American Increases Some International Bag Fees

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

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Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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American will raise the second-checked-bag fee for travelers flying between the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and India, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. The bag fees take effect for tickets purchased on or after September 14.

As usual, certain travelers are exempt, including elite frequent flyers, first- and business-class passengers, and active military.

American isn’t the first airline to raise its international baggage fees this year: Delta made a similar move this past spring, and British Airways did the same in July. It seems reasonable to expect that more carriers will follow suit. Well, if you consider tacking huge fees onto struggling, unprofitable routes to be “reasonable.”

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