Why are airlines charging more money for checked bags? Example: I think American charges $15 for each or?

Question

after the first checked bag they charge $25 on Continental. Is it all related to the d**n gas/oil prices or space or what?

Answer 1

This is the latest trend of airlines in the US to increase revenue.  Of late revenues of all airlines all over have dipped due to the unprecendented increase in Oil prices.

Answer 2

To pay for the gas.

Answer 3

yup it's all to pay for the rising prices of gas

Answer 4

Unfortunately it's called life!  They do it because they are allowed to and we can't do a darn thing about it, just like with the price of gas.  The airlines seem to be saying it's because what we are paying now for fuel. Everything is going up because of the gas prices.  God Bless us all.

Answer 5

Oil was around $139 a barrel yesterday.  The CEO of American Airlines said that airlines cannot make money if the price of oil is above $120 a barrel.  Because the airlines are losing money, they have to get creative as to how to generate more money.  However travelers do not want to pay for high ticket prices so the airlines cannot raise ticket prices too much at one time.  Therefore by raising ticket prices over time, cutting snacks (US Airways got rid of free snacks and charges $2 for a can of soda) and charging for checked baggage, the airlines hope to combat the price of high fuel.  It is like the airlines are nickel and diming you for everything.  But if you don't check in any luggage, then the extra fees won't apply to you.  Best advice is to pack lightly.

Answer 6

This is probably an unpopular position, but I actually think this is a good thing for travelers. This way only the people that actually use the service are paying for it, instead of it being averaged into the cost of everyone's fares.

Answer 7

More price gauging. Everyone uses the price of gas as reason to raise prices these days. What happened to customer service?

Answer 8

NOT only the bags but also the tickets ( my dad works for UNited airlines