Airlines Taking in Less for Bag Fees

Airlines are taking in less money from bag fees than they did two years ago, but they're making up for it by adding charges for a slew of extras including getting a decent seat.

The government reported Monday that U.S. airlines raised $3.35 billion from bag fees in 2013, down 4 percent from 2012. That's the biggest decline since fees to check a bag or two took off in 2008.

Some passengers use airline credit cards or earn elite frequent-flier status that lets them avoid the fees, which are usually $25 to $35 on domestic flights. Others carry their bag on board and fight for space in the overhead bins.

The bag-fee figure is part of airline financial information that is being released by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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