American Reduces Free Checked Bags for Premium Flyers
Joe Cortez March 23, 2016
Carrier reduces number of free checked bags in first and business class and adds a charge for a third checked bag.
American Airlines flyers will soon see new fees attached to their business class and first class tickets, as all three legacy carriers continue to tighten down on free amenities. Effective March 29, 2016, travelers flying in the premium cabins will receive two free checked bags, downsized from three. The third checked bag will cost between $85 and $200, depending on the destination.
Checking a third bag in the premium cabin will continue to be free for top-tier elite flyers, including American AAdvantage Executive Platinum flyers and other elites who hold oneworld Emerald status. When pressed for comment by Skift, a spokesperson for American told the online publication the move was made to “line up our offerings with competitors.” Fellow legacy carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines charge premium cabin non-top tier elite customers for a third checked bag.
The move comes as all three carriers align to reflect each other’s fee structures while collecting record-breaking profits. Although each airline has re-introduced certain amenities like free snacks, the moves come with additional fee structures. Both American and United have announced plans to match Delta with a basic economy fare. Under the proposed ticketing rules, flyers would exchange the ability to select seats and receive elite-flyer upgrades for a discounted fare.
The continued increase in fees has sparked action from Congress, leading one senator to introduce legislation which would cap charges for luggage and itinerary change fees. The senate bill has been introduced to the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for review.
[Photo: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File]
@pete3, AC gives *G 3 bags at 32KG for Y pax as well. (on all routes)
Oligopoly = consumers lose
Well there goes one of the main reasons to purchase domestic first up-fares for me :( Pretty disappointing in the transatlantic market as well. As an American living in Europe crossing the Atlantic 5-6 times per year I'd prefer to support AA when flying on One World, but BA still includes 3 bags in transatlantic business. In Star Alliance, UA, LH or AC only require Star Alliance Gold (50K miles per year on most member airlines, versus 100K for AA Executive Platinum) to get the 3rd bag on international business or domestic first/business.
Why not just cut all the business jargon crap. We all know "to line up our offerings with our competitors" simply means "Hey, we noticed those guys did something and charged a fee for it and no one batted an eye, so if they're gonna make some money and get away with it, why aren't we?!"
I don't see checking a bag to be a free amenity. Just a way to make ticket prices look lower while still collecting the same money.