American to begin charging for first checked bag

[Midnight Mike]

FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines said Wednesday it will start charging $15 for the first checked bag, cut domestic flights and lay off workers as it grapples with record-high fuel prices.

The nation's largest carrier said the fee for the first checked bag starts June 15 and that it would raise other fees for services ranging from reservation help to oversized bags.

American plans to cut domestic flight capacity by 11 percent to 12 percent in the fourth quarter. American had previously expected fourth-quarter capacity to fall 4.6 percent from the same period in 2007.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080521/ap_ ... reductions (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080521/ap_on_bi_ge/american_airlines_reductions)

[MORS-AB-ALTO]

I can't wait to see how much this will affect overhead bin space. :shock:

[MarkLawrence]

I can't wait to see how much this will affect overhead bin space. :shock:

And how strictly they are going to police carry on size/weights...that's going to be a mess!

[Ari707]

New fee list: Check bag $25, Aircraft entry fee $5, Seat cushion rental $2 per hour, Seat belt locking fee, $1, Overhead storage locker fee $10 per bag, underseat storage $5, Bathroom fee $1 if booked in advance on the internet, $2 on the plane. Flight Attendant courtesy fee $25 per attendant. Seatback tray table usage $3, Power cord conection fee $4 + .50 per hour of use.

and more to come as fuel prices climb higher

[T-Bird76]

They are charging for the first checked bag???? WOW....I'm shocked! There was recent report that AA may be forced into Chap 11 to reduce costs and that at current fuel prices they will run out of money by 09 if something doesn't change.

[RDU-JFK]

Whoa...

Tomcat is right...the overhead bins are going to be a mess...you're gonna have people bringing these huge rollaboard bags on trying to stuff them in...

I'm glad to see Delta hold out--I wonder if UA and CO will follow suit.

AA should cut beverage service (or limit it to only water) for all domestic flights before charging for the first checked bag...

[Midnight Mike]

Sheesh, what the hell is up with these airlines, raise the fares but, stop nickel & dime the customers, raise the fares & be done with it.

If people still want to travel, they will, if they feel the fares are toooo expensive, they won't.

If the aircraft yields start dipping, remove seats from the aircraft...

[mirrodie]

Well, that pretty much has made my mind up.

We got back from SXM this Sunday:

We flew AA. I have been flying AA since birth, over 30 years now and they have finally officially severed our relationship and that of my family's:

-we landed at 940PM,

-got the the gate baggage carousel by 1010PM, our son, the angel he is, slept through it all. He finally woke up near the baggage carousel in good spirits but exhausted.

-The baggage carousel did NOT EVEN START until 10:50PM and that was only to offload the connecting flights. The rest of the baggage came on at 1115PM and after waiting an additional 20 minutes, OURS was NOT even on the plane. WE finally left the airport at midnight after having to make a baggage claim. IT arrived yesterday.

-I fly made 2-4 times a year. So I am not a frequent traveler. Yet AA has manages to delay our luggage over 48 hrs now, a total of four times. After 3 times, I thought it was statistically impossible that could screw up with the luggage again.

We thought we'd try to make live easy for us, checking only one piece of luggage for all 3 of us and yet they managed to screw that up.

And now, I find it incredulous that they are going to attempt to charge me $15 bucks to screw up my luggage.


The only way I'll pay $15 is with a guarantee that my luggage traveled with us on the plane. Otherwise, so long AA. You've put food on many of my familie's plate, but have a ball in bankrupcy. You've earned it and managed to squeeze out whatever support and loyalty I held for you.

[T-Bird76]

The only way I'll pay $15 is with a guarantee that my luggage traveled with us on the plane. Otherwise, so long AA. You've put food on many of my familie's plate, but have a ball in bankrupcy. You've earned it and managed to squeeze out whatever support and loyalty I held for you.

I think that is a very good point...if your going to pay to check a bag it dam well better arrive when you land. I don't see AA keeping this policy...the backlash is going to be to great. I think given the choice ppl would rather pay for a soda or do without then pay for a checked bag.

[Matt Molnar]

Should be interesting to see what routes they cut. And after all that drama with the MD-80s, it seems that at least 75 of them will be heading for the desert.

[JetBlueAirwaysFan]

The only way I'll pay $15 is with a guarantee that my luggage traveled with us on the plane. Otherwise, so long AA. You've put food on many of my familie's plate, but have a ball in bankrupcy. You've earned it and managed to squeeze out whatever support and loyalty I held for you.

