How is this shenanigans? American (and all of the other major airlines) have been losing money hand over fist; their stock price is in the toilet (currently trading under $7 when just one year ago, they were over $27). People are losing their jobs and American et. al. are just trying to stay afloat.

Where exactly is the shenanigans?

I personally think that charging people for their bags is ridiculous. There are times when you have to have luggage for your trip. It's not an option not to. So now you're getting charged for it. I think there are other ways to stay afloat rather than nickel and dime your passengers.

Again, by charging for checking baggage, it allows them to not increase the ticket price.

You're paying for it either way. This way just gives them a slight marketing advantage, and gives you the option to save a little money if you can get away without checking bags.

If they were raking in the dough and made this move as a way to squeeze more money out of people, that'd be one thing. But they're losing money, so if air travel is going to remain an option, we were all going to have to start paying more for it one way or another.

Ugh. What a world. Airlines gotta do what they can to stay afloat.

Can't take more than 3, 3 oz containers on. So if you can get your stuff in a carry on size suitcase, you're limited to the toiletry products that you can bring. I suspect you can't carry on razors.

Personally, the only reason I check a bag is because of the liquids I bring. I can buy travel size, but I still have more than 3 containers.

I know they need to make more money. But I'd rather just have a fare increase and know up front what I'm paying than trying to figure it all out when I'm checking in at the airport. I realize it's marketing but personally a fare increase is easier for me to figure out.

Also just thought of this - would this mean you would have to go into the airport to check in if you had a bag? How would you pay curbside? Do they have the ability to accept money there?

Are airports still doing curbside checkin?

Yes.

I don't understand is ticket pricing in general. ie. The last flight I took, my seat from LA to HI was $300. The guy sitting next to me paid $800 for his seat. It's weird how big of a difference that is.

But the airlines can do it anyway because there are a lot of people who would rather die than take a bus.