American Airlines is the first to charge for checked luggage.

American Airlines, like most others, have been raising their fees trying to keep up with increasing fuel prices. Today, they announced a first for the airline industry. American Airlines will begin charging you a minimum of $15 for your FIRST piece of checked luggage. Many airlines charge you for the second, third, etc, but AA is charging you for the very first piece. American Airlines, give us a break.

Please make sure you are aware so you are not caught by surprise.

Effective May 21, 2008 - American Airlines

• Oversized bags - changing from $100 to $150
• Domestic Ticket Change Fee - From $100 to $150
• International Ticket Change Fee - from $100 - $200 to $150 - $250
• Reservations Service Fee - from $15 to $20
• AAdvantage Award Ticket Fee - from $15 to $20
• External Reservation Handling fee - from $15 to $20
• Airport Service Fee - from $20 to $30
• Travel Center Service Fee - from $20 to $30
• Pet In Cabin Fee - from $80 to $100
• Checked Pet Fee - from $100 to $150
• Unaccompanied Minor Fee - from $75 to $100

First checked bag $15, effective June 15.

Previously, $35 same day flight change (Effective May 7).