# American Airlines announced on April 9 that it is hiking costs for checked bags, along with updating its basic economy fare.

*business · news · 2026-04-09 · USA TODAY*

## Key points

- American Airlines increased checked bag fees for tickets booked on or after April 9, 2024.
- Basic economy passengers must now pay to select seats and are ineligible for upgrades, regardless of status.
- First checked bag for basic economy on domestic flights will cost $55 for tickets purchased May 18 or later.
- Checked bag fees for South America routes rise to $70 for the first bag and $100 for the second.
- Basic economy passengers without status or a co-branded card will board in Group 7 later this year.

**Companies:** American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on USA TODAY](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2026/04/09/american-airlines-checked-baged-fees-increase/89527275007/)

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