I think that is a very good point...if your going to pay to check a bag it dam well better arrive when you land. I don't see AA keeping this policy...the backlash is going to be to great. I think given the choice ppl would rather pay for a soda or do without then pay for a checked bag.
I agree, if people are going to pay $15 to check a bag and it gets lost, then there will be hell to pay from the customers.
I think it is very close to stealing if the airline loses a piece of luggage after the traveler paid $15 to check it, unless the money was refunded due to the event.

[kc2aqg]

I agree with the customer service issue of paying for a bag that doesn't show up, there's no good side of that situation...It will be very interesting to see if the other major follow along, which I suspect they won't once they see the backlash that is already starting.

Mario - I can't believe I just read that you're done with AA. I thought the day would never come! Your story is unfortunately just one of the many that I have seen pop up recently evidencing the steady decline in reliability, customer service, and overall competence at AA.

Just another reason not to fly AA...I feel like when choosing among the majors, lately it's boiled down to who is the lesser of all of the evils...the industry is such a sad place these days...

[emshighway]

The former airline contracted ticket checkers will be at the front of the queue lines monitoring the types of carry on baggage going through. United already does it at LGA to make sure only one bag is carried.

[Matt Molnar]

Should be interesting to see what routes they cut. And after all that drama with the MD-80s, it seems that at least 75 of them will be heading for the desert.
Update: Not all of 'em will be Mad Dogs...

The majority of the aircraft American Airlines plans to ground will consist mostly of Boeing MD-80s and Airbus A300s. American will also ground 35 to 40 regional aircraft as well.

[T-Bird76]

Should be interesting to see what routes they cut. And after all that drama with the MD-80s, it seems that at least 75 of them will be heading for the desert.
Update: Not all of 'em will be Mad Dogs...

The majority of the aircraft American Airlines plans to ground will consist mostly of Boeing MD-80s and Airbus A300s. American will also ground 35 to 40 regional aircraft as well.

Some of the A300s leases are up so those prob will go back to the lessor. AA more then likely will declare chap 11 by the 4th quarter to reduce costs. They have a tremendous asset sheet that they can sell off if they need to raise cash such as Eagle, Advantage, MD80s, 777s, 767s, and 757s they can do a sale and lease back on, NRT slots, and idle JFK slots. All of these are said to be worth about a billion.

While we all including myself are shocked, this move will raise tons of capital AA needs and while the others say they won't match it...who knows, who knows if AA will even keep this around if its not matched. If it is kept in place the fact is, more then likely there will not be a mass exodus of customers. AA has some very talented managers running the company who to this point have done a pretty dam good job.

The price of fuel is simply destroying not only this industry but global commerce in general. Govt's can no longer sit back and let this happen.

[Midnight Mike]

Some of the A300s leases are up so those prob will go back to the lessor. AA more then likely will declare chap 11 by the 4th quarter to reduce costs. They have a tremendous asset sheet that they can sell off if they need to raise cash such as Eagle, Advantage, MD80s, 777s, 767s, and 757s they can do a sale and lease back on, NRT slots, and idle JFK slots. All of these are said to be worth about a billion.


If American Airlines goes into bankruptcy court protection it will tear the airline apart, the union members took pay cuts to avoid American from seeking bankruptcy court protection.

[T-Bird76]

[quote="T-Bird76":744e4]

Some of the A300s leases are up so those prob will go back to the lessor. AA more then likely will declare chap 11 by the 4th quarter to reduce costs. They have a tremendous asset sheet that they can sell off if they need to raise cash such as Eagle, Advantage, MD80s, 777s, 767s, and 757s they can do a sale and lease back on, NRT slots, and idle JFK slots. All of these are said to be worth about a billion.


If American Airlines goes into bankruptcy court protection it will tear the airline apart, the union members took pay cuts to avoid American from seeking bankruptcy court protection.[/quote:744e4]

Doesn't mean they will ask for pay cuts in Chap 11. The airlines know they can't ask for anymore from their ppl. It will give AA the chance to restructure other costs that it may not be able to correct as of now.

[Midnight Mike]

Doesn't mean they will ask for pay cuts in Chap 11. The airlines know they can't ask for anymore from their ppl. It will give AA the chance to restructure other costs that it may not be able to correct as of now.

Tommy

The unions wanted to keep American Airlines out of bankruptcy court protection to protect their pension.......

[Matt Molnar]

Several months ago they floated the idea of selling the AAdvantage program to an outside party, so I wouldn't be surprised if they sought bidders more vigorously now. Could fetch $1 billion if I recall the estimates correctly.

[Midnight Mike]

The last I heard, the going rate for those MD-80 aircraft is around $1 million to $3 million a piece....

