American to charge passengers $15 for first checked bag
May 21, 2008

One month after implementing a fee for a second checked bag, American Airlines and regional subsidiary American Eagle on June 15 will start charging coach passengers $15 each way for the first checked bag.

The charge will apply to passengers flying to destinations in the U.S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Customers traveling on government or military fares; customers paying for full-fare economy, business or first-class tickets; flyers who are executive platinum, platinum or gold members of American's frequent-flyer program; military passengers on active duty; and passengers flying on codeshare flights not operated by American will be exempt from paying the $15 fee.

American's carry-on policy of one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, plus one bag will remain in place.

American will continue charging passengers $25 for a second checked bag, as are all the U.S. network carriers.