Luggage is prepared for an American Airlines flight at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois.
Scott Olson | Getty Images News | Getty Images
American airlines joined other airlines in raising its baggage fees Thursday, but bags will be even more expensive for customers who buy basic economy tickets.
United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta Airlines And Southwest Airlines have all increased the fees for checking a bag in the past two weeks as the industry grapples with increased spending on jet fuel due to the war in the Middle East.
American is further increasing the cost of its no-frills option, while other airlines have seen widespread increases.
The airline will increase the fee by $10 to check a first bag at the airport on short-haul domestic or international flights starting with tickets booked Thursday. That brings the price of one bag to $50, and a second bag will cost $60 for most tickets. There is a $5 discount for checking a bag through American’s website or app, bringing the prices to $45 and $55, respectively.
Customers with a basic economy ticket, meanwhile, will have to pay $55 for their first checked bag and $65 for a second bag starting with tickets purchased on May 18. The $5 online discount also applies to these fees, bringing the prices to $50 and $60, respectively, for those who pay in advance.
All basic economy customers, even those with status, will also have to pay to choose a seat starting May 18 and will not be eligible for free, system-wide upgrades.
Airline executives said travel demand remains high, but it’s unclear whether carriers will be able to cover all of the fuel price hike. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz chokes off the supply of crude and refined products like jet fuel, further driving up prices.
Jet fuel is airlines’ second largest cost, after labor.
Meanwhile, airlines have shifted their focus to premium offerings and made their base fares more restrictive as growth in premium options outpaces regular economy class sales. American has fallen behind larger rivals Delta and United in chasing luxury customers, profits and more.