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If you’re flying with American Airlines on a budget, you may have opted for their Basic Economy fare. While this option saves you money on your ticket, it also comes with some restrictions, including limitations on checked baggage. So, how much can you expect to pay for checked bags on American Airlines Basic Economy? Let’s take a closer look at the fees and what you need to know before you pack your bags.
How Much is Checked Baggage on American Airlines Basic Economy?
What is American Airlines Basic Economy?
American Airlines Basic Economy is a low-cost fare option that allows passengers to travel at a cheaper rate than Main Cabin fares. However, it comes with certain restrictions. For instance, passengers who purchase Basic Economy tickets will not be allowed to select their seats in advance. Instead, they will be assigned seats at the gate, and they may be separated from their travel companions. Additionally, Basic Economy passengers will only be allowed to bring one personal item to the plane, such as a purse or a small backpack.
Benefits of American Airlines Basic Economy
One of the main benefits of American Airlines Basic Economy is the lower cost compared to other fare options. This is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who are willing to give up certain comforts in exchange for a more affordable ticket. Additionally, Basic Economy fares still include the same in-flight amenities as other fares, such as free snacks and beverages.
Vs Main Cabin
While Basic Economy fares are cheaper than Main Cabin fares, they do come with some restrictions. Main Cabin fares allow passengers to select their seats in advance and bring a full-sized carry-on bag in addition to a personal item. Additionally, Main Cabin passengers will earn more miles when they fly.
How Much Does American Airlines Charge for Checked Baggage on Basic Economy?
When it comes to checked baggage, American Airlines Basic Economy passengers are allowed to check bags for a fee. The cost of checked baggage on American Airlines Basic Economy depends on several factors, including the route, the number of bags, and the weight of the bags.
Checked Baggage Fees
For domestic flights within the United States, American Airlines charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second checked bag. These fees are applied each way, so passengers who check bags on both their outbound and return flights will be charged twice. For international flights, the fees vary based on the destination. Passengers can check up to 10 bags if they pay the applicable fees.
Overweight and Oversized Bags
In addition to the standard checked baggage fees, American Airlines also charges extra for bags that are overweight or oversized. Bags that weigh over 50 pounds or measure more than 62 inches (length + width + height) will be subject to additional fees. These fees can range from $100 to $450 per bag, depending on the weight and size of the bag.
How to Save Money on Checked Baggage Fees
While checked baggage fees can add up quickly, there are a few ways to save money on these fees when flying on American Airlines Basic Economy.
Pack Light
The easiest way to save money on checked baggage fees is to pack light and only bring what you need. Consider wearing your heaviest or bulkiest items on the plane, such as a winter coat or boots, to avoid having to pack them in your suitcase.
Join American Airlines Loyalty Program
American Airlines offers a loyalty program called AAdvantage that allows members to earn miles for every dollar spent on flights. Members of the program can also earn free checked bags based on their membership level.
Purchase Checked Bags in Advance
Passengers can save money on checked baggage fees by purchasing their bags in advance online. American Airlines offers discounts for bags purchased in advance, and the fees are generally lower than if they are paid for at the airport.
Use a Credit Card with Baggage Fee Credits
Some credit cards offer baggage fee credits that can be used to offset the cost of checked baggage fees. If you have a credit card that offers this benefit, be sure to use it when booking your flight to save money on checked baggage fees.
Conclusion
American Airlines Basic Economy passengers can check bags for a fee, with the cost depending on the route, number of bags, and weight of the bags. By packing light, joining the American Airlines loyalty program, purchasing bags in advance, or using a credit card with baggage fee credits, travelers can save money on checked baggage fees and enjoy a more affordable travel experience.
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is American Airlines Basic Economy?
- What is the baggage allowance for American Airlines Basic Economy?
- How much does American Airlines charge for checked baggage on Basic Economy?
- Can I avoid baggage fees on American Airlines Basic Economy?
- How can I pay for baggage fees on American Airlines Basic Economy?
- American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained
- How Many Aircraft Does American Airlines Have?
- Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?
- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about checked baggage on American Airlines Basic Economy:
What is American Airlines Basic Economy?
American Airlines Basic Economy is a low-cost fare option that comes with certain restrictions, including limitations on baggage allowances and seat selection. If you choose this fare option, you will need to pay extra fees for any checked bags.
Keep in mind that Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, so you should make sure you are comfortable with the restrictions before booking your flight.
What is the baggage allowance for American Airlines Basic Economy?
Passengers with American Airlines Basic Economy tickets are allowed to bring one personal item on board, such as a purse or small backpack, but they are not allowed to bring a full-sized carry-on bag unless they pay an additional fee. Checked bags are also subject to additional fees, which vary depending on the route and the number of bags.
It’s important to note that American Airlines Basic Economy passengers are not eligible for free checked bags, even if they have AAdvantage elite status or are traveling on a co-branded credit card.
How much does American Airlines charge for checked baggage on Basic Economy?
The baggage fees for American Airlines Basic Economy vary depending on the route and the number of bags. Generally, the fee for the first checked bag is $30, while the fee for the second checked bag is $40. However, some routes may have different baggage fees, so it’s important to check the American Airlines website or contact the airline directly for the most up-to-date information.
If you need to check more than two bags, the fees can quickly add up, so it’s worth considering upgrading to a higher fare class or packing light to avoid extra charges.
Can I avoid baggage fees on American Airlines Basic Economy?
If you want to avoid baggage fees on American Airlines Basic Economy, you will need to pack very light and only bring a personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you. If you need to bring more than that, you will need to pay extra fees for each checked bag or carry-on bag.
One way to avoid baggage fees is to upgrade to a higher fare class, such as Main Cabin or Main Cabin Extra, which come with more generous baggage allowances and other perks. However, these fare classes are generally more expensive than Basic Economy, so it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision.
How can I pay for baggage fees on American Airlines Basic Economy?
You can pay for baggage fees on American Airlines Basic Economy when you check in for your flight online, on the mobile app, or at the airport. The easiest and most convenient way to pay is online or on the mobile app, where you can enter your payment information and print out your baggage tags before arriving at the airport.
If you wait until you get to the airport to pay for your baggage fees, you may encounter long lines and delays, so it’s best to plan ahead and pay online or on the mobile app if possible.
American Airlines Baggage Fees Explained
In conclusion, the cost of checked baggage on American Airlines Basic Economy varies depending on the route and destination. It’s crucial to check the airline’s website for the most updated baggage fees before booking a flight. Remember that Basic Economy tickets come with some restrictions, including limited baggage allowances and seat selection. However, if you’re willing to sacrifice some of these perks, Basic Economy can be a great budget-friendly option for your travels.
Don’t forget that there are ways to save on baggage fees, such as packing light or using a travel credit card that offers free checked bags. Additionally, American Airlines offers discounts on baggage fees if you pay for them online before arriving at the airport. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and research your options to avoid any surprises at the airport.
Overall, while the cost of checked baggage on American Airlines Basic Economy may seem daunting at first, with some careful planning and research, you can save money and still enjoy your travels without breaking the bank. Happy travels!
