American Airlines is raising baggage fees, joining Delta, United, and others
Basic economy travelers will pay $55 to check a first bag starting May 18, $5 more than other passengers pay under the airline's new fee structure
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American Airlines raised its checked bag fees this week, imposing steeper increases on basic economy passengers than on other travelers — a move that sets it apart from rivals making across-the-board adjustments.
Tickets booked this week will reflect a $10 increase on the first checked bag for domestic and short-haul international routes, pushing that fee to $50. Checking a second bag will cost $60. A $5 discount applies when fees are paid through American's website or app, lowering the first and second bag fees to $45 and $55.
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Basic economy passengers face higher charges. Tickets purchased beginning May 18 will carry a $55 first-bag fee and a $65 fee for a second bag in basic economy — each $5 higher than the standard airport rate. Paying ahead of time through the website or app reduces those fees to $50 and $60.
Two additional restrictions take effect May 18: seat selection will become a paid feature, and access to complimentary and system-wide upgrades will end. Neither exception applies to customers who hold status.
The airline joins a broader industry trend of rising baggage costs. United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines have all raised checked bag fees in the past two weeks, applying uniform increases across ticket types. American Airlines' approach goes further, widening the gap between its standard and basic economy offerings.
The fee increases come as jet fuel prices climb. Conflict in the Middle East has restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, squeezing crude and refined product supplies and pushing prices higher. Jet fuel is airlines' second-largest operating expense after labor. Executives insist that passenger demand holds steady. Still, there is uncertainty about whether airlines can absorb the full brunt of rising fuel costs.
Carriers across the industry have been restructuring fare ladders to steer revenue toward higher-margin cabins as premium ticket sales outpace growth in standard economy. American, which has trailed Delta and United in capturing that upscale segment, appears to be using tighter basic economy rules to close the competitive gap.