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American Airlines decides to charge for second checked bag

by Anna Brones (RSS feed) on Apr 29th 2008 at 12:00PM

In February it was United Airlines, in March it was Delta Airlines, and now this week it's American Airlines: starting May 12, checking a second bag on a domestic flight will now cost you an extra $25. That is unless you are an American Airlines frequent flier member with a certain status or you purchased a full-fare ticket. Bag number 3, 4 and 5 will all cost you $100 a piece, and if you are a real heavy packer, number 6 will tack on an additional $200.

The change in policy comes amidst rising fuel prices and first quarter losses for many of the major airlines. If the trend continues, passengers could be waving goodbye to many services that were once complimentary like curbside check-in and advance seat assignments. Most travelers -- at least those that aren't traveling in Business class - are already used to paying for meals, and in the case of Air Canada, even customer service. I'd say the days of the friendly skies are coming to a close.

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, News, Consumer Activism

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Patricia Apr 29th 2008 12:11PM

Air Canada announced this policy sometime in the last two weeks and now apparently WestJet is considering it.

Petri Ojala Apr 29th 2008 4:34PM

We just spent 3 months travelling around the world on a number of airlines, both in business and economy.

At some point we were wondering why air travel has been such a pleasure, very little queues, everything on time, no lost baggage. Most planes had metal cutlery, sometimes the knife was plastic. Always (free) food of some kind. Then we realized that we haven't flown through London and we haven't flown in the US.

On the DrukAir economy between Paro and Kathmandu, a 1h15m flight, you get free sandwitch, coffee/tea, soft drinks and a selection of spirits (vodka, wine, gin, rhum, ...), and a candy before landing. The view of Mt. Everest and exciting landing/take off from Paro are just added bonus.

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