US airlines collected $5.7 billion in baggage, reservation change fees in 2010

US Dept. of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that US airlines collected almost $5.7 billion from baggage fees and reservation change fees in 2010.

According to BTS, the airlines received $3.4 billion from baggage fees and $2.3 billion from reservation change fees in 2010. “These are the only fees paid by passengers that BTS can identify separately. All other fees paid by passengers are included in larger categories with other types of revenue,” said BTS.

Delta Air Lines led all carriers in baggage fee collection at $952,250 last year, almost double 2009. American Airlines followed at $580,663, up 22% from 2009.

The two carriers also collected the most reservation change fees: DL, $698,611in 2010, up 72% over 2009; AA, $471,369, up nearly 5% over 2009.