AA Baggage Fees---everyone's talking about it--so should we!

Direct from AA.com

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.


How do we feel about this ladies? Do you think its necessary due to rising costs of fuel?

I was noticing a family they showed at the aiport -- 2 sisters and their 4 kids. They had about 6 or 7 bags total---if each sister checks in separate with their family....thats $15 for the first bag and $25 for the other 2-3 bags. Bringing their grand total for 2 $15 dollar bags and like 5 bags at $25 each.....$155....ONE WAY. this luggage thing is being charged each way. So they pay another $155--on the way back. $310 just for luggage.

How about THEM apples?!?

OUCH...I dont know... I mean I know peopel DO overpack (We do all time) so this rule might get the number of bags down but I don't know....I think at least ONE bag should be free for everyone and then charge for additional suitcases or you're gonna end up like 'MEET THE PARENTS' with overstuffed carry-on bags in the overheads.

i should ask my brother about this-is it only American Airlines? He works for Jet Blue in, wouldn't ya know..Baggage.

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Posted by PeteysBride

i should ask my brother about this-is it only American Airlines? He works for Jet Blue in, wouldn't ya know..Baggage.

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so far its just AA---but i believe United and US Airways are considering it.

So far Delta & Jetblue are saying they don't have any interest in it. but i think they are waiting to see what happens with AA

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Posted by PeteysBride

OUCH...I dont know... I mean I know peopel DO overpack (We do all time) so this rule might get the number of bags down but I don't know....I think at least ONE bag should be free for everyone and then charge for additional suitcases or you're gonna end up like 'MEET THE PARENTS' with overstuffed carry-on bags in the overheads.

i should ask my brother about this-is it only American Airlines? He works for Jet Blue in, wouldn't ya know..Baggage.

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So far I see it is for American and I hope the others don't follow. I think it is ridiculous to charge for one checked bag. I always check my bag if I am going away for a week or 2 because I bring my big suitcase. If it is a few days I bring a carry on bag. I don't fly American and never did like American and no I know over 1 million wont like then now either.

JetBlue is doing other things to compensate for rising fuel costs...

like doubling the price it costs to fly with your pet, no longer providing free earphones, no more pillows/blankets...

I think it's ridiculous We're flying AA this summer. We're not going for long, but now I'm going to make sure DH & I just use 1 bag together. I am not paying $30 each way!

ETA: I just checked their site & it looks like that policy won't apply to us for this trip since we bought the tickets a couple of weeks ago.

Talk about getting nickeled and dimed to death. I understand the fuel surcharge but come on already!

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Posted by hayleyandsteve

JetBlue is doing other things to compensate for rising fuel costs...

like doubling the price it costs to fly with your pet, no longer providing free earphones, no more pillows/blankets...

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Jet Blue is actually charging i think $15.00 (?) extra to sit in a 'Roomier' seat.

I think that the other airlines (CO, UA, DL, US, etc) will follow AA with the baggage.
All the airlines have already increased the penalties for changing nonrefundable tickets.

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Posted by woobie113007

Jet Blue is actually charging i think $15.00 (?) extra to sit in a 'Roomier' seat..

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You know I have to say the roomier seat isn't a bad idea espeically if it is a physically larger seat.

I saw a show once about the airport and some poor woman who was very overweight, threw a fit because she was being charged the price of TWO seats because she couldn't fit into just one.

I felt bad for her but understand the airlines predicament-its not their fault if you're obese, whatever the reason may be. They are a business, so they shouldnt be forced to give away a free seat, especially with the rise in obesity rates among Americans.

HOWEVER...I think airlines should be a little more compassionate so if there can be a handful of seats that are 'roomier' and you have to pay $15 thats fine At least you're comfortable and not humiliated that you cant squeeze into a too small seat. Its better than paying another %340 for a second seat and then being strapped down uncomfortably.

It is a sign of the times unfortunately, but perhaps the airlines should have increased the ticket price instead. It would have gotten less negative attention.
I just hope that the airlines will begin enforcing the rules about carry on baggage. I travel with a carry-on and a work bag, and can't stand it when the overhead bin above my seat is stuffed so full that I can't even get my coat into it. That becomes a serious safety issue.

I do export shipping and the cost of freight has just skyrocketed. Not good for our export business at all.

I think this will be limited to AA. Their business is going to go down b/c of this and I think the other carriers will take notice and not follow in this path. Seriously, it seems like it is ALWAYS AA doing something like this and no one else.

Also, aren't we already paying for our baggage to be transported in the exorbitant ticket prices??

I am flying US Air tomorrow and when I bought my tickets online, they let your pick your seats. WELL, the best rows are 'available for purchase at web check in 24 hour prior to your flight.' Basically, I picked some seats but if we want better seats (NOT first class, just closer to the front) I will have to pay extra

I thought that was odd

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Posted by PeteysBride

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Posted by woobie113007

Jet Blue is actually charging i think $15.00 (?) extra to sit in a 'Roomier' seat..

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You know I have to say the roomier seat isn't a bad idea espeically if it is a physically larger seat.

I saw a show once about the airport and some poor woman who was very overweight, threw a fit because she was being charged the price of TWO seats because she couldn't fit into just one.

I felt bad for her but understand the airlines predicament-its not their fault if you're obese, whatever the reason may be. They are a business, so they shouldnt be forced to give away a free seat, especially with the rise in obesity rates among Americans.

HOWEVER...I think airlines should be a little more compassionate so if there can be a handful of seats that are 'roomier' and you have to pay $15 thats fine At least you're comfortable and not humiliated that you cant squeeze into a too small seat. Its better than paying another %340 for a second seat and then being strapped down uncomfortably.

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I would not mind paying $15 extra for a roomier seat. At 5'10'' and being plus sized, if that is all it takes to be more comfortable for a couple of hours, I would gladly pay that. DH and I are big people and seriously consider buying a third seat between us to be more comfortable. We try to fly JetBlue because their seats are roomier and have more legroom to begin with. (rows 13 and higher have more legroom).

I can do without airplane food, let me pack my own. I can do without a blanket and pillow, lord only knows how often they get cleaned (yuck !).
I can do without the inflight magazines, I usually have one of my own or a book to read.

But charging for the first piece of checked luggage - uh uh.
The second and consecutive ones per person I can understand, not the first.

I can understand the second bag fee but W T F.....for the first???

it pisses me off........