After a gap of almost six years, American Airlines has raised prices for checked baggage. The move has been made to encourage travellers to enroll into its loyalty programme to avoid the baggage charges.

World’s largest airline, American Airlines, says it is raising the price to check bags for travel booked on and after February 20, in an effort to encourage more travellers to become AAdvantage members, who do not need to pay baggage fees.

According to wire reports citing the airline, travellers on domestic flights in the United States will now pay USD 35 for their first bag if the service is booked online in advance, or USD 40 at the airport. A second checked bag will cost USD 45 no matter the purchase method. For Canada and short-haul international flights, the first bag will cost USD 35 and the second will cost USD 45.

The airline says that travellers who purchase premium cabin tickets on domestic and international flights will continue to receive complimentary checked baggage, while oversized baggage fee for bags that weigh up to 24 kg will drop to USD 30, from the current charges of USD 100-200.

‘‘We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel. Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it is also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members,” says Vasu Raja, Chief Commercial Officer of American Airlines.

The airline says it is the first time since 2018 that it has raised prices on checked bags.