
American Airlines hikes bag fees, tightens basic-economy rules
American Airlines is raising checked-bag fees (first bag up to $50, second $60, third $200) and adding a $5 bag fee for basic-economy tickets starting April 9. It’s also tightening basic-economy rules for AAdvantage elites (no upgrades, no seat selection or Main Cabin Extra on basic fares, effective May 18) while free baggage perks remain for elite status and cobranded cards. A boarding-group change for non-elites on basic fares is planned later this year. These moves follow industry-wide baggage-fee hikes driven by higher fuel costs.











