AA to charge for 1st checked bag "grrr"

[Yari]

Are you kidding me...here is the article.

 

American to charge for 1st checked bag, cut flights - Yahoo! News

[Christine]

I just saw this on MSN, for the 1st bag, that is crazy.

[MsShelley]

omg, that is crazy.

[JessicaM]

When I read this article this morning I thought I read it wrong...that is crazy!!

[jajajaja]

OMG. I read this and was like why's Yari surprised. Haven't they been talking about this for the past few months. But I just reread it and realized it was for FIRST BAG! Holy crap! I'm fearful because I'm sure all others will follow.

[Maura]

i wonder if this policy is like the one they did before where its only applicable to people who bought their tickets past a certain date... i am going to call and find out

[Kristy!]

Does "overseas" mean all international flights? I'm screwed if it doesn't.

[Jenn3878]

Wow this sucks for all the DW Brides needing to lug crap with them

[Yari]

Maura let us know what they say.

 

I am furious about this. I doesn't seem right.

[Maura]

Alright just got off the phone with AA's 800 number for customer service (800-433-7300)...

This is what they told me, and remember this applies specifically to my situation so should you have tickets with AA you should call and ask for your specific travel dates and destination.

 

We purchased our tickets in early March. We leave Chicago Aug 6th, and return Aug 16th.

 

I WAS TOLD THAT THE EXTRA BAGGAGE FEES, AND THE NEW $15/FIRST BAG FEE DOES NOT APPLY TO US. They said that this is mostly only for DOMESTIC flights and flights to the USVI. I said ok, so for example, any of my friends traveling to Mexico for my wedding or anyone in general flying to Mexico who purchased a ticket before the original bag fee hike does not have to pay either bag fee? she said correct.

 

So she told me that this basically only applies to domestic and USVI flights, but if you buy your tickets after June 15, you should still call and ask whether it applies to you if you are flying out of the country.

 

and I was also directed to this webpage: Net SAAver & Special Offers - Special Offer Details

 

Updated Checked Bag Policies

 

Know before you go!

 

Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. Our carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place.

 

The following customers will not be charged a service fee to check a bag provided the bag is within the weight allowance:

 

For the first checked bag, customers who buy a ticket before June 15, 2008, or who fly before June 15, 2008

For the second checked bag, customers who purchased a ticket before May 12, 2008

Customers traveling on an international itinerary to destinations beyond the U.S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Canada

Customers who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class

Customers who purchase Business or First Class tickets

Customers flying on AA codeshare flights not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection®

Customers traveling on government or military fares

Military passengers on active duty

AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum® or AAdvantage Gold® members

oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members

Customers flying on the same reservation as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold member or oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby member regardless of frequent flier status or fare type (not applicable to group bookings)

AAnytime® Economy Class AAdvantage award tickets, MileSAAver(SM) or AAnytime First and Business Class AAdvantage award tickets

First and Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to check in

AAirpass travel