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Airlines Handling -- And Losing -- Fewer Bags

Luggage Fees Have Side Benefit For Passengers

US domestic airlines have reported what might have been an expected benefit of a la carte checked-bag charges. In 2008 -- as fees prompted many passengers to travel lighter -- airlines lost 1.3 million fewer bags than in 2007.

The Chicago Tribune cites figures from the US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Labor Statistics in reporting lost bags fell by one-third, with the bulk of the improvement in the fall of the year, when a la carte fees were fully implemented.

It's not hard to see why that might be. As airline consultant Robert Mann puts it, "The fewer bags you check, the fewer bags you lose."

The only major airline still not charging fees on the first two bags is Southwest. Industry opinions vary on whether the low-cost carrier will be able to sustain its heavily-advertised policy.

A pure look at the revenue numbers elicits the question, but Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King says the approach is resonating with consumers.  "We have no plans to veer from our no-fees philosophy."

FMI: www.bts.gov

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