Second Bag Announcement
Exceptions
Frequently Asked Questions
Monday, April 28, 2008
AMERICAN AIRLINES ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO CHECKED BAG POLICY
FORT WORTH , Texas – American Airlines today announced revisions to its baggage policy to account for the rising costs associated with the transportation of checked baggage, including the price of fuel. The policy changes also apply to travelers on American Eagle.
Travelers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after Monday, May 12, will be able to check one bag for free and pay $25 for a second checked bag. The exceptions are :
- Those in American’s AAdvantage program who have achieved AAdvantage Gold, AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Executive Platinum levels;
- Those who have purchased full-fare tickets in the Economy, Business and First Class cabins; and
- Those with international itineraries (except to and from Canada and U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Customers may pay the fees at an airport Self-Service Machine or at the curb-side check-in area with a credit card. They can also pay the fee at the check-in counter with a credit card, check or cash.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Second Checked Bag Fee
Why is American Airlines changing the checked bag policy?
Why implement a $25 policy to check a second bag?
When will the new policy go into effect?
How much is the fee for checking a second bag?
How much will it cost to check more than two bags?
Are any current overweight bag fees changing?
If I fly round trip and check a second bag for the whole trip, what is the service fee?
If I check two bags for my round trip on the way out, but only check one bag on the return flight, how much will I have to pay?
If I check three bags and I am charged $25 for the second bag, will the third bag also be $25?
If I am flying from San Francisco to New York/JFK, then to London, do I have to pay a second bag service fee?
If I am traveling with my child and I check one bag and my child’s car seat on my ticket, do I have to pay a second bag fee?
If I am medically disabled and need to check my wheelchair or assistive device in addition to my suitcase, do I need to pay a second bag service fee?
If I check one bag and a pair of skis, do I have to pay a second bag service fee?
How will this impact the carry-on baggage policy?
Can I pay for my second checked bag at Curbside check-in?
If I purchase and pay for a second checked bag and my flight is cancelled and I don't fly, will I get a refund for the second checked bag fee?
If I obtain my ticket by redeeming my frequent flyer miles, does the ticket include one or two checked bags with no additional service fee?
If I am an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, or Gold member when I purchase my ticket but change to a general member status level before the travel date, does the fee apply (and vice versa)? Is it my status as of when I purchase a ticket or on the day of travel that influences the fee application?
How do I ensure that my AAdvantage status is recognized at the time of check-in?
If I obtain an upgrade to Business or First Class after checking in and pay for a second checked bag, will I be refunded the second checked bag service fee?
Does this second bag policy apply to American Eagle flights? What about American Connection flights?
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Why is American Airlines changing the checked bag policy?
The costs of doing business, including the price of fuel, continue to rise. Our new checked bag policy gives us a better opportunity to cover those costs.
Why implement a $25 policy to check a second bag?
This new fee applies to those customers flying within/between the U.S., Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada who benefit from our lowest fares. The service fee allows customers who choose to purchase these lowest fares to check one bag for free and to pay USD 25 / CAD 25 for a second checked bag per one-way trip. Meanwhile, our carry-on policy of one bag (if it meets the TSA’s required size restrictions) and one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) remains in place.
Not all customerswill be charged a service fee to check a second bag. Exemptions include:
- Customers who purchase First and Business Class tickets
- Customers who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, and Gold members
- one world Alliance Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby members
- Customers flying in the same reservation record (not applicable to group bookings) as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, or Gold member, oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire, or Ruby member regardless of fare type
- Customers who buy a ticket before May 12, 2008 or who fly before May 12, 2008
- Customers originating on AA codeshare flights not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, American Connection on a ticket purchased through American
- Customers connecting to an American flight from another airline, including AA codeshare flights operated by another airline
- Customers traveling on an international itinerary, e.g. points beyond U.S., Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada
- Customers traveling on Government fares
- Military personnel on active duty
- AAnytime AAdvantage Award tickets, First and Business Class Award tickets, or First and Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to check-in
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When will the new policy go into effect?
The new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after May 12, 2008, for travel on or after May 12, 2008.
How much is the fee for checking a second bag?
The fee is USD 25 / CAD 25 for a second checked bag (up to 50 pounds), per person, for each one-way trip. A one-way trip is travel from an origin airport to a destination airport, regardless of the number of stops on the way, provided the luggage is checked to the customer’s final destination.
