American Airlines adds unpopular new fee, but travelers can avoid it

When I book a flight these days, I just assume I’m going to pay a lot more than the originally listed price because of all the fees the airline charges. I’m not alone.

A congressional report shows that about 45% of airline passengers have added extra-charge services, such as carry-on or checked bags, priority boarding or advance seat assignment.

Unfortunately, while airlines have been unbundling services for years and repeatedly charging more for things that were previously free, this trend is only accelerating. In fact, American Airlines just announced this month that costs would rise.

The good news for travelers who are tired of airfare costs is that there is a way to avoid this new added expense if they plan ahead.

American Airlines shared new fee changes online this month, which are effective for all flights booked after February 18, 2026.

According to the company’s online announcement, “American Airlines is adjusting bag fees for second checked bags for travel booked on or after February 18. New domestic flights (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada) and short-haul international flights will have a $50 bag fee when purchased at the airport.”

The fee for a second checked bag increases by $5. Before February 18, customers packing a second bag will pay $45.

This isn’t the first time American has raised its checked bag fees, and it’s not the only airline to raise bag check-in fees.

For example, last year, CNBC reported that all three major airlines were raising checked baggage fees in 2024, with some fees increasing by as much as 30%. then:

• American Airlines has increased the fee for domestic flights from a flat rate of $30 to $35 (online) and $40 (at the airport). The fee for a second checked bag increases from $40 to $45, regardless of where the bag is checked.

• JetBlue Airways is raising the fee to check a bag within 24 hours of a flight from $35 to $45. This is for flights to the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. Check your bag online at least 24 hours in advance and you’ll receive a $10 discount on your first checked bag.

• Alaska Airlines is raising the fee for the first checked bag from $30 to $35 and the second checked bag from $40 to $45.

The trend continues, with airlines continuing to increase costs — including the latest changes at American Airlines. Unfortunately, this increases the financial pressure travelers face when booking travel.

The good news is that it’s easy for customers to avoid the added fees.

All you need to do is arrange your checked baggage online forward You arrive at the airport.

More airlines:

“Customers who prepay for a second checked bag at aa.com or through the mobile app will receive a $5 discount off the current fee of $45,” American Airlines said in a statement about the change.

“There is no change to the baggage fee for the first checked bag.”

This means you’ll need to plan ahead when flying with American Airlines if you don’t want your costs to go up.

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This article was originally published by TheStreet on February 28, 2026, and first appeared in the Travel section. Click here to add TheStreet as your preferred source.