Airline Fee Fever

Don’t look for airlines to lower their ancillary fees anytime soon.

According to a recent U.S. Dept. of Transportation press release of preliminary data, U.S. airlines earned $3.5 billion in checked luggage fees and $2.6 billion in ticket change fees.

Delta was the big winner with revenues of $865.9 million and $778.4 million, respectively.

According to one industry analyst, all but the most expensive domestic fares are basically sold at break even prices. It’s the fees that help the airlines make money.

While I want to see the airlines make money, I’d rather carry-on my bag and spend the “checked bag fee” money on a nice meal.