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American to charge $25 for second checked bag

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American Airlines said Monday it will begin charging passengers $25 to check a second bag to help offset rising fuel costs.

The charge, which will also affect American Eagle passengers, will apply to travelers who purchase domestic economy-class tickets on or after May 12, the airline said.

The move comes after recent similar policy changes at Continental Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

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The company’s AAdvantage Gold, AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Executive Platinum frequent flyers are exempt from the charge.

The policy also does not apply to full-fare economy, business and first-class tickets, or international trips excluding Canada and U.S. territories.

Based on those exceptions, American said it expects about 4 percent of its domestic customers who check more than one bag will be charged the $25 second-bag fee.

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Shares of AMR Corp., American’s parent company, were unchanged in early trading.

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