In a move that is expected to annoy an already overcharged flying public, American Airlines is set to charge passengers a $15 fee for their first checked bag. The first checked bag fee will apply to tickets purchased on or after 15 June 2008.

AAdvantage members that have reached AAdvantage Gold, AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Executive Platinum level along with full fare paying passengers (economy, business and first class) and international passengers will be exempt from this fee.

"While we understand that these fees affect customers, we also believe that our pricing for the services we provide remains extremely competitive in the industry and continues to offer our customers ample choice and value," said AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey "The bottom line is that our revenues, which include ticket sales and fees, must keep pace with our increasing costs."

The $15 first checked bag fee is the first of many that American Airlines will be introducing to help offset the rising cost of airline fuel, newly introduced fees will be in the $5 - $50 price range and will apply as reservation service fees to reserve transportation for pets and oversized bag, along with other services that have not yet been detailed.