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NEW YORK — The Department of Transportation said airline revenue from so-called ancillary fees rose 42 percent to $7.8 billion in 2009. The biggest chunk of that came from checked-baggage fees, which were introduced in 2008 when oil prices soared and eventually reached $147 a barrel.
Besides checked bags, other fees include those for reservation changes, pet travel and mileage sales.
United and Continental, which will combine to form the world’s biggest airline, were sixth and seventh among carriers in fees collected. United took in $619.5 million, Continental $539.7 million.
Delta, currently No. 1, collected the most revenue from fees at $1.65 billion. American was second, followed by US Airways. The Associated Press
