American Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fees on Short-Haul International Flights

Updated: December 1, 2025, 4:27pm CST

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AA Increases Fees To Check First Bag on Some International Flights
Final Thoughts

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American Airlines has raised the fees for checking bags on short-haul international flights. While we never like to see airlines raising fees for passengers, the change is understandable, especially when you understand the full context.

Let’s take a look at all the details to see how this might affect your next trip.

AA Increases Fees To Check First Bag on Some International Flights

Starting today, December 1, 2025, American Airlines has increased the fees it charges for the first checked bag on many short-haul international flights.

Now, when checking your first bag on flights to or from Canada, the Caribbean (excluding Cuba and Haiti), Central America (excluding Panama), and Guyana, the cost is $40 or $35 if you pay in advance online. This represents a $5 increase over the previous cost of $35. Checking a second bag will still cost $45.

Checked Baggage Upgraded Points LLC 2 — Image Credit: Upgraded Points

This change aligns the carrier’s fees for these flights with the fees charged for checked baggage on AA flights within the U.S., inclusive of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It’s unfortunate to see an airline raise fees for its passengers, but this change effectively aligns the airline’s fee structure with the majority of its domestic flights, so it’s not entirely surprising. Plus, it’s much simpler for passengers (and likely employees) to remember.

Remember, though, there are ways to overcome checked bag fees. The easiest way to do so is to have the right credit card. For example, the Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® provides a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to 4 travel companions, and the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Globe™ Mastercard^® provides the same perk — though for the cardholder and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation.

Hot Tip:

To learn more about the carrier’s checked baggage policy on the rest of its flights, check out our comprehensive guide on American Airlines’ checked bag policies — including all our best tips for reducing these expenses.

Final Thoughts

American Airlines has raised the fees it charges for the first checked bag on many short-haul international flights. It’s never fun to see an increase in fees for passengers, but this isn’t a radical increase. Moreover, it simply brings the fee structure in line with what the carrier charges for the vast majority of its domestic flights.

And remember, if you have the right credit card, you don’t have to worry about any of these fees in the first place!