I know a lot of folk who will be forking over $25 more dollars to fly since all the major airlines have now instituted that service fee for the second checked bag. Here is a secret that the major media seems to have missed — the fee isn’t for anyone.
I found an American Airlines list of people who do not have to pay the fee. Some are obvious such as those with First or Business Class tickets, but the fact that passengers with tickets purchased prior to May 12, 2008, don’t have to pay will be a complete surprise to most passengers.
Take note. IF TICKETS WERE PURCHASED PRIOR TO MAY 12, 2008, THE PASSENGER IS EXEMPT FROM THE CHARGE. Check out these exemptions.
This is from an American Airlines FAQ page–
Not all customers will be charged a service fee to check a second bag. Exemptions include:
*Customers who purchase First and Business Class tickets
*Customers who purchase tickets in Y, B, and H fare class inventories
*AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, and Gold members
*ConciergeKey members
*oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby members
*Customers flying in the same reservation record (not applicable to group bookings) as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, or Gold member, oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire, or Ruby member, or ConciergeKey member regardless of fare type
*Customers who buy a ticket before May 12, 2008 or who fly before May 12, 2008
*Customers originating on AA codeshare flights not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection on a ticket purchased through American
*Customers connecting to an American flight from another airline, including AA codeshare flights operated by another airline
* Customers traveling on an international itinerary, e.g. points beyond U.S., Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada
*Customers traveling on Government fares
*Military personnel on active duty
*Anytime AAdvantage Award tickets, First and Business Class Award tickets, or First and Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to check-in
