And now there are none - AA adopts bag fee

In the airline industry's scramble to make a living amid seemingly ever-escalating fuel costs, five of this country's current six "legacy" airlines had announced plans to charge for checking a second piece of luggage.

Now, make that six out of six. All of them.

The last major hub-and-spoke carrier to fall in line is American Airlines, the planet's largest airline. Flyers buying a domestic Economy-Class ticket on or after May 12 will have to pay $25 to check a second bag. There are exceptions, and they pretty much mirror those of other airlines. You're exempt from the fee if you buy a full fare Economy, Business Class, or First-Class ticket; if you're an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, or Gold Elite frequent flyer; or if you're flying internationally - with the exception of flights to and from Canada, and U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico.

The fee also applies to American Eagle customers.

How many flyers will this affect? American Airlines estimates that approximately 4 percent of its domestic flyers who check more than one bag will be charged the fee. You can pay those fees at the check-in counter, or at one of American Airlines' self-service machines.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler