- American Airlines raises baseline bag fees: first and second checked bags up by $10 starting April 9; third bag now $200; basic economy adds $5 to these bag fees (first bag $50 online prepaid / $55 otherwise; second bag $60 online prepaid / $65 otherwise). - AAdvantage elite status perks are being restricted on basic fares: no complimentary upgrades or Systemwide Upgrades, no free seat selection or Main Cabin Extra on basic fares; changes apply to tickets booked starting May 18; Group 7 boarding for non-elites later this year. - Free baggage perks remain for elites and cobranded cardholders, but the changes reflect a broader industry shift toward stricter basic-economy rules.

American hikes bag fees, adds tough new basic economy restrictions American Airlines is joining its competitors and raising checked bag fees in a move that was hardly surprising after most of the airline industry did the same in recent days. But American's shakeup, announced Thursday, is the biggest we've seen so far in this wave of changes — and it goes well beyond bags. The Fort Worth-based carrier is also tightening its basic economy policies. AAdvantage elite status members will lose their upgrade and seat selection perks when flying on the airline's cheapest fares. And all other customers who book a no-frills ticket will have to pay more to check a bag. "These changes are the result of the airline's continuing evaluation of pricing and in light of the current operating environment," the airline said in a statement to TPG Thursday. The U.S. airline industry has scrambled over the past two weeks to hike baggage fees and policies amid the run-up in global oil and jet fuel prices, which has also led to sticker shock for travelers booking summer flights. Here's what to know about American's changes. American hikes baggage fees Like most of the major U.S. airlines, checking a bag on American is getting more expensive. Beginning with tickets booked on Thursday, April 9, American will hike its baseline baggage price by $10 for customers' first and second checked bags. Thes...