We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you ... you're just helping re-supply our family's travel fund. On May 21, 2008, American Airlines announced it would charge $15 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. The travel press reacted with something between shock and outrage. Other airlines announced they had no plans to follow.