U.S. Airlines Collected $4.3 Billion In Fees In 2010

WASHINGTON — U.S. airlines collect more than $4.3 billion in fees for checking baggage and changing tickets so far this year.

New data from the Transportation Department on Monday shows that Delta Air Lines Inc. collected the most, hauling in $1.26 billion in fees so far this year. That's more than the $922 million collected by United Continental Holdings Inc., which is bigger than Delta by traffic.

Travelers paid more than $784 million for baggage and ticket changes to AMR Corp.'s American Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Co. does not charge to check the first two bags. But it has still collected $22.5 million in baggage fees this year for additional luggage.

Comments

[spytheweb]

02:33 PM on 01/01/2011

There's a story on here that states the airlines loses 150 million because of blizzard, but now we find out they made 4.3 billion on fees. How can you feel sorry for these guys?

Maybe that 150 million was bonus money, now the bonuses will have to come out of their 4.3 billion.

[angrymanspokane]

02:09 PM on 12/14/2010

I've had pretty good sucess shipping luggage to my destination and traveling without baggage. It costs a lot less, but it does require a little up-front planning (and it isn't always feasable). I do it out of spite just because these fees really pi-- me off.

Companies do this sort of thing to see just how much nonsense the public will tolerate. Looks like we're tolerating this fairly well.

[GoJacks]

09:54 AM on 12/14/2010

This bothers me way more than the body scanning. Wasn't Delta rated the worst airline by consumers? I don't understand how nearly every flight in the US is full (or over-sold), yet the companies are operating in the red.

...even after raking it in on baggage and flight change fees!

[Just4theHalibut]

09:23 AM on 12/14/2010

The travel sites, Orbitz etc. need to show their options with "ticket plus extra charges" rather than just fares. Kind of like Ebay shows price plus shipping. Otherwise shopping for the best value doesn't work. Meanwhile, I am trying to figure out how to travel with just a carry-on, refuse to pay the extra $30 when there is a strong likelihood they will lose my suitcase anyway.

[ChristianCooper]

05:31 AM on 12/14/2010

Well, it is a good thing. Airlines have been operating in the red and receiving federal funding for many many years. Maybe this will help to reduce the government spending for airlines.

[Simone Cannon]

09:22 AM on 12/14/2010

What's the difference? Either way, US citizens pay for them to operate their business.

[ChristianCooper]

09:59 AM on 12/14/2010

The difference is the taxpayer is not choosing to pay were as the consumers are.

[mrcontinental]

04:34 AM on 12/14/2010

Just another criminal enterprise. They rob you without a gun is all.

[karma5230]

09:20 PM on 12/13/2010

I have a question. If they charge you for checking your luggage and then it doesn't make it to your destination with you are they going to refund you the fee? Doubtful.

[CANTHATBE]

01:30 AM on 12/14/2010

of course not. They just treat you like a silly customer for trusting your bags with them.

[climbing panda]

08:43 PM on 12/13/2010

stop federal subsidies to the pirates of the skies. let failing airlines fail.

[jo smith456]

07:38 AM on 12/14/2010

not fair. if banks get subsidies, why can't they? if restaurants fail, why can't they? if people become unemployed, why can't they? blah-blah-blah.

[climbing panda]

03:09 PM on 12/14/2010

you're right. with the exception of the unemployed all subsidies should be stopped, but even unemployment should have its limits.

[Foodgrade]

08:12 PM on 12/13/2010

Naw, it was the porn pictures they and TSA sold.

Boycott airlines if you possibly can.

[SwimUpstream]

04:26 PM on 12/13/2010

Don't like it? Don't fly.

[TexasDem0]

04:29 PM on 12/13/2010

Too bad simplistic solutions simply don't work.

[AgingLady]

06:20 PM on 12/13/2010

Yea, actually I am planning to take some time off on the flying. Let things settle somewhat. Road trips are fine. See more. Appreciate more.