A wave of change is sweeping through the skies, and American Airlines is the latest carrier to adjust its policies for travelers. The adjustments, announced Thursday, extend far beyond simply increasing baggage costs – signaling a significant shift in how the airline approaches fares and loyalty programs.
The most immediate impact will be felt at the check-in counter. American Airlines is raising fees for the first and second checked bags by $10 each. This brings the cost to $50 for the first bag ($45 if prepaid online) and $60 for the second ($55 prepaid), aligning with recent increases from Delta, United, and Southwest. A third bag will now set travelers back a hefty $200.
But the changes don’t stop there. American is introducing a new surcharge for those booking its most basic economy fares. Passengers choosing these discounted tickets will now pay an additional $5 to check a bag, increasing the initial cost to $55 for the first bag and $65 for the second.
This move marks a turning point, as American Airlines is the first major U.S. carrier to specifically impose higher baggage fees on its basic economy customers. The airline cites ongoing evaluation of pricing and the current operating environment as the driving forces behind these adjustments.
The impact extends to frequent flyers as well. AAdvantage elite status members will no longer receive complimentary upgrades or be able to use Systemwide Upgrades when traveling on basic economy fares. This represents a significant reduction in benefits for loyal customers.
Furthermore, elite members will lose complimentary seat selection and access to Main Cabin Extra seats when booked on basic economy. These changes, taking effect May 18th, build upon previous restrictions regarding earning miles and Loyalty Points on basic fares, effectively transforming American’s basic economy product into one of the most restrictive in the industry.
Even the boarding process is undergoing a shift. Later this year, AAdvantage members without elite status or a cobranded credit card will board in Group 7 when flying basic economy, while those with status or a card will maintain their existing boarding privileges.
These changes come amidst a broader trend within the U.S. airline industry, fueled by rising global oil and jet fuel prices. Airlines are actively reshaping their cheapest fare offerings, increasingly targeting the benefits earned through customer loyalty programs.
For American Airlines loyalists, these adjustments present a critical juncture. The changes demand a careful reconsideration of fare choices, potentially prompting travelers to weigh the value of basic economy against the loss of cherished benefits.
The airline industry is in motion, and these shifts signal a new era of navigating travel costs and loyalty rewards.
