Business | Aviation

American Airlines to charge passengers for baggage

With skyrocketing fuel prices, United States carrier, American Airlines has announced plans to start charging passengers for baggage, cut domestic flights and lay off workers.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 13:18 May 22, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • The American Airlines counter at Portland International Airport, USA. American Airlines plans to charge $15 for many passengers' first checked bag starting in mid-June.
  • Image Credit: AP

Washington: With skyrocketing fuel prices, United States carrier, American Airlines has announced plans to start charging passengers for baggage, cut domestic flights and lay off workers.

American said rising oil prices have increased its expected annual fuel costs by nearly $3 billion since the start of the year.

Passengers will be charged $15 for the first checked bag. Last month it announced a charge of $25 for the second bag.

The first-bag fee will be charged to everyone except people who belong to elite levels of its frequent flyer program, those who bought full-fare tickets, and those traveling overseas.

Fares have been raised over the last few months as well.

United Airlines, another US carrier, is also "seriously studying" imposing its own fee on first bags.

American will be reducing flights and charging more fees to adapt to rising prices.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Business Editor's choice
Way to go this DSF
XPRESS

Way to go this DSF

A fun-filled route to guide you to all the happening dos in town