American Airlines Is Now Hitting Some Flyers With Checked Bag Fees

American Airlines passengers traveling to a transoceanic destination with a basic economy ticket, the airline's most affordable fare, will now be charged for checking a bag.

Expect to pay checked bag fees when flying basic economy

If you book a basic economy ticket with American Airlines, you'll pay the lowest price available. But you can expect your ticket to include fewer extras since it's the airline's most basic fare offering. Most basic economy fares aren't eligible for ticket changes. But that's not all.

American Airlines recently adjusted its baggage fee policy to include a bag fee charge for checked bags on all transoceanic flights. Basic economy passengers flying on a transpacific or transatlantic route will be charged $75 each way for their first checked bag. Additional checked bag fees apply for any extra checked bags. These fees can add up quickly if you travel often.

Other routes already required passengers to pay checked bag fees when buying basic economy fares. With this change, no basic economy routes will include free checked bag perks. Below is a breakdown of all checked bag fees for basic economy customers flying with American Airlines for all regions. Fees are charged each way, per-passenger:

This news is worth noting if you like to purchase basic economy tickets to keep more money in your pocket. With checked bag fees now applying to transoceanic routes, you may want to include more money in your vacation budget so you feel less impact from checked bag fees.

How to avoid checked bag fees when flying basic economy

Extra fees impact your personal finances. If you prefer to avoid paying checked bag fees, you may want to purchase a main cabin ticket when booking an American Airlines flight. A free checked bag is included when flying on transoceanic routes with a main cabin ticket.

Another way to avoid these fees is to bring a carry-on bag only. Passengers flying with a basic economy ticket can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item at no extra cost. By packing light, you can avoid additional fees and save time when you arrive at your destination since your bag will already be with you. Once you get used to traveling with only a carry-on bag, it gets easier.

Airline credit cards can be a win for your wallet

If you travel often and don't want to worry about checked bag fees, you may want to consider getting an airline credit card. Many airline credit cards include benefits like free checked bag perks. Plus, you can earn rewards, and redeem them for free flights in the future.

Review our list of the best airline credit cards to learn more about the benefits offered. If you're an American Airlines loyalist, you may want to get an American Airlines credit card.

Check out our list of the best American Airlines credit cards to find a card that includes checked bag perks so you don't have to worry about extra checked bag charges when you fly.