U.S. carriers’ baggage-fee revenue dips despite more passengers

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics recently released its figures stating that the baggage fees collected by U.S. carriers declined in 2011 despite a nominal passenger growth.

There are several carriers in the U.S. which offer cheap flights, such as Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, US Airways and many more. These carriers succeeded in carrying more passengers last year, but failed to put up a good showing in terms of baggage fees collection.

According to the latest figures released by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. airlines collected $3.36 billion in baggage fees in 2011, down 1 percent from 2010, despite a slight increase in the number of passengers.

The top three U.S. carriers to earn more in baggage fees in 2011, includes Delta air Lines, American Airlines and US Airways. However, if the figures of United Airlines and Continental Airlines, which merged in 2010, were combined, then they would have taken the second spot. 

Major airlines in the U.S. do not charge for carry-on bags, but two discount carriers Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air charge carry-on bags fees from their customers.