CNBC reports the new rules do come with a few provisions. Items that are overweight will still be subject to additional charges of $100 to $200 for most routes and up to $450 for trans-Pacific travel. Also hang gliders, scuba tanks and antlers will still be subject to $150 oversize luggage fee. Lets hope this pricing formula catches on and skiers and snowboarders don’t get dinged so heavy every time they board a flight!
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What you should know
- Based on feedback from our customers and American team members, American is eliminating the charge for common oversize sports and music equipment — up to the maximum size we accept for these items. The change is effective for travel on or after May 21.
- American will accept these oversize items as a standard checked bag without an additional oversize charge.
- The checked oversize bag counts toward a customer’s normal baggage allowance. For example, customers traveling within the United States, who used to pay $150 to check one oversize item such as a surfboard, will now pay $30 — the cost of a standard first bag — if the weight is less than 50 lbs. Customers traveling with skis or a snowboard will now be able to check in an equipment bag with the skis or snowboard as one bag (up to 50 lbs./62 in.).
- Due to special handling requirements, oversize items such as antlers, hang gliders, scuba tanks and kite/windsurfing items will continue to incur a flat $150 fee.
- Additional allowances/restrictions may apply based on destination, class of service, elite status, active U.S. military members or AAdvantage® cardmembers (on domestic American-operated itineraries). For more information, visit aa.com/checkedbags.