[LGA777]

Couple of comments. First of all Mario I feel your frustration but you can still fly AA to the condo in SXM because the bag fee will not apply to International flights, or for high level FF's. Tommy should be safe.

Many people on this board rave about AA, their great F class product, their route system. fleet. etc, but as someone in the industry trust me, they have many imperfections, and the kind of poor service Mario and family received is a lot more common than a lot of people realize.

And as far as the Eagle cuts I here they will park most of their E-135's, as it cost only slightly more to operate the 44 and 50 seat E-140 and E-145, with the extra revenue generating lift.

I predict no cuts at LGA due to slots, probably a lot at DFW with freq reductions, say 3 a day where there is 5-6 now, and 5-6 a day where there are 8-10 now, probably very few actual routes or station closings, although OAK was announced last week.

Cheers

LGA777

[kc2aqg]

FYI I just heard the story about the checked bag fee on the CW11 morning news and they reported that if AA loses the bag, they do NOT plan on refunding the $15 fee. Not that I put a lot of weight on what the news media reports, but this would just take the cake on AA's latest round of dwindling customer service.

Ron - I fully agree with you, AA is far from perfect. I've seen it for several years, but those who are FF's with them seem to love them, and I never could understand why...

[T-Bird76]

FYI I just heard the story about the checked bag fee on the CW11 morning news and they reported that if AA loses the bag, they do NOT plan on refunding the $15 fee. Not that I put a lot of weight on what the news media reports, but this would just take the cake on AA's latest round of dwindling customer service.

Ron - I fully agree with you, AA is far from perfect. I've seen it for several years, but those who are FF's with them seem to love them, and I never could understand why...

Last round of dwindling customer service? Andy you’re an intelligent guy I'm a bit surprised at these generalized not factual comments.

As for myself who enjoy flying AA as a Plat Advantage member it’s pretty simple.
-Their F class product is prob the best in the nation or a close second with CO's. Delta has been playing catch for years now with their F product.
-Three ways to earn or keep your Elite status which makes it most advantageous to fly them.
-Modern terminal facilities at my home airport.
-Comfortable coach seating with still the best recline out of the U.S carriers (excluding UAL's Eco Plus), Outstanding phone support for Elite members.
-Wide body Transcon service with plenty of Biz class seats.
-The most lounges of any U.S carrier.
-One World Alliance is fantastic with good member benefits

There's good and bad at all company's but if your going to make a statement use facts and not generalizations...why I don't like Delta...fact...they delayed my bag three times in a row in 07, that's a reason to leave an airline.

[JetBlueAirwaysFan]

I read that Delta does NOT plan on matching the new baggage fee.

[T-Bird76]

I read that Delta does NOT plan on matching the new baggage fee.

Delta clearly said "it has no CURRENT plans to match American's fee for first checked bags." UAL has said it is studying AA's move. Boys and Girls its a new world of air travel, everything will be Ala Carte soon.

[kc2aqg]

Tommy - I didn't make my statement to start a competition between FF programs and products (though if you want to have a debate over that in another thread, I'll be happy to take that on). My statement is a generalized statement to describe my overall experience with AA and the experiences that I have now read tons of on airliners, flyertalk, etc. The overall customer service experience at AA is laughable. I have transited plenty of stations both in the US and Carribean on AA and I can tell you that in recent years, AA has not maintained a customer-focused approach. In fact, I have been treated with hostility and resentment by several AA agents at various stations just for asking simple questions like "do you have the baggage service office phone number?" or "do you have any window seats available?" and have been totally surprised at the attitudes of so many AA folks. The bottom line that I don't think anyone can refute here is that the customer service aspect of AA has gone way downhill in the past few years. I may have my issues with DL, believe me I do, but when it comes to most agents I deal with, at the end of it all, they at least try and do what they can to help the customer - something AA has very clearly presented to me that they do not.

Mario - I really do feel your pain about the baggage service office at the new AA terminal, I had to deal with them last year and it was a nightmare.

[Matt Molnar]

From a Bloomberg story:

UAL Corp.'s United is ``seriously studying'' the fee, the first of its kind in the U.S., spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said today. Delta Air Lines Inc., Northwest Airlines Corp. and US Airways Group Inc. said they were evaluating the idea.
At this point it's a lost cause, they might as well all do it. TSA lines will be out the terminal doors at many airports, people will just give up and the airlines will implode and we can start over.

[mirrodie]

While we all including myself are shocked, this move will raise tons of capital AA needs and while the others say they won't match it...who knows, who knows if AA will even keep this around if its not matched.

Oh just save me the nonsense and jack the ticket price up $30. It's not big deal at all, really. It's not unrealistic to hike prices for the fuel surcharges. I can respect and acknowledge that. But don't charge me for a service that you have consistently shown that you cannot provide.

