American Airlines Devalues Baggage Allowance Benefits for Gold Elites

With the recent overnights changes in the American Airlines AAdvantage program, here’s another devaluation to add to the books for Gold elite members:

– Complimentary checked baggage allowance (1)

For tickets issued on or after April 8, 2014, for travel on or after that date, Gold members traveling on American Airlines operated flights are eligible for one free checked bag; for tickets issued prior to April 8, 2014, Gold members are eligible for two free checked bags.

This is a huge blow to Gold Elites who need to check in that second bag for free. I personally know of someone who always checks in two bags because it’s cheaper than sending it via UPS or FedEx. I’m sure more devaluations are going to be announced soon. This is just the beginning of American Airlines gutting their frequent flier program.