Other carriers also jump on the bandwagon

As expected, American Airlines has joined other major carriers in deciding to start charging a $25 fee for checking a second piece of luggage. American’s new fee takes effect for economy class tickets purchased on or after May 12. The fee will not apply to international travel; to full-fare economy tickets; to persons who buy first or business class tickets; to AAdvantage Gold, Platinum or Executive Platinum members; to Oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members; to persons with upgrades to first or business class confirmed before check-in; and to economy class travelers flying on AAdvantage AAnytime award tickets. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines and partner Horizon will also impose a $25 second-checked-bag fee starting May 21, with exemptions for first class and top-level Mileage Plan members, and for intra-Alaska flights. JetBlue set a June 1 start for a new $20 fee for the second checked bag, and Air Canada will begin charging $25 as of May 15, except for elite members of its mileage program and Star Alliance elites.