Airlines collect a record amount of bag fees

(AP) Airlines collect a record amount of bag fees
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Airlines Writer
NEW YORK
U.S. airlines collected more than $1.7 billion in baggage fees during the first half of the year, the largest amount ever collected in that six-month period.

Delta Air Lines Inc. once again claimed the title as the airline collecting the most in baggage fees: nearly $430 million from January through June. The slightly larger United Airlines _ part of United Continental Holdings Inc. _ followed with $351 million in bag fees, according to the Bureau of Transportation statistics.

Airlines started charging for a first checked suitcase in 2008 and the fees have climbed since. Airlines typically charge $25 each way for the first checked bag, $35 for the second bag and then various extra amounts for overweight or oversized bags.