Yesterday, American Airlines announced that Premium Economy will be introduced in late 2016 on the 787-900 and would be rolled out across most international widebody aircrafts in their Fleet. With the announcement came the new “perks” of flying Premium Economy, which include the follow:
- more legroom
- wider seats
- personal on-demand
entertainment - noise reducing headphones
- priority check-in and boarding
- checked baggage allowance
- amenity kits
- enhanced meal service
- spirits, beer and wine
Notice that one of the amenities includes “check baggage allowance”. Yesterday’s announcement also said that Premium Economy passengers would be able to check two bags free of charge. Yet my only problem/fear is that currently American allows all customers flying long haul internationally to check a bag free of charge. American also allows two bags free of charge when flying to South America or to Asia. This leaves me to speculate that AA will reduce the baggage allowance for guests in Economy flying to South America and Asia in order to increase ancillary revenue and baggage fees.
AA’s current baggage fees
American Airlines has not announced any changes to their baggage policy, but yesterday announcement leaves room for assumptions. As airlines strip benefits from economy class flyers over the years, I would not be surprise to see AA reduce the free baggage allowance to the few markets that still allow more than one free bag.
