Latest Airline To Increase Charges For Suitcases

Anyone who's been on an airliner recently knows people are trying to stuff larger and larger bags into the overhead bins. For a time, it was largely to keep control of your belongings, as airlines didn't have a great track record for getting you and your bags to the same destination at the same time. But these days, it's as much to avoid tacking additional charges onto their tickets.

American Airline recently announced it would join the other legacy carriers in raising the fees they charge for checked baggage. Beginning with tickets purchased for travel February 1st, American will be charging $25 for the first bag, and $35 for the second, matching fees charged by Delta, United, Continental, and U.S. Airways. CNN reports that the other legacy carriers offer a slight discount for paying for checked bags when you check in online, but American does not (yet) offer that service.

Airlines started charging for checked luggage in 2008, as fuel prices shot through the roof. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that in just the third quarter of 2009, airlines report collecting $740 million in baggage fees.

First class passengers are often exempt from baggage fees, as are those on military deployment, and some frequent flyers.

FMI: www.aa.com