Guide to Luggage Fees
After suffering financial losses from a weak economy and rising fuel prices in 2008, most major U.S. airlines began instituting fees on baggage checked by passengers for domestic and international flights. Passengers that checked bags exceeding certain quantity, size and weight limits would pay fees in addition to their airfare.
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Fees
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As of 2010, airline baggage fees varied widely by the size and number of bags checked. American Airlines charged $20 per bag for domestic flights, $30 for a second bag, $50 for bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds, and $150 for bags measuring between 62 and 115 inches. Delta/Northwest charged $23 for a first checked bag (if the ticket was purchased online), $32 for a second checked bag (if purchased online), and between $90 and $300 for oversize and overweight bags.
Exemptions
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The major airlines exempt some passengers from baggage fees, including first-class passengers, military personnel being deployed and certain frequent fliers.
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Revenues
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According to the "Los Angeles Times," the top 20 U.S. air carriers earned $2.6 billion in passenger baggage fees over the first three fiscal quarters of 2010, which helped major airlines report a profit for the first time since 2007. The airlines that earned the most luggage fees included Delta Air Lines ($733 million), American Airlines ($431 million), and US Airways ($388 million).
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