American Airlines Increases Its Baggage Fee and Updates How Loyalty Members Earn Miles — What to Know

20.02.2024 - 19:31 / travelandleisure.com / Vasu Raja / Airlines

Passengers flying American Airlines will need to pack lighter or be ready to pay, the carrier announced Tuesday of its increased bag fees along with an array of other customer-facing changes.

For travel booked after Feb. 20, a passenger's first checked bag. purchased in advance, will cost $35, up from $30, for domestic flights (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). A traveler's first checked bag paid for at the airport will cost $40.

A second checked bag paid for in advance is also $40, while one purchased at the airport is $45.

For Canada and short-haul international flights, the fee is a flat $35 for first checked bags, regardless of where it’s purchased. 

Passengers who hold elite status, certain AAdvantage credit card members, and those who are booked in premium cabins on domestic and international flights will continue to receive complimentary bags. 

The airline also announced upcoming restrictions on earning AAdvantage miles and status-eligible Loyalty Points. It’s a move that the airline hopes will encourage passengers to book directly with the airline. 

“Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it's also where we offer the best fares and it's most rewarding for our AAdvantage members,” Vasu Raja, American's Chief Commercial Officer, said in a statement. 

Starting on May 1, American will require passengers to book directly with the airline or on an eligible partner carrier to earn redeemable miles and Loyalty Points for status. Booking as an AAdvantage Business member, a contracted corporate traveler, and via a soon-to-be-announced list of “preferred travel agencies” will also be eligible for mileage earnings, except for basic economy fares. 

This is the first move by a major U.S. airline to restrict mileage earnings based on where a flight was booked. American promises to release the list of “preferred travel agencies” in late April. Come early May, mileage-savvy travelers will want to pay even closer attention to where they’re booking their flights.