The $25 thorn in your side every time you fly with a slightly-larger-than-average suitcase is making airlines some serious bank. U.S. airlines have collected a combined $26.2 billion in checked-bag fees since 2007, when airlines first began charging such fees to offset the soaring cost of jet fuel, Thrillist reports. That's nearly enough to buy Delta, the most valuable airline in the U.S., which is worth just over $27 billion. Last year alone, airlines made $3.8 billion on checked luggage, which Thrillist points out is nearly equal to the city budget of Phoenix.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.