American Airlines Increases Second Checked Bag Fee for Airport Payments

For tickets booked on or after February 18, 2026, American Airlines (AA) has adjusted its checked baggage fee structure, increasing the cost for a second bag paid for at the airport. The change primarily impacts passengers traveling on domestic routes, including Alaska and Hawaii, and on short-haul international flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

The new policy is part of a broader airline industry trend aimed at increasing ancillary revenue and streamlining airport operations by incentivizing online prepayment. By offering a discount for paying in advance, carriers hope to reduce congestion and processing times at check-in counters and bag drops.

Updated Fee Structure

Under the revised policy, the fee for a second checked bag paid at the airport is now $50. However, passengers who prepay for their second bag online will continue to pay the lower rate of $45, representing a $5 discount. According to an American Airlines press release, the fee for a first checked bag remains unchanged at $40 at the airport or $35 if paid online.

These fees apply to standard bags that do not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions and weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kgs). Passengers in First or Business class cabins retain a higher weight allowance of 70 lbs (32 kgs) for their complimentary bags. The carrier's last major adjustment to domestic baggage fees occurred in February 2024.

Industry Context and Rationale

The move aligns American Airlines with other major U.S. carriers, such as United Airlines, that have implemented similar pricing models with surcharges for airport transactions. U.S. airlines collectively earned over $5.1 billion from baggage fees in a recent year, highlighting the financial importance of these ancillary charges.

American Airlines framed the change as a customer service enhancement. “Any time we can make the travel experience streamlined and more convenient before arriving at the airport is a win for our customers,” said Heather Garboden, American's Chief Customer Officer. The airline's official checked bag policy has been updated to reflect the new rates.

What Comes Next

Passengers with tickets booked before February 18, 2026, will not be affected by the fee increase. Additionally, complimentary bag allowances for elite members of the American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty program and the oneworld Alliance remain in effect, shielding frequent flyers from the higher costs. Travelers holding eligible co-branded credit cards may also continue to receive free checked bags as part of their cardholder benefits.

Why This Matters

In my view, this adjustment is less about the $5 increase and more about reinforcing a fundamental shift in airline pricing strategy. It further unbundles the airfare and places the responsibility on the consumer to navigate a complex fee structure to find the best value. For aviation professionals, it's another data point showing how ancillary revenue has become a critical, non-negotiable component of airline profitability, driving operational decisions designed to modify passenger behavior at scale.

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