Spirit Airlines earns $134 million in revenue from baggage fees in 2011

Spirit Airlines flights earned big revenues from baggage fees last year. The airline in a statement recently said that it collected $134 million from baggage charges in 2011, up significantly from $82 million in 2010.

Miramar-based Spirit Airlines is the top carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with 16.9 percent of passenger traffic in Q1 2012.

Spirit Airlines first started charging its customers for carry-on luggage stored in overhead bin nearly two years ago. According to the airline, the move has significantly cut boarding times as well as bringing it additional revenues.

For the first time, the airline earned average fee revenue to more than $100 per passenger in the first quarter of 2012.

According to the airline, its carry-on fees currently range from $20 to $45 per bag depending on when the fee is paid, but will increase up to $55 in November this year. However, small carry-on bags that fit under the seat will continue to remain free.