American Airlines Introduces Baggage Fees for Basic Economy Transoceanic Flights
Hey there, fellow traveler! I have some news to share with you about American Airlines and their recent update to their basic economy tickets for transoceanic flights. Brace yourself because starting now, the airline will charge a fee for checked bags on all basic economy tickets on transoceanic flights. This move aims to streamline their product offerings, but as a passenger, it's frankly frustrating. Let's dive deeper into this change and what it means for your future travels.
“Consistency in Basic Economy”:
Now according to American Airlines spokesperson, Andrea Koos, the new baggage fee is part of an effort to make basic economy terms consistent across their entire network, whether it's a domestic or international flight. Listen bestie, as a routine AA flyer it is feeling like a money grab to me and you will see why once we get into the cost.
The Cost of Checking a Bag:
Now, let's talk numbers. If you're flying on one of American Airlines' transoceanic basic economy tickets and you need to check a bag, get ready to pay an additional $75 for the first checked bag. This means that the total cost of your ticket could increase significantly, nearly $100 more than the published price. It's essential to factor this fee into your budget when planning your trip to avoid any surprises. This price gouge is the highest baggage fees imposed by American Airlines. At the time of posting, the baggage fees for AA is $30 for the first checked bag for domestic flights and destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. This drastic change from complementary checked bags to a checked bag being the average cost of an Air fryer is disappointing to say the least.
Comparison with Other Airlines:
While American Airlines is implementing this new policy, it's worth noting that United Airlines and Delta Air Lines still offer free first checked bags on transpacific flights for basic economy ticketholders. However, similar to American Airlines, both United and Delta charge a $75 fee for the first checked bag on transatlantic flights. (I will save my rant about how baggage fees began in 2008 by American Airlines for another day.) Make sure to consider these differences when choosing your preferred airline for transoceanic travel.
Government Regulation Efforts:
It's no secret that travelers, including myself, have been frustrated with the various fees imposed by airlines. The Biden Administration and the Department of Transportation have been working on initiatives to crack down on excessive fees, but so far, no formal changes have been made regarding baggage charges. It's essential to stay informed about these ongoing discussions as they might impact future airline policies.
In conclusion, American Airlines has made a significant change to their basic economy tickets for transoceanic flights by introducing a $75 fee for the first checked bag. While this decision aims to provide consistent offerings across their network, it can be frustrating for passengers like us who now have to account for this additional cost. As a traveler, it's crucial to review your budget and compare different airline policies before booking your next transoceanic journey. Stay informed about any potential government regulations that may affect airline fees in the future.
