American Airlines to add $25 bag fee
Now we really have to travel light. American Airlines, the world’s largest carrier, today said it is set to join several competitors in charging for a second checked bag.
American’s fee, $25 per bag each way, will start May 12, the company said. It will apply to economy-class passengers with some exceptions, such as high-mileage frequent fliers, buyers of full-fare tickets and most international travelers. Third, fourth and fifth bags will cost $100 each. For details, visit American’s website.
Delta, Northwest and United earlier announced checked-bag fees, wire services reported. And it’s not just the majors. Low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways will add a $20 “service fee” for a second bag on June 1.
American said its new fee will help offset “the rising costs associated with the transportation of checked baggage, including the price of fuel.” As airlines struggle with sky-high oil prices, they’re increasing fares, plus adding and raising fees nearly every week for bags, seat choices, itinerary changes and more. To avoid nasty surprises, read the fine print when you book a ticket and check your airline’s website before you head out the door.
— Jane Engle, Assistant Los Angeles Times Travel Editor
2 Comments on “American Airlines to add $25 bag fee”
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April 28th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
remember the “good ole days” of flying when people dressed in their best and the airlines served meals, hot towels, and a menu so you could choose your meal in coach? i think the airlines SHOULD charge more and bring these services back to their flights. people will pay more for the service and maybe it will eliminate some other rude people that i have to sit next to on my next flight. i definatly will pay more for my next business or pleasure flight.
May 21st, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Wow!
Just when I thought your service and marketing strategy couldn’t get any worse, I read that you’re now going to charge for the first bag.
Your super-genius CEO, Gerard J. Arpey, says “he expects the new or raised fees will raise several hundred million dollars for American.” What an idiot. I’m sure he’s asked his actuaries to try and estimate how many people will just write you off as a bunch of idiots and choose to fly on other airlines, but I think they’ve under-estimated the impact.
I used to be Platinum with you guys. Then after 9/11 you started cutting services. Why, I have no idea (besides poor strategy that is). Do you take the cheese off a pizza when times are bad? Ummm, no. Bad idea. What American - which used to brand itself as a full-service airline - is doing is damaging it’s brand and relegating it’s service to that of a low-cost carrier (or actually, worse!) You’re also handily alienating your flyers (read: customers).
So after you started cutting your services, I started flying Lufthansa, Singapore, United, and the other StarAlliance members more. And guess what? As you continue to cut services, I’ll continue to cut my flights with you. And, I bet I’m not the only one. At this point I’d rather fly Southwest than American…and will.
Cheers Gerard - your strategic brilliance dazzles…