New data released from the Department of Transportation suggests that airlines collected fewer bag fees in the first months of 2011 despite a rise in the number of overall travelers.
During the first quarter of 2011, major airlines collected “just” $767 million in baggage fees. While that is still quite a lot, it is $1 million less than the year previous and must be measured against the previously stated rise in traffic.
What’s the reason for the decline? Industry experts suggest that passengers are wising up to the airlines’ sometimes arbitrary bag rules, researching and showing up to the airport more prepared.
Another culprit might be an increasing number of people owning airlines’ rewards cards. While these cars promote loyalty, they sometimes cost airlines because of promotions like waived fees for extra baggage.
Source: USA Today
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