Canada Unites With Mexico, Guyana, And Other Destinations As American Airlines Introduces Higher Baggage Fees, Overcomes Airbus Software Issues, And Debuts Touchless ID Technology

Published on December 3, 2025

American Airlines rolls out higher baggage fees for select international routes, including Canada, Mexico, and Guyana, the airline is also recovering from widespread disruptions caused by an Airbus software issue, while debuting innovative touchless ID technology to streamline travel. These changes reflect the airline’s efforts to adjust pricing structures, enhance the customer experience, and address operational challenges in 2025, ensuring smoother travel across multiple destinations. In addition to the increased fees, which align international routes with domestic baggage charges, American Airlines is making strides in improving efficiency with new technology aimed at reducing wait times at TSA checkpoints. However, while these advancements are welcomed by many, the airline is also dealing with the fallout of the Airbus issue that affected thousands of flights, leaving travelers facing delays and cancellations.

In 2025, American Airlines has had a year of both innovation and challenges. With a mix of new technological advancements and operational disruptions, the airline is navigating through significant transitions. Most recently, the carrier has made headlines by implementing a new baggage fee structure on select international routes. While this fee increase may affect many travelers, there are still ways to avoid it—especially for certain passengers. The update also comes on the heels of the airline’s announcement about a groundbreaking new touchless ID screening process. However, the airline is also dealing with widespread disruptions tied to an Airbus software issue, which has impacted thousands of flights. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes at American Airlines, including the new baggage fees, touchless ID technology, and ongoing operational challenges.

American Airlines Implements New Checked Bag Fees on Select Routes

As of December 1, 2025, American Airlines has increased the cost of a first checked bag on select short-haul international routes. Passengers traveling to and from destinations like Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Guyana will now face a $40 checked bag fee each way. This new pricing structure brings these international routes in line with the fees American Airlines charges for domestic U.S. flights, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

While the change affects a significant number of passengers, there is a silver lining: Travelers who purchased their tickets before December 1, 2025, will still be able to use the older fee structure, which was more affordable for checked baggage. However, this exemption is not permanent. According to an internal memo obtained by View From The Wing, passengers with bookings made before the cutoff date will still pay the lower rate for flights taken before the end of 2025, but after that, they will be subject to the new fee.

How Passengers Can Avoid the New Baggage Fee

The fee increase might come as a shock to some, especially considering the timing with holiday travel around the corner. However, there are several ways passengers can avoid paying the new checked bag fees. For most travelers flying in basic economy or the main cabin, the new $40 fee applies. However, American Airlines still offers complimentary checked baggage for passengers flying in premium cabins.

Premium Cabin Passengers:

• Main Plus: One free checked bag
• Business Class: Two free checked bags

Additionally, the airline’s elite AAdvantage members are exempt from the new fees based on their tier status. AAdvantage Gold members receive one free checked bag, while Platinum members are entitled to two free checked bags. Higher-tier members, including Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members, are entitled to three free checked bags, allowing for significant savings.

Oneworld Members:
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members also benefit from free baggage allowances when traveling on American Airlines-operated flights. These travelers can check an additional piece of luggage without incurring extra charges, making it an attractive benefit for loyal frequent flyers.

However, American Airlines’ cobranded credit cards—such as the Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®—will not help passengers avoid the fee increase. These credit cards offer the benefit of one free checked bag, but only for domestic flights. Since the new fee hike specifically targets international routes, cardholders will need to pay the increased fee for short-haul international travel.

Touchless ID Technology: A Leap in Airport Security

Earlier in 2025, American Airlines also made headlines for its cutting-edge technology aimed at improving the travel experience. The airline introduced a touchless ID technology that allows passengers to move through TSA checkpoints without presenting a physical ID. This new process uses facial recognition and biometric data to verify passengers’ identities, streamlining the security screening process.

This innovation promises to reduce wait times and enhance passenger convenience, particularly during peak travel periods. As travelers move through TSA checkpoints, they can simply approach the touchless scanning system, which will match their face to their digital identity stored in the system, thereby eliminating the need for paper boarding passes or physical IDs. This system is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of airport security and make travel smoother for passengers, especially in the wake of the ongoing technological advancements across the airline industry.

Airbus Software Issues Cause Widespread Disruptions

While American Airlines has taken a leap forward with technological advancements, it has also encountered significant operational challenges. One of the biggest issues in 2025 has been related to a software flaw on its Airbus aircraft. This flaw has caused widespread disruptions, affecting thousands of flights globally. Despite efforts to address the issue, including completing repairs, the airline continues to face backlash from passengers who experienced delays and cancellations.

This software problem stems from a glitch in the flight control systems of Airbus aircraft, which affected the airline’s entire fleet of Airbus jets. While American Airlines reported that the issue was being handled, many passengers faced long delays, missed connections, and flight cancellations. The airline had to adjust its flight schedules to accommodate the repairs, and passengers were left scrambling to rearrange their plans.

Even after repairs were completed, the damage was already done. American Airlines has been working diligently to restore normal operations, but the effects of this issue continue to ripple through its global network. Passengers traveling on American Airlines flights in 2025 were encouraged to check the status of their flights before arriving at the airport to avoid any surprises.

American Airlines Faces a Busy 2025

In addition to the challenges posed by the Airbus software issue, American Airlines has had a busy year. Despite the setbacks, the carrier has been working hard to stay competitive in the airline industry, which has faced rising fuel costs, staffing shortages, and heightened demand for travel.

The introduction of the touchless ID technology is a strategic move by American Airlines to attract tech-savvy travelers who value efficiency and convenience. With the airline focusing on making the travel experience smoother, this technology could very well become a new standard across the industry, offering a seamless process for passengers from check-in to boarding.

However, the fee hikes, particularly for checked baggage, might create frustration among travelers, especially as the airline industry recovers from the impacts of the pandemic and other operational hurdles. Travelers are now facing the reality of higher costs, but they also have the chance to enjoy enhanced technology that makes their journeys more efficient.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for American Airlines?

As American Airlines continues to evolve in 2025, the airline will need to carefully balance its technological innovations with passenger concerns about rising costs and operational issues. The introduction of new services like touchless ID technology is a welcome development, but it must be accompanied by transparent and customer-friendly policies to prevent further backlash.

Moreover, while the new baggage fees are set to standardize pricing across American Airlines’ international routes, the airline should remain mindful of its loyal customers—especially frequent flyers and those holding elite status. These customers are essential to the airline’s continued success, and their satisfaction will play a key role in determining how the carrier fares moving forward.

American Airlines has experienced both triumphs and challenges in 2025. On one hand, its introduction of touchless ID technology represents a major step forward in enhancing the travel experience. On the other hand, the airline has had to contend with operational disruptions caused by Airbus software issues and increased baggage fees that affect many travelers, especially those flying internationally. As the airline moves forward, passengers will need to stay informed about the latest updates, fees, and technology, ensuring that their travel plans are not disrupted.

American Airlines is introducing higher baggage fees on select international routes, including Canada, Mexico, and Guyana, as part of its effort to standardize costs across regions. At the same time, the airline is recovering from widespread disruptions caused by an Airbus software issue and launching touchless ID technology to improve the travel experience.

As always, travelers should remain vigilant about changes to American Airlines’ policies, including the new baggage fees and the rollout of touchless ID technology. Those affected by the fee increase should check their ticket status to see if they are eligible for exemptions or alternative baggage options. Ultimately, the key to a smooth journey lies in staying ahead of the curve, understanding the changes, and adapting to the evolving landscape of air travel.