The price of fuel is simply destroying not only this industry but global commerce in general. Govt's can no longer sit back and let this happen.

And yet the world's other 5 star carriers are doing well.

First of all Mario I feel your frustration but you can still fly AA to the condo in SXM because the bag fee will not apply to International flights, or for high level FF's. Tommy should be safe.

Oh I know Ron, but the principle still blows my mind.

Many people on this board rave about AA, their great F class product, their route system. fleet. etc, but as someone in the industry trust me, they have many imperfections, and the kind of poor service Mario and family received is a lot more common than a lot of people realize.

The imperfections run the gamut.
http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/am_aa.htm

How about this for consistent AA service? On a flight only a day earlier than ours.
http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=843989&an=0&page=5#Post843989

Ron - I fully agree with you, AA is far from perfect. I've seen it for several years, but those who are FF's with them seem to love them, and I never could understand why..

You see, I was loyal b/c AAdvantage-OneWorld was a good way to get F class tickets on non-AA carriers. Now its not as much of a bother at this point in my life. And AA also was my preferred carrier since birth and I started a new generation on them. I brought them customers. I was a staunch supporter. But their recent actions have pushed me closer to becoming a cheaper fare consumer.

Now, I really don't want to do that at all. But it the airline wants to measure status in how often I fly and not by who I have always flown when the need arises, then my business is not important to them.

FYI I just heard the story about the checked bag fee on the CW11 morning news and they reported that if AA loses the bag, they do NOT plan on refunding the $15 fee.

Just remember who called it first. That is what I suspected. and if they don't refund the fee for the SNAFU, that is the pinnacle of crap service.

Last round of dwindling customer service? Andy you’re an intelligent guy I'm a bit surprised at these generalized not factual comments.

How do you know they are not factual? That is his perception.

As for myself who enjoy flying AA as a Plat Advantage member it’s pretty simple.

This coming from a guy who a year ago thought that WN was the best thing on earth. That the sun rose and set in Southwest's pants. Once WN changed its boarding system, Tom switched teams.

-Their F class product is prob the best in the nation or a close second with CO's.

I feel sorry for the noob AA elite. He knows not what an F class product is. That AA's F class is comparable to BA's economy Plus. You elitist cattle are under the jaded perception that sitting up there is all perky and nice. What's hysterical to think about is how in 1998, a coach cabin hot meal (the rubber chicken that comics in the 80s and 90's had a ball making fun of) has now become a proper First or business class meal on a ceramic plate. And now the elites savor that rubber chicken that was once the butt of many jokes..

-Modern terminal facilities at my home airport.

Ho hum. The MAJORITY of travelers through AA's new terminal are impressed with it. Why? Some new counters and a fresh look can't replace long lines and apathetic service agents.

-Comfortable coach seating with still the best recline out of the U.S carriers (excluding UAL's Eco Plus), Outstanding phone support for Elite members

You call that recline? That vino they serve the elites must be clouding your thoughts. :wink:

Are you sure you can handle an evening at the Brew House Tommy? I don't think they serve any white zinfandel there nor grey poupon. Maybe we should go to Panama Hattie's in Huntington instead. That is more along the lines of the palates of such travelers. Better yet, let's keep it a brewhouse evening. If I can get the waitstaff to serve your beer in a wine glass and place your meal on bone china, it would accurately reflect the food that AA's F product is. Same old stuff but dressed up a bit.

-Wide body Transcon service with plenty of Biz class seats.

What's next, you telling me that you won't fly on 757's cause they are not 'roomy' enough for you?

-The most lounges of any U.S carrier.

Ho hum. A quiet room designed to try to psychologically bleach your mind from remembering that glamourous anal cavity search the TSA just put you though, your next 4 hour delay or that you paid some serious $$$ for a perception of grandeur that hasn't exists in years in aviation travel?



-One World Alliance is fantastic with good member benefits

But beware, OW, at levels higher than coach, only use up more miles. In AAdvantage, you as an elite have zero picking order over non-elites in any non-AA metal seats.

There's good and bad at all company's but if your going to make a statement use facts and not generalizations...why I don't like Delta...fact...they delayed my bag three times in a row in 07, that's a reason to leave an airline.

So then given that AA delayed my bag 4 times is reason enough to leave?

The question remains.....

what will it take for AA to do to make make Tom just ship again?
:wink:

[T-Bird76]

Oh just save me the nonsense and jack the ticket price up $30. It's not big deal at all, really. It's not unrealistic to hike prices for the fuel surcharges. I can respect and acknowledge that. But don't charge me for a service that you have consistently shown that you cannot provide.


