American Airlines to Charge for All Checked Luggage

If you're planning to fly American Airlines or American Eagle to the Caribbean, here's some friendly advice: pack light. American just announced that effective June 15 they will charge $15 for the first checked piece of luggage, following the imposition May 12 of a $25 fee for checking a second bag.

Third, fourth, and fifth bags -- not exaclty uncommon for some Caribbean travelers -- will cost you $100 each. And a $150 fee will apply for all oversized bags, an increase of $50.

American also announced plans to lay off staff and cut domestic flights by about 11 percent, and although Caribbean service doesn't appear to be immediately effective, the net result will undoubtedly be more crowded and more expensive flights. No other airlines have followed American's lead yet, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen soon as airlines continue to struggle with skyrocketing fuel costs and look for creative "revenue enhancements."

As I have mentioned here before, the only saving grace for Caribbean travelers is that it is possible to travel to the islands for up to a week with no more than a single piece of carryon luggage. The real challenge with the new charges, of course, will be that everyone on American flights will now be trying to bend the carryon rules to avoid the fees, or at least carrying on bags that they might previously have checked. The upshot will be more competition than ever for space in the overhead compartment, so it might not be the worst idea to get a seat towards the back of the plane so you will be boarded first and have your pick of the luggage spaces...