American Airlines adjusts checked-bag allowances, expands basic economy
Effective immediately, American Airlines is streamlining its checked-bag policy for international flights. Additionally, the Fort Worth-based carrier is expanding basic economy fares to four new markets.
That spells good news for some and bad news for others, so let's take a look at what's changing.
Premium economy gets two checked bags
All premium economy tickets purchased on or after Feb. 23, 2021, will now include two free checked bags.
Before the change, premium economy passengers bound for Alaska or Hawaii were only allowed to check one bag free of charge. With Tuesday's policy update, all premium economy flyers can now check two standard-sized bags, regardless of the destination.
All in, this represents a nice improvement for premium economy passengers headed to Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.
As for Alaska, Cirium schedules show that American isn't offering a premium economy cabin in the market through the end of 2021 at the earliest.
International coach flyers only get one free bag
To "provide consistency across the network," all long-haul international coach tickets, excluding basic economy, will now include one free checked bag.
Unfortunately, this added consistency comes at the expense of a checked bag for coach flyers headed to Asia or Oceania. Before Tuesday's update, the aforementioned coach tickets included two free checked bags.
For new tickets purchased on or after Feb. 23, 2021, the second checked bag will now cost $100 for transpacific itineraries and $65 for flights to long-haul destinations in South America.
The checked-bag policy for short-haul international destinations, like the Caribbean and Latin America, remains unchanged.
Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines
New long-haul basic economy markets
American is also expanding its basic economy fares to new international markets. You'll now see a "Basic Economy Plus Bag" option on flights to Asia, Oceania, India and Israel.
Unlike traditional basic economy tickets, this enhanced fare includes one checked bag. Note that all the other basic economy restrictions apply, including last-group boarding.
Additionally, the "Basic Economy Plus Bag" fare will become non-changeable once the current global waiver expires. For now, American's comprehensive waiver offers no change fees for all tickets purchased by March 31, 2021.
American recently relaxed some of its basic economy restrictions as of Oct. 1, 2020. All basic economy flyers, including those traveling on AA's new "Plus Bag" fare, can purchase upgrades, priority boarding, extra-legroom seats and same-day confirmed changes. Elite members can also enjoy their benefits, regardless of the fare purchased.
Oceania travelers can pack more
Checked bags are generally capped at 50 pounds each. Some premium cabin flyers, as well as elite members, are allowed to bring bags weighing 70 pounds.
As part of Tuesday's update, all tickets to/from Australia or New Zealand will now include a 70-pound allowance per bag.
That means coach flyers can check one 70-pound bag. Premium economy, business- and first-class travelers can bring two bags at 70 pounds each.
Travel agents can now offer upsell packages
Effective immediately, select travel agencies can offer new bundled packages in addition to the ticket.
An internal memo viewed by TPG shows that American plans to offer a Main Plus experience, which includes an extra-legroom seat, an additional free checked bag and Group 5 boarding. It remains to be seen which travel agencies begin offering the new packages and at what price.
Bottom line
American's latest policy update is a mixed bag (literally and figuratively).
All premium economy passengers will now enjoy two free checked bags — a nice bump for those domestic tickets which previously only included one bag. Plus, flyers headed to Australia and New Zealand can pack a bit more with a new 70-pound allowance.
It's a different story for long-haul coach tickets, which now include just one checked bag. Previously, main-cabin flyers headed to Asia or Oceania could bring two bags.
Finally, American is expanding its basic economy fares to four new markets. At least AA's basic economy isn't nearly as punitive as its competitors.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.