When I book flights these days, I just assume that I’m going to be paying substantially more than the initial listed price due to all the fees airlines tack on. And I’m not alone in this.
One congressional report showed that about 45% of airline passengers add services that come with extra fees, such as carry-on or checked bags, priority boarding, or advanced seat assignments.
Unfortunately, even though airlines have been unbundling services for years and repeatedly charging more for things that used to be free, this trend is only accelerating. In fact, American Airlines announced just this month that costs would be rising.
The good news is that there’s a way for travelers who are fed up with airline fees to avoid this newly added cost — if they plan ahead.
American Airlines reveals new fees in February
American Airlines shared the new fee changes online this month, and they took effect for any flights booked after Feb. 18, 2026.
According to the company’s online announcement, “American is adjusting bag fees for the second checked bag for travel booked on or after Feb. 18. The new bag fee for domestic flights, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and short-haul international flights is $50 when purchased at the airport.”
This is a $5 increase in the cost of the second checked bag. Before Feb. 18, customers who packed a second bag would pay $45.
Here’s what American Airlines’ checked bag fees look like now
Fee for 1st checked bag if prepaid online
$35
No change
Fee for 1st checked bag if paid at the airport
$40
No change
Fee for 2nd checked bag if prepaid online
$45
No change
Fee for 2nd checked bag if paid at the airport
$50
$5 increase for all bookings starting Feb. 18
Checked-bag fee increases are a common airline trend
This is not the first time American Airlines has raised its checked baggage fees, and American Airlines is not the only carrier that is increasing the cost of bringing bags on board.
Last year, for example, CNBC reported that three major airlines all raised their checked bag costs in 2024, with some fees rising by as much as 30%. At that time:
- American Airlines had raised the fee on domestic flights from a flat rate of $30 to $35 if you check it online and $40 if you check it at the airport. The cost of the second checked bag went from $40 to $45, regardless of where the bag was checked.
- JetBlue had raised its fee from $35 to $45 to check a bag within 24 hours of a flight. This was for flights in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Checking the bag online at least 24 hours in advance allowed passengers to qualify for a $10 discount on the first checked bag
- Alaska Airlines had increased its fee from $30 to $35 for the first checked bag and from $40 to $45 for the second.
This trend has continued, with airlines continuing to increase costs — including this latest change from American Airlines. Unfortunately, that adds to the financial stress travelers face when booking travel.
Customers can avoid American Airlines’ new fee
The good news is that it’s fairly easy for customers to avoid the added charge.
You just need to arrange to check your bag online before you get to the airport.
More Airlines:
- Airline cuts last flight into this US city, refunds available
- TSA issues stern warning on item over 13 million Americans use
- Spirit Airlines cuts more flights and jobs amid second bankruptcy
“Customers who prepay for their second checked bag on aa.com or through the mobile app will receive a $5 discount, paying the current fee of $45,” American Airlines said in its statement regarding the change.
“There are no changes to bag fees for the first checked bag.”
This means if you don’t want your costs to go up, you’ll need to plan in advance when flying on American Airlines.
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