American Airlines updates bag fees and Basic Economy fares

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines is adjusting its checked bag fees and further differentiating its Basic Economy fare from its standard Main Cabin offering. These changes are the result of the airline’s continuing evaluation of pricing and in light of the current operating environment.

For tickets booked on or after April 9, 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 for the first checked bag, $60 for the second checked bag and $200 for the third checked bag when purchased at the airport. Customers who prepay for their first and second checked bag on aa.com or through American’s mobile app will receive a $5 discount, paying $45 and $55, respectively.

Customers traveling on a domestic Basic Economy ticket will be charged $55 for their first checked bag and $65 for their second checked bag for tickets purchased on May 18 and beyond. Those who prepay for bags on aa.com or the mobile app will receive a $5 discount, paying $50 and $60 for the first and second checked bags. Travelers purchasing Basic Economy tickets in select South America markets will be charged $70 for their first checked bag for tickets purchased on April 9 and beyond, with additional South America markets added for tickets purchased on May 18 and beyond.

All AAdvantage^® status members will continue to receive complimentary bags on American Airlines flights. In addition, most AAdvantage^® credit cardmembers also get their first eligible checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries.

Customers who purchase seats in premium cabins on domestic and international flights will continue to receive complimentary bags. American also offers complimentary bags to active-duty U.S. military personnel on all American flights.

The previous bag fees will apply for tickets purchased prior to this change.

Full details on current fees are available at aa.com.

Additional changes on Basic Economy tickets

For customers who value the lowest price, American will continue to offer Basic Economy fares in Main Cabin. Basic Economy tickets give customers the benefit of American’s extensive network and schedule, along with one free personal item and one free carry-on bag, free snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment. For Basic Economy tickets purchased May 18 and beyond, all customers, including those with status, will be able to select a seat for a fee and will not be eligible for complimentary and systemwide upgrades.

Starting later this year, AAdvantage^® members who do not have status or select co-branded credit cards will board in Group 7 while AAdvantage^® status members and credit card holders will continue to receive Priority or Preferred boarding when purchasing a Basic Economy fare. All AAdvantage^® status members will continue to receive complimentary seat selection and complimentary upgrades when traveling on a Main Cabin fare, as well as free Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T, for all AAdvantage^® members regardless of status.

About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)

American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever Forward℠ spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.