American Airlines Raises Checked Bag and Pet Fees [2024]
American Airlines has updated its Checked Bag Policy and Pet-in-Cabin Policy for new tickets purchased as of February 20th, 2024, which increased the price by over 30% in certain cases. This was first predicted by xJonNYC on X.
Here is a screenshot of American Airlines’ updated checked bag policy, as of this morning:
American Airline’s new pricing for a customer’s first and second checked bags is up to $10 more for Domestic U.S. Flights and $5 more for many Caribbean and Central America destinations. Fees for third and fourth checked bags remain unchanged for now. This is the first time AA has updated their checked bag fees since 2018.
American Airlines now has the highest checked baggage fees (as noted by View From The Wing) out of the big three domestic airlines. Delta charges $30 for your first standard checked bag domestically while United charges $35.
AAdvantage Status members, most AAdvantage credit card holders, and active-duty U.S. military personnel will continue to receive waived checked bag fees in most situations.
The following credit cards will continue to offer waived domestic baggage fees on American Airlines:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
- Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Red Mastercard®
- Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard®
Changes to Oversized and Overweight Bag Fees
In better news, American Airlines is making welcomed changes to their oversized and overweight baggage fees by lowering fees in many situations. American says some customers will save more than $350 in fees.
Unfortunately, American is also reducing the oversize limit to 115 linear inches and will no longer allow javelins, pole vaults and hang gliders.
These changes go into effect on April 17th, 2024.
Pet-in-Cabin Fees Increasing on American Airlines
Lastly, American Airlines has also increased their pet-in-cabin fees which allow you to bring your pet on board as as a carry-on.
Effective February 20th, 2024, American Airlines is now charging $150 per kennel for travel within and between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
This is up from the previous $125, which is still in place for tickets issued on or before February 19th, 2024.
American Airlines will continue to waive carry-on pet fees for service animals to all destinations.
Closing Thoughts
American Airlines has updated its Checked Bag Policy and Pet-in-Cabin Policy as of February 20th, 2024, resulting in increased prices for checked bags by over 30% in some cases. These changes include higher fees for first and second-checked bags on domestic and select international flights, while certain credit card holders and military personnel may still enjoy waived fees. Additionally, American Airlines is adjusting oversized and overweight baggage fees, with some customers potentially saving over $350, but is also implementing stricter limits and higher fees for pet-in-cabin travel effective immediately. It will be interesting to see if Delta and United follow American Airlines’ lead… prices are going up everywhere, and airlines are no exception.
What do you make of American Airlines’ checked bag fees? Leave a comment!
