American Airlines will start charging $15 for the first checked bag by June 15, 2009

[lhbrown]

Hi
I just read that American Airlines will start charging $15 for the first checked bag, cut domestic flights and lay off workers as it grapples with record-high fuel prices.
The nation's largest carrier said today the fee for the first checked bag starts June 15 and that it would raise other fees for services ranging from reservation help to oversized bags. The other fees will mostly range from $5 to $50 per service, the airline said.

Last month American announced it would join other carriers in charging $25 for second bags checked for some passengers, but it wasn't immediately clear how today's announcement would affect that.

I imagine, other airlines will soon follow suit.

[kyshel]

Is that for domestic flights?

[lhbrown]

Hi kyshel,

I checked several sources, but none specified if this charge is for domestic flights only and/or international flights. I assume the charge will apply to both, domestic and international flights.

[omegaet]

I received an email from AA, as a result of an upcoming domestic trip booked about two weeks back,regarding their new baggage policy.




AA Updated Checked Bag Policies

Know before you go!

Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. Our carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place.

[BobDobbs]

Wow. Time to live out of my carry on bag.

[kyshel]

I guess we should revive the tips about carry-on baggage packing? I have recently started using the Hefty brand Jumbo 2 1/2 gallon size zip bags for my one bag. I was very surprised to learn that they remain well-sealed for a trip or two with multiple openings. I like sorting clothes by type and folding some garments halfway to the depth of the bag, doubling it over and putting the "narrow" ones on the side of my bag, in those voids created after I tighten the interior straps. It's MAGIC!!
Just search the threads--they are too numerous to list.
Carry on, contributors, carry on...

Message Edited by kyshel on 05-21-2008 03:07 PM

[omegaet]

kyshel....since receiving and reviewing the details of the changes American Airlines is instituting with checked baggage as well as the size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags, we have begun to explore the options of switching to caftans, dashakis and/or djellabahsas travel wear for future business and leisure travel. If we decided toincorporate these garments, rather than traditional shirts and slacks....we can simply pack a few paid of underwear and sandals and a toothbrush in our size and weight conforming carry-on baggage and continue to be happy travelers.



Your thoughts......especially considering your recent trip to Morocco!

Message Edited by omegaet on 05-21-2008 09:02 PM

[lhbrown]

Hi O,
Nice pix. Love your idea of caftans, dashakis and/or djellabahs. Add to this saries. These may all be quite appropriate if you travel to Marocco, Tunesia, Africa in general or India. However, I can't quite see myself running around in these garbs while traveling in the US or in Europe just to lighten my baggage. Our friend's son came back from the peace corps from Mauritania and he wore the traditional outfit arriving home at a small upstate NY airport. He caused quite a commotion and lots of stares.... We all had a good laugh, and then he switched back to his normal clothes.

[lhbrown]

Hi kyshel,
I have used the 2 1/2 gallon zip lock bags for years. As you say, they work really great to separate and sort your stuff and have the added advantage, that your clothes stay fresh and remain relatively wrinkle free. These bags also help me while packing. I can see exactly what I have where before putting them into my suitcase. They somehow seem to prevent me from over packing. These bags are not cheap, but they can be used many times over.

[lhbrown]

Hi O and others,
I too just received the AA Newsletter and here is the complete list on who will not be charged the $15 baggage charge:

The following customers will not be charged a service fee to check a bag provided the bag is within the weight allowance:
For the first checked bag, customers who buy a ticket before June 15, 2008, or who fly before June 15, 2008For the second checked bag, customers who purchased a ticket before May 12, 2008Customers originating travel in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada and traveling to an international destination beyond the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada Customers originating travel outside the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada and traveling to an international destinationCustomers who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class Customers who purchase Business or First Class tickets Customers flying on AA codeshare flights not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnectionCustomers traveling on government or military fares Military passengers on active duty AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold members oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members Customers flying on the same reservation as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold member or oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby memberregardless of frequent flier status or fare type (not applicable to group bookings) AAnytime Economy Class AAdvantage award tickets, MileSAAver(SM) or AAnytime First and Business Class AAdvantage award tickets First and Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to check in AAirpass travel