Bigger fees are compensating for shorter flight manifests. For the first half of 2009, airlines in the United States have raked in $3.8 billion from cancellation, re-booking, checked bag and other fees. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation puts this result up from the $2.3 billion airlines generated from these fees in the first half of 2008.
While passengers haven't been thrilled with these additional charges, the airlines have had to compensate for a significant drop in passenger traffic, as the industry copes with the worst travel session since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
These are tough economic times for the nation, most would agree, and one hard-hit sector has been the airline sector, specifically the major carriers.
Five winners of a weak dollar
For a quick-read on the U.S. economy, check the price of gasoline
Closing Bell: What Friday 13th curse? (ANF, BA, GENZ, DIS, PALM, PLA)
