American Airlines will now charge for checked bags on all basic economy tickets. The airline announced it would introduce a $75 fee for the first checked bags on its cheapest fares on transoceanic flights, saying the change is meant to make the terms of basic economy more consistent across its network.

Yes, American Airlines has implemented significant baggage fee increases for tickets issued on or after February 18, 2026. For domestic flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the fee for a first checked bag has risen to $40 ($35 if paid online in advance). The second checked bag now costs $50 ($45 online). This follows a previous "quiet" increase in late 2025 where short-haul international flights (to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean) were aligned with domestic pricing. Previously, these fees were roughly $5 lower. In 2026, the airline continues to incentivize digital check-in by offering that $5 discount for paying via their app or website. Elite status members and certain co-branded credit card holders remain exempt from these first-bag fees on domestic routes. These changes reflect a broader industry trend of "unbundling" services to manage rising fuel and operational costs, making it more expensive than ever for "Basic Economy" travelers who need to check luggage for their journey.