AA can't jack up the ticket prices $30...if the other airlines don't follow. If Joe Average Traveler sees one fare for 200 and another for 230...he's going to go with the 200 fare. By giving the customer the option of checking a bag or saving the money and using a carryon AA wins. One, they either collect the extra revenue or two they save weight because the customer's bag isn't going in the hold. Hell why do I care though...it doesn't affect me, LOL I might just have to check three bags for good measure.


How do you know they are not factual? That is his perception.

Perception isn't fact...its opinion. Andy doesn't like AA that's fine but a generalized comment about a company who manages to maintain a reliable service just isn't reality. Hell I'm not a fan of Delta and could list a million things I think they suck at but its my opinion


This coming from a guy who a year ago thought that WN was the best thing on earth. That the sun rose and set in Southwest's pants. Once WN changed its boarding system, Tom switched teams.

Newsflash. I’ve flown AA all my life as well as TWA and WN. It wasn't only WN's boarding that caused me to take most of my biz elsewhere. Theyre were changes to their FF program, introduction of a flawed FF tier system, and a reduction in the amount of RR seats to use RR tickets. Simple speaking WN became just like everyone else.


I feel sorry for the noob AA elite. He knows not what an F class product is. That AA's F class is comparable to BA's economy Plus. You elitist cattle are under the jaded perception that sitting up there is all perky and nice. What's hysterical to think about is how in 1998, a coach cabin hot meal (the rubber chicken that comics in the 80s and 90's had a ball making fun of) has now become a proper First or business class meal on a ceramic plate. And now the elites savor that rubber chicken that was once the butt of many jokes..

Don't you have AA Biz reservations made for Cali? BTW they don't serve Chicken anymore, you'll prob get the vegi cheese pizza that has a mystery cheese and two vegis in it.


You call that recline? That vino they serve the elites must be clouding your thoughts. :wink:

Yes I do...in fact AA's seat pitch is greater then DL's, UA's, CO's, US's, and NWA's...as well as BA's. BTW I don't drink wine when I fly; I get a headache from it. My drink of choice is Vodka Cranberry with a twist of lime.


What's next, you telling me that you won't fly on 757's cause they are not 'roomy' enough for you?

I hate AA's 757s...they are disgusting. old and worn and the RR engines are way to loud compared to the Pratts. I like flying wide bodies across the country if I had a choose.


Ho hum. A quiet room designed to try to psychologically bleach your mind from remembering that glamourous anal cavity search the TSA just put you though, your next 4 hour delay or that you paid some serious $$$ for a perception of grandeur that hasn't exists in years in aviation travel?


I've never been cavity searched by the TSA...yet. But you better watch it...EMS might add you to some special list for dissing his peeps, LOL Lately I've been getting through the TSA lines in under 5 mins. When the line is long...I always can use the F class line. I’ll wave to you as I'm on my way to the Admirals Club, members only now.... ;)


But beware, OW, at levels higher than coach, only use up more miles. In AAdvantage, you as elite have zero picking order over non-elites in any non-AA metal seats.

Not true..status and benefits on One World carriers is honored by all members. I'll show you my Plat AAdvantage guide if you'd like? hehe


So then given that AA delayed my bag 4 times is reason enough to leave?

I prob would...why risk it again?


The question remains.....

what will it take for AA to do to make Tom just ship again?

A sustainable drop off in service where I don't feel I'm getting my money's worth, I think that's the mind set of most ppl. However there's no where else to go anymore....The Airlines are becoming all the same. Its a commodity nowadays...

[mirrodie]

Don't you have AA Biz reservations made for Cali?

-sure. I dont expect service. But its a longhaul with a child and its the extra land up there I am interested in.

the RR engines are way to loud compared to the Pratts.

-agreed. Sound like glorified vibrating fans on spool up.

I prob would...why risk it again?

-So I'll set my ticker now. 4 bags to lose before Tom bails on AA.

Agreed its a commodity. Sad but true.

Remind me, the first Vodka cranberry is on me on Sat.

[kc2aqg]

Tommy - I didn't mean to present my statements as facts persay, they were intended to represent my opinion on AA from my own experiences as well as reading those of others.

Probably a stupid question, but why are the airlines competing tooth and nail for the bottom of the barrel fares? Have they not always said that business travelers are their bread and butter? I'm sure they make far more money off of us than they do over John Smith who travels once a year to Florida for less than $200 r/t. Why go to all that trouble to beat out the LCC's and other majors for the $200 fare when they can just go out and win business travelers and other higher-yielding pax?