American Airlines Raises Bag Fees, Pushes Customers to Book Direct to Earn Points
American Airlines revealed several changes today. American is aiming to push more customers to buy tickets directly from the airline if they want to earn frequent-flyer points, and it is also raising prices for checked bags.
Earning Miles and Loyalty Points
Starting with tickets issued on May 1, 2024, American will update the way customers earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points on flights, depending on where they book. Customers will earn miles and Loyalty Points on flights when they:
- Book directly with American and eligible partner airlines.
- Book travel anywhere as an AAdvantage Business™ member or contracted corporate traveler.
- Book through preferred travel agencies. American will share a list of eligible preferred agencies on aa.com in late April.
- Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn when booked directly with American and eligible partner airlines.
American says that AAdvantage® members will also continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points through non-airline partners, like the AAdvantage® eShopping, AAdvantage Hotels, and more.
Checked Bags Get More Expensive
American is increasing bag fees for first and second checked bags for travel booked on or after Feb. 20.
The new bag fees for domestic flights including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are $35 for first checked bags purchased online or $40 for first checked bags purchased at the airport. The second checked bag fee is $45 purchased online or at the airport. The new bag fees for Canada and short-haul international flights are $35 for first checked bags and $45 for second checked bags purchased online or at the airport.
That’s an increase of $5 to $10 per checked bag. The airline said it’s the first time it has raised bag fees since 2018.
Some fees are going down. Those with bags three pounds over the 50-pound limit will now pay $30 instead of the former $100 fee.
AAdvantage® status members will continue to receive complimentary bags on American Airlines flights. Most AAdvantage® credit cardmembers also get their first eligible checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries.
Also customers who purchase premium cabins on domestic and international flights will continue to receive complimentary bags. American also offers complimentary bags to active-duty U.S. military personnel on all American flights.
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