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?

FMI: www.aa.com