Beyond Just Baggage Fees
Airlines have turned the mundane act of carry-on baggage into a cash cow, all while maintaining a facade of goodwill and order.
A study conducted by IdeaWorks and CarTrawler in 2022 revealed a notable uptick in airlines monetizing carry-on luggage.
Jay Sorensen, the insightful mind behind the report, highlighted, “From major global carriers to budget airlines, baggage stands out as a top performer in the a la carte menu of revenue streams.”
While low-cost carriers were the pioneers in tacking on extra charges for additional carry-on items, legacy airlines lingered. However, invariably succumbed to following suit over time.
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Elevating Baggage Revenues
According to the analysis published a couple of years ago, with data compiled from 2021 — a year of recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak — American Airlines Group (AAL) proudly boasted a staggering $7.42 per passenger from baggage revenue alone.
Warning: Exceed your carry-on entitlement and brace yourself for a punitive swipe at the departure gate. The rules have become stringent.
Once a lenient domain, the acceptable size of a carry-on is now under scrutiny. Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) and Southwest Airlines Company (LUV) now dictate that carry-on baggage must fit snugly beneath the seat, eschewing the overhead compartments.
Impeding Flight Schedules
At Ryanair Holdings Plc (RYAAY), Ireland’s pride in low-cost aviation, a charge awaits those opting to check in baggage. However, a sigh of relief for passengers entitled to one carry-on item that fits neatly under the seat as part of the complimentary package. Any excess carry-ons must be surrendered for check-in or face punitive tariffs.
Ryanair justifies its strict carry-on policy by attributing flight delays to the time passengers consume in stowing their overhead bags and taking their seats.
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