American Airlines raises the price of suitcases on its flights

American Airlines approved an increase in checked baggage fees for a variety of routes, impacting passengers flying within the United States and from that destination to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Guyana.

From the past February 20, 2024 the airline adjusted checked baggage prices. They assure that they had not increased them since 2018.

They justified this measure as a necessary update that also includes cost reductions for oversized and heavy luggage, promoting it as their "cheapest fare to date."

"For travel to and from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Guyana: the fee for the first piece of checked baggage is $35 and the fee for the second piece of checked baggage is $45," the company noted. in its statement.

Passengers traveling within the United States, or to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, will now face a fee for the first checked bag of USD 40, or USD 35 if payment is made online. For the second piece, the fee is 45 USD.

These rates are per person per trip. They are not refundable, except if errors are detected in the payment. In these cases, travelers must contact an American Airlines representative or file a refund claim within 45 days.

American Airlines clarifies that there are exceptions for those who will not have to pay for up to three bags. An upgrade may include free checked baggage.

This applies to travelers on itineraries marketed and operated by the company, depending on the AAdvantage® or oneworld® status they have at the time of ticketing or check-in.

It is important to note that the free checked baggage benefits They are not valid on codeshare flights operated by partner companies.

The American Airlines checked baggage price increase is now in effect for flights booked since February 20. Travelers who purchased tickets previously will be governed by the past rates.

For now, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines charge $30 and $40 for the first and second checked bag respectively on similar routes, and although they have not announced increases, analysts suggest they could follow American Airlines' lead.