Tue, Apr 29, 2008
Implements $25 Fee On Second Bag; Frequent Flyers Exempt
American Airlines is the latest major US carrier to join in
charging for a second piece of checked luggage. On Monday, the Fort
Worth-based airline joined US Airways, United, Delta, Northwest and
Continental in calling for a new fee for passengers hoping to check
more than one piece of luggage.
Like those other airlines, American blamed the fee on rising
costs associated with the transportation of checked baggage,
including the price of fuel. The policy changes also apply to
travelers on the carrier's American Eagle regional subsidiary.
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. Exceptions include AAdvantage
Gold, Platinum or Executive Platinum members; full-fare
ticketholders; or those traveling on international flights,
excluding Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Based on the exceptions listed above, American estimates that
approximately 4 percent of its domestic customers who check more
than one bag will be charged the $25 second bag fee.
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.
American's jump on the "charge 'em more!" bandwagon leaves
Southwest Airlines as the only large US airline to still allow two
pieces of luggage to be checked for the price of a ticket. Anyone
want to place a bet on how much longer that lasts?
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