American to Charge for First Checked Bag
 

American Airlines will start charging $15 for the first checked bag, cut domestic flights and lay off workers as it grapples with record-high fuel prices.
But rival Delta doesn't plan to match American's fee for the first checked bag, a spokesmwoman said.

OMG. I've been calling this "The Year of the Fees," but this news made even my jaw drop. Paying for "Choice Seats" on the aisle or window on US Air, paying for "Even More Legroom" on JetBlue, paying for the second checked bag on virtually all airlines, paying for meals, paying, paying, paying. How long till they start charging for a blanket? How long till we have to pay for each carry-on bag? When do they start charging a fee each time you ask the flight attendant a question?

Mike "Fed Up With Fees" Strickland
Travel blog: www.stricklandia.com

Next they will charge for restroom visits!

Can you just imagine what people are going to try to carry on now?? Good luck all you folks who fly out of American hubs... even if you're not on an American flight, the security lines are going to be a nightmare!

What I haven't been able to find out is whether they plan on sticking those of us who already have tickets with the fee.

And tekwriter, yes I can just imagine what people will be trying to cram into the overheads.

<i>What I haven't been able to find out is whether they plan on sticking those of us who already have tickets with the fee.</i>

It applies to tickets purchased on or after June 15, so...no.

This S_CKS! Being one of those people who frequently fly on AA (live in hub city), I'm very exasperated with their diminished (almost non-existent) customer service. Now they continue to nickel &amp; dime us with yet another fee.

Prices have to go up, they just aren't going to absorb the fuel prices.

If they increase the ticket price, or create new fees - it's going up and it shouldn't surprise us too much.

May be wishful thinking. I am still hoping that airports will actually start enforcing carry-on limits again.

I wonder if any of the airlines have thought of cutting costs in the CEO's office...nope, guess not. if they did, the CEO might leave and invoke the multi-billion dollar golden parachute clause...that's a LOT of checked bag fees.

From AA website:

Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way.

Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag.

Our carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place.

Exceptions to this new rule:

The following customers will not be charged a service fee to check a bag provided the bag is within the weight allowance:

For the first checked bag, customers who buy a ticket before June 15, 2008, or who fly before June 15, 2008

For the second checked bag, customers who purchased a ticket before May 12, 2008

Customers traveling on an international itinerary to destinations beyond the U.S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Canada

Customers who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class

Customers who purchase Business or First Class tickets

Customers flying on AA codeshare flights not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection&reg;

Customers traveling on government or military fares

Military passengers on active duty,
AAdvantage Executive Platinum&reg;, AAdvantage Platinum&reg; or AAdvantage Gold&reg; members, oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members

Customers flying on the same reservation as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold member or oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby member regardless of frequent flier status or fare type (not applicable to group bookings)

AAnytime&reg; Economy Class AAdvantage award tickets, MileSAAver(SM) or AAnytime First and Business Class AAdvantage award tickets

First and Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to check in
AAirpass travel

I know many people shop mainly on price, but why not bump the ticket price $15? Are the airlines avoiding taxes/fees by adding these extra nickel-and-dime fees instead of including them in the fare?

So far, my preferred airline, Southwest Airlines, has added none of these new fees. It's still free to check two bags. (And it's always been free to change your ticket.) And on a recent trip, since Southwest is open seating, I checked in early enough to get exit row aisle seats on two flights. No charge. I'm curious if they will ever add a 2nd bag fee (which doesn't sound out of line to me)- but a fee for a first bag is silly, and I agree, it will now make it harder to get through security and find space for your own carry-ons you bring on the plane, since now overhead bin space will be full on every flight.

I'm so glad I dumped American Airlines as my preferred airline - this is just another reason that I feel good about it. Too bad, they used to be a good airline.

I am amazed, but not shocked!!!! Actually I think they should charge for carry ons in excess of the allowable limit. Since they won't enforce it, why not make some money off of that.....

thanks, mr go and Faina. I appreciate the info.

This sort of makes sense to me. As a passenger, we'd like to see charges for carry-ons charged because that's what we notice, and checked baggage doesn't concern us. But to an airline, I can see how checked baggage is more of an issue. Carry-ons don't require labor from airline personnel, and there (probably) aren't any employee work comp claims resulting from carry-ons. The checked bags require personnel to deal with them, and depending on how heavy the passengers pack, can cause employee injury and claims against the airline. Also, lost luggage can cost the airline - with carry-ons, losses are probably rare and possibly the passenger's fault.

So I can see how it makes sense from the airline's perspective. It sure is irritating though.

I don't blame them Fuel costs increased and they have to do something. If I were their CEO, I'd do the same thing. Blame Bush.

Blame Bush is right.....because of him we are in this mess.

The worst President in the history of the US. I am a registered Republican but will never ever vote for a member of the GOP who is running for national office b/c of Bush.

Read my lips: bring quarters to drop in the slot to open the lavatory door. From outside for entrance, another quarter from inside to exit.