginning of April. Delta and Southwest Airlines announced on April 7 that they were raising theirs.
Here’s what to know before you head to the airport.
What are the new American Airlines bag fees?
The new bag fees for main cabin fares are:
Travelers who prepay for their first and second bags online or via the airline’s mobile app will get $5 off.
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.
Prices for basic economy fare are higher:
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 this 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.
What are the new Delta bag fees?
According to Delta, the new fees on applicable flights are:
Premium cabin customers, elite frequent flyers, and co-branded credit card holders will maintain their free checked bag benefits.
What are Southwest Airlines’ new bag fees?
According to Southwest, the new bag fees are:
A-List Preferred and Choice Extra Customers will continue to get two free bags. A List and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will continue to get their first checked bag free (weight and size limits apply). There are no changes to active-duty military checked bag benefits.
Other airlines announced bag check hikes earlier this month.
What are United Airlines’ new bag fees?
United Airlines announced its bag fee hike at the beginning of April. The new fees for flights within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America are:
Fees may change, depending on the destination (United offers a baggage calculator to find out). However, travelers get a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags at least 24 hours in advance. Mileage Plus members with Premier elite status or members with cobranded credit cards will still enjoy the free bag perk.
What are JetBlue’s new bag fees?
JetBlue was the first U.S. carrier to raise bag fees after the U.S. and Israel began fighting Iran, announcing at the end of March they were raising prices to cover operating costs.
Travelers will now be charged at least $4 more per bag, but it may go up to $10 a bag during peak times. Bag fees start at $39. You will also be charged $10 more per bag if you check them in less than 24 hours before departure.
The third checked bag is $125 off-peak or $135 on peak demand days, and the fourth bag and subsequent bags are $150 off-peak or $160 during heavy demand days.
Blue Plus and Mosaic ticket and JetBlue Plus and Premier cardmembers will continue to get their first bag for free, with different fees for additional bags. Mint tickets get the first bag free, up to 70 lbs.
Kathleen Wong is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY. C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Here’s what you’ll pay to check bags at American Airlines now
Reporting by C. A. Bridges and Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
