Carrying Baggage Results in Fee Decline For Airlines

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said that airlines made less money year over year in checked bag fees. Airlines began charging fees about four years ago and the practice resulted in a windfall for carriers. So it finally took four years for passengers to start figuring out ways to avoid paying such fees by carrying less and stuffing more into overhead bins. The jockeying for overhead space has become a sport. Boarding first gives you a good advantage. Then you have passengers that take big size suitcases to the gate knowing they would not fit and simply turning them over at the jetways and avoiding the fee. Ironically, two of the most profitable airlines, Southwest and Spirit do not charge fees for checked bags. Spirit actually charges for carry-on bags and that will go up to a $100 per bag in November. www.premieretravel.com