Originally Posted by
dgreen12
Data point that AA's systems still have no ability (short of a manual override) to waive the AA checked baggage charge for an AS elite (a/k/a Oneworld elite).
Checked a bag in GEG on AA (which was pretty easy to have the AA baggage fee waived since GEG AA gets lots and lots of AS elites checking bags.)
Coming back from DFW? It took the AA agent(s) about 20-25 minutes to figure out how to not charge for the checked bag since the "system keeps wanting to charge." They had to involve their internal telephone help desk --- and I'm glad I had plenty of time before my flight departed.
Happened to me last November at SEA. The check in desk couldn't override the bag fee and eventually suggested that I pay for the bag now and ask for a refund later. I had no issue getting the refund afterwards on AA website.
Didn't have any problem getting the free checked bag on my return flight from DCA on the same ticket.