NEWSROOM

The embargo will be in effect between Jan. 14 and Feb. 14, 2010. For the next 30 days, customers traveling to these destinations will be allowed to check two pieces of baggage of normal checked-bag size and weight - up to 50 pounds and 62 dimensional inches each. Customers will also be allowed one properly sized carry-on bag.  

Excess, oversize, and overweight baggage will not be accepted for flights to the destinations covered by the bag embargo. Sports equipment, such as golf bags, bikes and surfboards, may be checked as part of the total checked-bag allowance, although additional charges may apply. 

American Airlines also announced changes to Checked Bag Charges, it will change its checked bag charges, effective with tickets purchased on or after Feb. 1, 2010. The charges apply to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights. 

American's checked bag charges will change to $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second checked bag, payable at the airport on day of travel. As before, American's top customers are exempt from these checked bag charges. Among the exemptions are American's elite AAdvantage members, full-fare customers, confirmed passengers in the First or Business Class cabin, those traveling on military fares, and other travelers booked on the same record locator as the premium customer. 

American said about 25 percent of its domestic customers pay checked bag charges, with other customers either exempt from the charge or choosing to not check a bag while abiding by American's normal carry-on policies.