American raises airport second-bag fee to $50 to push travelers to prepay online

American Airlines updated its checked-bag pricing for tickets issued on or after February 18, 2026. The key change is the second checked bag: it now costs $50 if you pay at the airport, while the online prepay price stays $45. The first checked bag price does not change on these routes, staying $35 online or $40 at the airport.

Who it affects

This applies to many trips to American Airlines group as domestic and nearby international travel, including routes within and between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, plus markets like Canada, Mexico, much of the Caribbean, Central America (except Panama), and Guyana. If you are checking two bags, the message is simple: buying the second bag online keeps the old price; waiting until the terminal now costs $5 more.

Why airlines do this

Airlines often use small price gaps to change behavior. American’s $5 difference is part of a wider trend: airlines earn a lot from add-ons like baggage, but bags also create costs because they require ground handling and add weight that affects fuel burn. When more travelers prepay, airports see fewer last-minute counter transactions, lines can move faster, and airlines can estimate baggage volumes earlier for better staffing. American is also matching an industry pattern. United encourages passengers to prepay for checked bags and notes that on some routes customers receive a discount when they pay more than 24 hours before departure.

American has also been expanding app-based self-service during disruptions, so the push to buy bags in the app fits its broader strategy to reduce reliance on airport desks.

Photo by Ross Sokolovski on Unsplash