Finn Torode
It was a year of heavier baggage and lighter wallets for American travelers in 2010, according to new government statistics that say U.S. airlines took in about $3.4 billion in baggage fees in 2010, up 24 percent from the previous year.
Baggage fees totaled $2.7 billion in 2009 and $1.1 billion in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which released the data Monday. The airlines also collected $2.3 billion in reservation change fees last year.
Delta was the biggest collector when it came to the baggage fees charged by the various airlines. For the second consecutive year, it took in more baggage fees than any other domestic carrier, raking in $952.3 million in baggage fees in 2010. That’s almost double the $481.7 million it took in 2009 and about five times the amount it received in 2008, which was $177.1 million.
American Airlines was second at $580.7 million, and US Airways was third at $513.6 million, BTS statistics showed.
Some major airlines announced last week that they would bring down baggage fees charged to U.S. troops traveling on military assignment, in response to the latest furor over bag charges.
Earlier this spring, the DOT imposed new rules that go into effect later this summer that aim to address some consumer concerns. The rules will, for instance, require airlines to refund baggage fees if they fail to deliver your checked luggage.
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