American to charge for FIRST checked bag.

[katiesue]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Agreed. I ideally, they'll integrate the option into the check-in process and let you pay when you check in, whether it's online or at the self-serve kiosks in the airport.

Wouldn't this be harder to do now that they have weight limits on the baggage as well?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by katiesue

Wouldn't this be harder to do now that they have weight limits on the baggage as well?

Not really. It doesn't really change that dynamic from what it is now.

Now: You go online or go to the kiosk in the airport and check in. You say you're checking 1 bag. Once you've got your boarding pass, you go over to the counter where they put your bag on a scale. If it's under 50lbs, they put the tag on it and you're on your way. If it's over 50lbs, you pay your extra fee and you're, the put the tag on it and you're on your way.

With the $15 check fee: You go online or go to the kiosk in the airport and check in. You say you're checking 1 bag and pay $15. Once you've got your boarding pass, you go over to the counter where they put your bag on a scale. If it's under 50lbs, they put the tag on it and you're on your way. If it's over 50lbs, you pay your extra fee and you're, the put the tag on it and you're on your way.


And, actually, if you're at an in-airport kiosk that's got a scale attached to it, it can automatically charge you for any extra weight at the same time as it's charging you the $15. Which does sort of suck because most attendants will ignore it if it's only a couple lbs. over the weight limit while an automated system like that would be strict.

[Prudence]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

The interesting thing is that you (for now at least) have a choice. United (or some other airline) has pricing that includes luggage whereas American does not. You have the choice of not flying American.

It also means that I have to keep track of which airlines have additional fees and which don't. Of course, some will seek to differentiate themselves my marketing their lack of additional fees, which may make my job easier. For now, I add American to the list of Airlines I Will Not Use. (It joins United and US Air.).

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

And, actually, if you're at an in-airport kiosk that's got a scale attached to it, it can automatically charge you for any extra weight at the same time as it's charging you the $15. Which does sort of suck because most attendants will ignore it if it's only a couple lbs. over the weight limit while an automated system like that would be strict.

And Reagan National I had to remove the extra .5 lbs of stuff from the suitcase. I mean really. Over by .5? I've never had anyone waive the weight limit. No matter how close, I've always had to repack or cough up funds.

Of course, they also let me carry on 20oz of low quality ginger ale, as has already been discussed.