As predicted, American Airlines has matched the other legacy carriers with increased fees for checked baggage. Now, AA, Continental, Delta, United and USAirways all are charging $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second checked bag.
The new question is whether having to pay more for checked luggage means that passengers should get additional benefits or some guarantees now that airlines are accepting fees for the service.
My recent experience last week with American Airlines was horrible. My TravelPro rollerboard (rated as one of the most rugged) was trashed by the airline on a flight from Washington, DC, to Albuquerque. The handle was ripped off and zipper tabs destroyed. Every lugagge tag on my ski boot bag was either broken or ripped off.
At the carousel in Albuquerque, I saw other bags that appeared to have been dragged behind the luggage carts rather than placed on the wagons where they should be. Zippers were torn and the outsides were dirty. The owners quietly swore and brushed the bags off and left the airport.
I went to the baggage office to complain. American Airline quickly agreed to repair the luggage, but said that they needed two to three weeks. With trips planned every other week for the next three months, I would have to change my schedule for AA’s abysmal service.
They gave me a computer printout that will be good for the baggage repair at a later date. Hopefully, in Boston this week, I will be able to get the bag’s handle reattached.
This recent experience and previous experiences of lost luggage beg the question — What are we getting for our baggage fees?
Now that we are paying there should be some guarantees like delivery within 30 minute after landing or reasonable care taken with our belongings.
If American Airlines treats their own planes and supplies with the same care that they treated my luggage last week, the airline should be scheduled for a full FAA inspection.
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
