American Airlines Has Increased Checked Bag Fees. Here’s How Some Flyers Can Save $5

This post may contain affiliate links which may compensate us based on your interaction. Please read the disclosures for more information.

It pays to pack light so you can avoid checked bag fees. Find out how much you’ll pay on American Airlines and how to get a discount or qualify for free bags. [[{“value”:”

If you’re an American Airlines flyer, there’s some news you’ll want to know. On Feb. 20, the airline announced that it would be raising checked bag fees. These fee increases apply to passengers with airline tickets issued on or after today. We’ll explain the new fees and share how some travelers can get a $5 discount on their first checked bag.

American Airlines flyers will now pay more to check a bag

Americans Airlines officially updated its checked bag fees on its website on Feb. 20, 2024. Travelers flying on some routes will now pay $5 to $10 more to check a bag. Fees vary by route, ticket type, and whether the traveler checks one or multiple bags. Here’s an overview of the updated American Airlines checked bag fees for several popular routes and ticket types.

Travel between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

For tickets purchased on Feb. 20 or later, basic economy and main cabin passengers flying between these regions will now pay $40 for their first checked bag. A second checked bag costs $45 for these routes and ticket types. For basic economy and main cabin tickets purchased before Feb. 20, a first check bag costs $30, and a second check bag costs $40.

Travel between Canada and the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

For tickets purchased on Feb. 20 or later, basic economy and main cabin passengers flying between these regions will now pay $35 for their first checked bag. A second checked bag costs $45 for these routes and ticket types. For basic economy and main cabin tickets purchased before Feb. 20, a first check bag costs $30, and a second check bag costs $40.

Other routes are also impacted. If you’re an American Airlines flyer, you’ll want to review these fee changes before buying your next ticket. Knowing how much you’ll pay to check one or more bags can allow you to be financially prepared before takeoff.

Paying for your first checked bag online will save you $5

If you fly with American Airlines often and like to check your bags, this is likely disappointing news. But the airline is offering some flyers the opportunity to save $5 on their first checked bag.

Travelers flying within or between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can get a $5 discount by paying their checked bag fees online through the American Airlines website or mobile app. This solution offers an easy way to keep more money in your wallet.

How to get free checked bag benefits

Don’t want to pay to check a bag? Here are a few ways to qualify for free checked bag perks:

Travel with a carry-on bag only: One way to avoid checked bag fees is to bring a carry-on bag. American Airlines allows passengers on all ticket types (even basic economy) to bring a carry-on bag at no additional cost. Excelling at being a light packer can be a win for your bank account balance.Invest in a premium ticket: When flying on some American Airlines ticket types, like premium economy, business, and first, travelers aren’t charged checked bag fees. If you want to avoid these fees, you may want to splurge for premium airfare.Get an airline credit card: Another way to avoid checked bag fees is to have the right credit card. Some airline credit cards provide cardholders free checked bag perks on select routes. Review our list of the best American Airlines credit cards to learn more.Earn elite status: Another way to avoid paying checked bag fees when flying with your favorite airline is to achieve elite status. Depending on your status tier, you could qualify for one or more free checked bags when you fly with the airline.

Whether you’re a member of team carry-on only or a traveler who prefers to check a bag, staying alert to airline pricing updates like this is essential. Knowing what to expect regarding extra fees can allow you to outline a realistic vacation budget and make travel plans that match your financial situation. Looking for more ways to save money? Check out our personal finance resources.

Where to invest $1,000 right now

When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has nearly tripled the market.*

They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now…

See the 10 stocks

*Stock Advisor returns as of February 12, 2024

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More