American Airlines recently announced it will add a surcharge of $15 one-way and $30 round-trip to check a first bag on reduced fares. The new policy is the latest of many initiated to counter rising costs.
The airline has already raised fares 14 times since mid-April to offset rising costs such as jet fuel, which has risen 80 percent since last year. (New York Times, May 22)
The new policy will take effect on June 15 and follows an industry-wide practice of charging $25 for a second checked bag.
It is standard practice in all industries to pass costs onto consumers to safeguard declining profits. Spirit Airlines already charges $20 for a first checked bag and if the new practice proves successful for American, it is likely that other airlines will follow suit.
