New York, Aug 22 - Passengers from India and some European countries travelling on American Airlines will have to pay more after Sep 15 if they have a second bag to check-in, the carrier has said.

'Customers who purchase certain economy class tickets on or after the effective date will be able to check one bag for free and will pay $50 for a second checked bag,' the carrier said in a statement.

'The changes apply to transatlantic travellers on any flight operated by American Airlines for travel to, from or through India, as well as the following European countries: Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.'

The airline did not assign any reason for the decision, but it has purportedly been taken to shore up revenues amid rising operational expenses and one of the worst crises in decades that has hit the global airline business.

Exceptions to the new rule include members of its frequent flyer programme, passengers on first and business class cabins, those who have purchased full-fare tickets on economy and military personnel.

Even for travel within the US, the carrier has changed the baggage rules, with customers having to pay $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second.