U.S. airlines revenues from checked bags was $6.7 billion in 2022

The baggage fee revenue earned by U.S. airlines in 2022 highlights the significant contribution that ancillary fees make to their bottom line. American Airlines’ $1.4 billion revenue from checked bags alone shows how significant this revenue stream is for individual carriers.

The complexity involved in ensuring that bags are transported from the terminal to the aircraft and ultimately to the passengers’ destination highlights the considerable investment required by airlines to manage this process. The 30 miles of conveyor belts, 2,000 workers, and airport tugs at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport underscore the scale of this undertaking.

Overall, the statistics show the importance of baggage fees to U.S. airlines and the considerable investment required to ensure that passengers’ bags are transported safely and efficiently.