How do luggage fees work?

[Minnie824]

I haven't flown anything but Southwest since the luggage fees started, but we'll be flying American to Florida in the summer. I know the fee is $20 per bag, is it each way? So 4 people/bags would be $80 each way? And is it paid when you check in at the airlines? Can you pay cash or debit it? I'm trying to figure out my budget and wanted to clarify all this. Thanks.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The fee is $20.00 each way.

The process is explained on the American Airlines website:

http://www.aa.com/viewPromotionDetails.do?fN=hp072409_BagCharge.xml&_locale=en_US

Also here:

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp