American Airlines Increases Bag Fees and Tightens Frequent-Flyer Point Restrictions

American Airlines is increasing the cost of checking bags and tightening restrictions on earning frequent-flyer points, with fees for domestic flights rising to $35 online and $40 at the airport. Customers will need to buy tickets directly from the airline or its partner carriers to earn points in its AAdvantage loyalty program, and the airline is also raising bag fees for short international flights. Additionally, American is cutting the cost of transferring points between frequent-flyer accounts and shifting ticket sales away from travel agents to preferred online travel agencies.