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Which airline made the most money on baggage fees?
Last year, baggage fees were used by airlines to make up for lost fare revenue, as the recession kept people on the ground. This year, it's just been a great source of extra revenue, as passenger traffic and fares are up – and the fees haven't gone away. Almost all airlines are getting in on the action, some more egregious than others.Well, data for the third quarter of 2010 is in, and we can finally take a look at who's hitting us hardest ... and for how much. The numbers will probably shock you. The top baggage fee-grabber owned close to 30 percent of the total baggage fees charged in the United States, a market that has reached $2.6 billion for the first three quarters of the year, and the top five dominate with approximately 80 percent of the total fees charged for bags, according to data from the Department of Transportation.
1. Delta Air Lines, $733 million: in fairness, Delta is the largest airline in the United States, so it's to be expected that it will generate the most revenue.
2. American Airlines, $431 million: the third-largest airline hits the #2 spot for baggage fees, implying an aptitude for prying open customer wallets yet to be recognized by its competitors.
3. US Airways, $388 million: again, this is an impressive take, as evidenced by the distance between US Airways and Continental, in the #4 spot.
4. Continental Airlines, $258 million: this almost makes the airline look downright reasonable, especially when it's year-to-date baggage fees aren't even as substantial as what Delta raked in during the third quarter alone!
5. United Airlines, $239 million:
And, the rest:
6. AirTran Airways: $112 million
7. Alaska Airlines: $81 million
8. Spirit Air Lines: $56 million
9. Frontier Airlines: $44 million
10. JetBlue Airways: $43 million
11. Allegiant Air: $43 million
12. Hawaiian Airlines: $40 million
13. Virgin America: $27 million
14. Southwest Airlines: $23 million
15. Republic Airlines: $18 million
What's the latest news with the airlines? Click here to find out!
16. Horizon Air: $13 million
17. Sun Country airlines: $9 million
18. Mesa Airlines: $2 million
19. Continental Micronesia: $2 million
20. USA 3000 Airlines: $2 million
[photo by The Story Lady via Flickr]
2. American Airlines, $431 million: the third-largest airline hits the #2 spot for baggage fees, implying an aptitude for prying open customer wallets yet to be recognized by its competitors.
3. US Airways, $388 million: again, this is an impressive take, as evidenced by the distance between US Airways and Continental, in the #4 spot.
4. Continental Airlines, $258 million: this almost makes the airline look downright reasonable, especially when it's year-to-date baggage fees aren't even as substantial as what Delta raked in during the third quarter alone!
5. United Airlines, $239 million:
And, the rest:
6. AirTran Airways: $112 million
7. Alaska Airlines: $81 million
8. Spirit Air Lines: $56 million
9. Frontier Airlines: $44 million
10. JetBlue Airways: $43 million
11. Allegiant Air: $43 million
12. Hawaiian Airlines: $40 million
13. Virgin America: $27 million
14. Southwest Airlines: $23 million
15. Republic Airlines: $18 million
What's the latest news with the airlines? Click here to find out!
16. Horizon Air: $13 million
17. Sun Country airlines: $9 million
18. Mesa Airlines: $2 million
19. Continental Micronesia: $2 million
20. USA 3000 Airlines: $2 million
[photo by The Story Lady via Flickr]
Filed under: North America, United States, Airports
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
HPANAMIO Dec 22nd 2010 8:41AM
I try to fly airlines that don't charge for the first piece of luggage and has low rate
fares i'v saved thousands since I fly alot and my favorite is JetBlue since it's the most reasonably priced for it's services
mjcurtis7920 Dec 22nd 2010 10:36AM
Airlines should teach the passengers to parachute.Then they could all fly non stop around the country.Think about all the money saved on jet-fuel parking car rental and cab fare.Up up and away,another golden idea.
Dylan Johnstone Dec 22nd 2010 10:48AM
I am a JetBlue fan myself. And in the past when I have flown Delta, I found it to be cheaper to book straight through their site vs. using Expedia or Travelocity or something like that. It was only a few bucks difference, but cheaper is cheaper. Http://bit.ly/SavingIdeas had some smart spending tips and you can also get a lot of those little travel-size toiletries for Free on their site. I get all my shampoos and toothpaste from them for my trips. It's completely free.
Mike Sweet Dec 22nd 2010 3:45PM
Yes! Jet blue! I think if the 1st bag weighs over 50 lbs they charge extra-but if you tip the people outside ( I forgot what they are called-Bell Hops) they will not weigh you bags. Check your bags at the counter you will pay extra.
Jose Dec 22nd 2010 11:02AM
Thievies with licences
jon dohhhh Dec 22nd 2010 11:05AM
I haven't flown since 2006 and don't have any plans to fly any time soon. I'm so glad I don't need to fly at all, with full-body scans and the raping of the customer with fees.
obaid Dec 22nd 2010 12:57PM
helloooooooooooooooooo
clemente Dec 22nd 2010 12:23PM
The baggage fees were put into place due to the high cost of fuel. Fuel has gone down considerably since then but the baggage fees remain. When the airlines were complaining congress jumped on this to help them out. Why has congress not jumped on decreasing these fees the same percentage the fuel prices have gone down? Just how much money do these airlines contribute to the reelection campaigns of these congressmen?
John Dec 22nd 2010 2:32PM
Tom Johansmeyer, Your quote on United Airlines is off a bit...NBC News reported them as taking in 2 1/2 Billion in over-charges...not flying again..bunch of crooks!
Sheena Dec 22nd 2010 2:42PM
I fully agree, Its not right that they are still allowed to charge us for baggage, when the reason they first insisted they were doing it has now decreased. An sadly for people like myself, the choice to use a airline like jetblue isnt present becuause we are located in such a small area. Thankfully I only have to travel air wise by choice when an if I want, yet it factors in to my vaction decision.Because I know how high tickets are an baggae fee's are to start with, not to mention what I'll
be charged if I need to purchase another bag. Say for the things I bought on my trip since I fear the overweight penality,an as I found out from my last trip its plain cheaper to just pay for a 2 or3 bag fee then pay an overweight bag fee. Which is truly sad when back years ago I could travel with all 3 for no fee. It seems with no help or protection airlines will just continue to charge and charge till their greedy lil hearts are content.
Andy Wilkins Dec 23rd 2010 1:03AM
I am an Ameican living in Europe. Of course I travel a great deal in my job and I can tell you that American airlines are truly pulling the wool over the public's eyes. Other air tlines charge far far lessand they offer much better service. Meals are included....I only fly American carriers as a desperate last resort. Their haughtiness and lack of customer concern as well as their exorbitant add on fees are killing the American Airline Industry.
sonny Dec 22nd 2010 4:11PM
You people would all be much better off to take the train whenever possibel. Great way to travel,do not have to be there two hours early,and no fees for luggage. Everyone is so spoiled and wants to be there NOW well it NOW costs lots of extra money for that. Try the train,cheaper and more relaxing.