Q. I bought my ticket before American announced the new $15 fee for 1st checked bags, but my date of travel is after June 15, which is when the new fee goes into effect. So am I exempt because of my purchase date, or do I go by my departure date?

A. You should go by your pre-June-15th purchase date, which means no $15 fee for you. As American states on their site:

Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. Our carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place.