The war in Iran has driven jet fuel prices skyrocketing, and you can expect that airlines will pass on as much of those expenses as possible to customers. Major U.S. airlines, such as Delta, United, American, Southwest, and JetBlue, have increased checked baggage prices by $5-$10 per bag, making $45-$50+ the usual for a first checked bag on domestic flights. These increases, which are being driven by growing fuel and operating costs, are likely to be permanent. To minimise these expenses, travel
baggage fees (3)
Absurd as it may seems, it's very possible the airlines are making more money on the persistent and aggressive fees they're charging than on ticket sales.
A recent report from the Department of Transportation reveals that in 2010, the airlines raked in a whopping 5.7 billion dollars in checked bag and changed flight charges.
And we the flying public keep paying and the airlines keep gouging.
Hotelmarketing.com went so far as to suggest tha
by Ed Wetschler
Ryanair started charging for checked luggage before American Airlines, but blame American for having made nickel-and-diming safe for other U.S.-based carriers. Today all the major U.S. carriers – Delta, Continental, United, U.S. Airlines – charge $25* for the first checked bag on domestic flights and $35 for the second (checking in online only saves a couple of dollars). And for the final insult, on August 1st Spirit Airlines initiated fees for carry-on luggage.
The major airline
