American Airlines has announced an increase in bag fees and changes to its frequent-flyer points system.
Driving the news: The airline is increasing the cost of checking a bag on a domestic flight from $30 to $35 when purchased online and $40 if purchased at the airport.
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- The price to check a second bag will increase from $40 to $45. This is the first time since 2018 that American has raised bag fees.
- American is also increasing bag fees by $5 for short international flights, including those to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- Graduated fees will now apply to slightly overweight or oversized bags will start at $30 for bags that are no more than 3 pounds or three linear inches over the limits.
Loyalty program: American announced changes in its AAdvantage loyalty program to encourage customers to purchase tickets directly from the airline or its partner carriers or from preferred online travel agencies.
- Starting with tickets issued on May 1, customers will need to buy tickets directly from the airline or its partner carriers or from preferred online travel agencies if they want to earn points in AAdvantage loyalty program.
- Corporate travelers will not be affected by this rule.
- The changes come as airlines shift away from travel agents and bring ticket sales in-house.
- American Airlines’ changes to bag fees and loyalty programs are part of an industry-wide trend towards increased revenue from ancillary fees.
