American Airlines finally bit the bullet this week and announced that everybody has to pay for baggage, $15 for the first piece of checked luggage. Or at least that’s what you’d think if you read the media headlines. Actually it’s not everybody. You don’t have to pay if you’re flying international, or if you’re on a business-class or first-class ticket domestically, or even if you’re paying full-fare coach. Or if you’re a premium loyalty program member, or flying with someone who meets any of the above. Or if you’re flying on an awards ticket. So basically, it’s just that if you are buying a discount economy ticket they’ve unbundled the baggage fees: $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second bag. I’ve said this before but it’s worth saying again, it’s just a matter of spin. Air Canada unbundled baggage fees without such an uproar. American could have raised all its discount economy tickets by $15 and then offered a $15 discount if you don’t bring anything but carry-on. The airlines just love being able to promote those cheap fares, but nowadays everybody knows that with security charges and taxes and fuel surcharges the prices you see in ads have little relation to reality. Every time I check into an ad–“new summer sale! $398 r/t to Europe” it’s actually about $700 by time you count the extras. Gas is a lot more expensive. We get it. –Mary Hunt, editor, eFlyer