Canada Joins Central America, Caribbean, Mexico, and Other Popular Destinations as American Airlines Increases First Checked-Bag Fees to $40 on Short-Haul International Flights

Published on December 5, 2025

Travellers from or to destinations such as Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Guyana will now see steeper baggage fees when flying via American Airlines. As of tickets issued on or after 1 December 2025, the first checked bag on these short‑haul international routes has risen to US $40 — though passengers who pay online in advance can still secure a US $35 rate.

That means flights between U.S. gateways and vacation hotspots like Mexico City, Cancun, Caribbean islands, Toronto or San Juan may now carry added costs for your luggage, a change that aligns these routes with American’s domestic baggage‑fee structure.

Why the Hike? Context & Consistency

The fee increase reflects a broader repositioning of American’s baggage‑fee policy. Previously, these international but short distances enjoyed lower baggage fees. With rising operational costs — fuel, labour, airport charges — the airline appears to be standardising charges across its network.

This change doesn’t impact long‑haul international flights (e.g. Europe, Asia), where baggage allowances remain subject to fare class and route. Many travellers flying premium cabins or holding frequent‑flyer status may still enjoy free checked bags, depending on terms.

What It Means for Holiday‑Hunters & Wanderlust‑Seekers

If you’re planning a getaway — perhaps a winter escape to Cancun, a cultural city‑break in Toronto, or a beach holiday in the Caribbean — this fee bump changes your travel maths. A family of four, for instance, checking in two bags each might see an extra $20–40 burden each way.

To keep costs down:

• Pre‑pay the bag online — snag the $35 first‑bag fee rather than $40 at the airport.
• Pack lighter — aim for carry‑on only, especially if you’re travelling light or for a short holiday.
• Travel smart — consider fare classes or loyalty programmes that include free baggage allowance.

In short: this hike may not make or break a trip — but it’s worth factoring in for holiday budgets.

Travel Angle — How Budget‑Conscious Tourists Can Still Jet Off

Despite the baggage‑fee hike, travellers don’t need to shelve their holiday dreams. Short‑haul flights remain affordable, especially if you plan ahead. For instance, those dreaming of turquoise‑water beaches in the Caribbean, colonial city experiences in Mexico, or a quick culture‑rich break in Canada can still get value — by travelling light or paying in advance.

Packages that combine flights with hotels often still prove cost‑effective, particularly when flights themselves are competitively priced. And for spontaneous trips or last‑minute bookings, knowing this fee change helps travellers weigh carry‑on travel vs checked bag convenience more wisely.

For Media & Policy Watchers: Official Confirmation & What To Monitor

The updates stem from the official baggage‑fee schedule published by American Airlines. Their “optional service fees” table outlines the new rates for flights to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Guyana — aligning them with domestic U.S. fees.

Travel analysts and frequent flyers would do well to monitor whether this signals further fee harmonisation — possibly affecting other routes in the future.

Travel Dreams Shouldn’t Die Over a Bag

Travelling from Toronto to Mexico, or Miami to the Caribbean, should still bring joy, excitement and adventure. The fee hike by American Airlines might add a few dollars to the cost — but it doesn’t need to dampen your travel spirit.

With a bit of smart planning — pre‑paying baggage, packing light or choosing carry‑on — you can sidestep the extra cost and keep the focus where it belongs: on the destination, the experience, the memories. Because at the end of the day, it’s not the baggage — but the journey that counts.

Image Source :American Airlines