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Airlines Collected $3.4 Billion In Baggage Fee In 2010

 

NEW YORK (AP) -- The government says that airlines collected $3.4 billion in baggage fees last year, up 24 percent from 2009.

The fees are typically $50 roundtrip for a first checked bag.

Reservation and change fees accounted for an additional $2.3 billion, down 3 percent from 2009.

The add-ons are one of the few bright spots for an industry that is caught between rising fuel costs and customers who expect rock-bottom airfares. Analysts say without the fees, the industry would be losing money.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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