American Airlines Adds New $75 Fee for First Standard-Size Suitcase

Airline fees seem to be an inevitable part of our lives, and they can be quite bothersome. We often encounter budget airlines where the initial ticket price is incredibly low, only to be hit with additional charges for every little thing, from seat selection to early check-ins. While we’ve grown accustomed to this practice, it’s a different story when one of the world’s largest airlines, American Airlines (AAL), decides to add yet another fee.

In an announcement, American Airlines revealed that they will now charge a $75 fee for the first standard-size suitcase on their basic economy fares, but only for flights to Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. Keep in mind that additional bags will cost $100 and $200 respectively, based on size and weight restrictions.

It’s worth noting that most non-budget airlines provide one free checked bag, making American Airlines’ move stand out, especially as the Biden Administration aims to tackle what it perceives as unnecessary fees.

Granted, this fee only applies to select routes within the cheapest fare class, so the average American Airlines passenger may not be directly affected. However, it does raise concerns similar to Netflix’s trial of password crackdowns in certain regions before implementing them globally. Just as people voiced their discontent with Netflix’s approach, they are likely to do the same if American Airlines follows suit.

As always, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for any potential changes in airline policies that might affect your travel plans.