US Airlines Raked in $3.4 Billion from Baggage Fees in Last Year CheapOair Staff June 14, 2011 general Where you see luggage, airlines see dollar signs A recent report from the Department of Transportation showed that US airlines brought in over $3.4 billion in baggage fees alone last year. It’s no secret that airlines have turned to bag fees as a major source of revenue in recent years. As fuel prices skyrocketed, airlines scrambled to offset losses elsewhere, with many increasing bag fees in the process. However, the DOT is concerned that baggage fees aren’t being made clear enough for prospective travelers. The department has set an August 23 deadline for airlines to make their baggage charges as transparent as possible. Source: TIME Newsfeed Flickr: Mat Honan