American Airlines Squeezes Basic Economy Passengers With New Baggage Fee

If you're booking a Basic Economy fare on American Airlines, get ready to shell out a little more cash.

As The Points Guy first pointed out, the airline quietly dropped its free checked bag for Basic Economy passengers on long-haul flights. Beginning June 7, passengers headed to Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel will have to pay $75 for their first standard-sized checked bag. Prices for a second bag ($100) and third bag ($200) remain the same.

Passengers who booked their travel before June 7 will be grandfathered in at the old rate (free), so no need to fear for your upcoming flight. But going forward there's no more free checked bags under the Basic Economy fare.

An American Airlines spokesperson told The Points Guy that the move was meant to "simplify" the purchase process. American will now be the only of the three major U.S. airline not to offer a free bag with any type of Basic Economy fare.

“We are simplifying our product offerings to make it easier for customers when they are shopping for travel. With this change, our Basic Economy product will include all of the same features whether a customer is purchasing it for a domestic or international itinerary," the spokesperson said.

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American will continue to offer one free carry-on bag and one free personal item with Basic Economy bookings. If you're doing some summer travel or looking to get away later this year, make sure you check your ticket type and factor in the extra expenditures while booking.