You're the boss of your wallet, and Robert Isom's latest move just made American Airlines a lot more expensive for everyday fliers.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has finally confirmed what budget travelers have been dreading for months: the airline is officially slashing its most affordable basic economy fares across dozens of popular routes, a shift that will force more of us to pay higher cabin prices. Starting next month, customers booking the cheapest seats will no longer be able to bring a carry-on bag, even a small one, for free. Isom defended the change by claiming it’s meant to “simplify the boarding process and reward loyal customers,” but travel experts warn the real motive is to squeeze more cash out of your wallet. For a family of four, this could mean an extra $100 in baggage fees per round trip, or worse, being forced to buy a pricier ticket just to pack a change of clothes.