Why do the airlines create a "Bag Tarrif" instead of just increasing the prices of their tickets?

Question

I mean, if they did that wouldn't they save themselves a lot of negative media attention involving hiking up the prices? Who would really notice that their airfare was 15 to 30 dollars higher than the last time they took a flight?

Answer 1

The bag tariff is the company's aswers to the high fuel prices everyday.  Now the people have to pay when they check their bags, it would eliminate a llot of bags that most passengers carry.  If the plane is lighter in load the it will uses less fuel to fly.

Answer 2

Because they know that the general public, for the most part, is dumb.  They know most people when booking tickets from City A to City B only look at the published price and book the cheapest, even if it's only $1 cheaper than the next one.  They know that most people won't consider the charges when booking and therefore it will be an extra revenue stream.

Answer 3

Well, they know that people *have* to bring bags on board. But when it comes to booking tickets, people have a choice. Lots of people use those websites like Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak, etc, to find the cheapest ticket prices. But with the bags, people will have to pay no matter what, and by that time, they've already booked their tickets and so are more likely to pay up.

Answer 4

This gives people a chance to NOT pay a higher fee, by packing only 1 bag, and bringing it onboard with them.  There is no charge for the carry on items.  On the other side of that, hopefully this will prevent people from bringing their whole house with them...it really isn't necessary.