American Airlines will charge USD$75 (approx. AUD$110) for the first checked bag on international flights to or from Australia and New Zealand for Basic Economy tickets issued on or after 7 June 2023. Main Cabin tickets and above will not attract a first bag fee.
The new USD$75 baggage charge also applies to Basic Economy tickets for flights to or from Asia as well as connections from Europe or Israel and the Americas. For most flights to South America, the first bag charge is USD$45.
Tickets for Basic Economy and Main Cabin flights within and between the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands will attract a USD$30 fee for the first bag.
On its website, AA states that all bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person at each check-in location, each way – even if you purchase or receive a cabin upgrade that includes free checked bags. The bag fees are also base rates according to travel dates and destination and do not include taxes.
For AA flights to and from Australia and NZ, checked baggage also needs to weigh 32kg each.
Why the changes?
In a statement about charging for luggage for its least expensive fares, American said the baggage fee changes aligned the carrier with its transatlantic airline partners as AA revealed that year-on-year revenue is down 90 per cent.
United Airlines also raised its first checked bag fee on its least expensive fares to USD$70 earlier this year in line with its Star Alliance partners.
The news comes as recent research shows that average US return flights are around 70 per cent more expensive for Aussies.
With a second bag charge of USD$100 (approximately AUD$147) for Basic Economy and Main Cabin tickets, this can add up to a pricey trip unless you’re willing to travel light.
To skip the bag fees, you’ll need to pack minimally (AA allows one carry-on bag plus one small personal item per passenger for free) or achieve elite status with its AAdvantage loyalty program.
For more info, head to americanairlines.com.au