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How much will it cost to check more than two bags?
For all customers for travel on or after May 12, beginning with the third checked bag, the fee is USD 100 / CAD 100 per bag for the first three additional excess pieces and USD 200 / CAD 200 for each additional piece thereafter. Customers may pay all these fees at an airport Curbside check-in area or Self-Service Machine with a credit card. Baggage fees may also be paid at the check-in counter with a credit card, check, or cash.
Are any current overweight bag fees changing?
No. The current overweight bag fees will not change and will remain at USD 50 / CAD 50 for 51 to 70 pounds and USD 100 / CAD 100 for 71 to 100 pounds.
If I fly round trip and check a second bag for the whole trip, what is the service fee?
It is$25 for each way; $50 total.
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If I check two bags for my round trip on the way out, but only check one bag on the return flight, how much will I have to pay?
$25 for the second bag on the first one-way trip, and since you only checked one bag on the return flight there is no extra service fee. The service fee you would pay for the whole trip is $25.
If I check three bags and I am charged $25 for the second bag, will the third bag also be $25?
No, the third bag will be charged $100 excess baggage charge.
If I am flying from San Francisco to New York/JFK, then to London, do I have to pay a second bag service fee?
No, if you are traveling on an international itinerary, e.g. points beyond U.S., Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada, you will not be assessed a service fee for the second bag.
If I am traveling with my child and I check one bag and my child’s car seat on my ticket, do I have to pay a second bag fee?
No. When traveling with a child, checking a car seat and stroller will continue to be free.
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If I am medically disabled and need to check my wheelchair or assistive device in addition to my suitcase, do I need to pay a second bag service fee?
No, an assistive device (required by a medically disabled passenger) is allowed over and above the free baggage allowance.
If I check one bag and a pair of skis, do I have to pay a second bag service fee?
Yes, sports equipment counts toward your baggage allowance and you would be charged a second bag service fee. If you only check your pair of skis, then you would not be charged a second bag service fee. All baggage (including but not limited to skis, golf clubs, boxes, suitcases, etc.) count toward your baggage allowance.
How will this impact the carry-on baggage policy?
The carry-on policy will remain the same as it is today.
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Can I pay for my second checked bag at Curbside check-in?
Yes.
If I purchase and pay for a second checked bag and my flight is cancelled and I don't fly, will I get a refund for the second checked bag fee?
Yes, in situations where you have paid for a second bag but involuntarily do not fly, you may request a refund through American's refund process. We regret that the refund will not be initiated automatically. You may request a refund at the ticket counter before leaving the airport or in writing by contacting us at:
American Airlines Passenger Refunds Services P.O. Box 582880 Tulsa, OK 74158-2880
Mail in the original baggage charge receipt and include your name, address, the form of payment used (including the credit card number, if applicable), ticket number(s), date of travel, departure city and destination city. Please allow six to eight weeks for processing. You may want to keep a copy of the baggage charge receipt for your records.
If I obtain my ticket by redeeming my frequent flyer miles, does the ticket include one or two checked bags with no additional service fee?
Customers traveling on MileSAAver Award tickets for domestic travel in the economy cabin will be charged a service fee to check a second bag. Customers traveling on AAnytime Award tickets or upgrades to Business or First Class cabins will be exempt from the second checked bag fee. Upgrades from Coach to Business or First Class must be confirmed prior to check-in.
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If I am an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, or Gold member when I purchase my ticket but change to a general member status level before the travel date, does the fee apply (and vice versa)? Is it my status as of when I purchase a ticket or on the day of travel that influences the fee application?
The second checked bag fee determination will be made at time of check-in and will be based on your status at that time.
How do I ensure that my AAdvantage status is recognized at the time of check-in?
We recommend that you confirm your AAdvantage number is indicated in your reservation at the time of ticketing and/or bring your AAdvantage card with you when you travel.
If I obtain an upgrade to Business or First Class after checking in and pay for a second checked bag, will I be refunded the second checked bag service fee?
No, you will not be eligible for a refund. The service fee is based on your confirmed class of service at time of check-in.
Does this second bag policy apply to American Eagle flights? What about American Connection flights?
Yes, this policy applies to American Eagle and American Connection flights.
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New Europe Service
April 24, 2008
New service to to Milan began May 1, 2008 and new service to Barcelona began April 24, 2008.
