American Airlines Is Quietly Raising Bag Fees on Certain Flights

Planning a Caribbean escape this winter? If you're flying American , you may want to bring a carry-on . The major carrier just announced a fee increase on some of its short-haul international routes—and travelers could start feeling the cost as early as the end of 2025.

Up until now, first checked-bag fees on flights to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central Americaand Guyanawere $5 cheaper than trips within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beginning December 1, American is aligning all of these routes so they now match the higher U.S. domestic fee structure.

Here's what travelers will pay starting December 1:

• First checked bag :$40 (or $35 if paid online)

• Second checked bag :$45

And according to a memo shared via View From the Wing , if you've already purchased tickets for travel after December 1, you're in luck—these new charges only apply to tickets purchased after December 1, not travel dates after December 1.

One thing to watch out for: under the new policy, checked bag fees purchased at the airport are non-refundable. So if you're someone who likes to grab a last-minute seat upgrade in the app, make sure you finalize that first—otherwise you'll lose the bag fee you already paid at the counter. And if you think you've been incorrectly charged, you can still contact an American representative or file a refund claim within 45 days.

Given these changes, it may be time to perfect your carry-on game . American still allows one personal item and one carry-on that fits in the overhead bin, so for quick trips, packing light could help you skip the fees altogether.

Related: Another Low-Cost Airline Suddenly Shuts Down for Good

And if you're thinking, this is just one more upcharge—maybe I'll switch airlines, unfortunately, that won't get you far. Most major carriers have raised checked-bag fees in recent years, though the exact price can vary based on fare type, route and when you pay. Here's how things generally break down:

• Delta Air Linescharges $35for the first checked bag and $45for the second on most domestic routes.

• United Airlinestypically charges $35–$40for the first checked bag (depending on whether you prepay) and about $45–$50for the second.

• Southwest Airlines, once known for its free checked bags, now generally charges $35for the first and $45for the second, though some fare types still include free checked bags as a perk.

• Frontier Airlineshas some of the steepest fees in the industry—often $55–$100+for the first checked bag (depending on when you pay) and $73–$94for the second.

• Hawaiian Airlinesstarts at $15for the first checked bag on inter-island flights, with higher fees for mainland travel.

So yes—checked-bag fees are up pretty much everywhere. But hey, at least they aren't charging for seats that recline like Canadian carrier WestJet…yet.

Related: The One Holiday Packing Mistake You Should Never Make, According to Travel Guru Samantha Brown

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.