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Carry On! Fewer Checked Bags Cut Lost Luggage

Airlines lost 1.3M fewer bags last year as new fees convinced passengers to carry on

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Mar 2, 2009 2:05 AM CST
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(Newser) – Through their relentless fees, airlines have managed to put the task of transporting often-lost luggage in much safer hands. Last year—as passengers carried aboard the baggage they previously checked for free—airlines lost 1.3 million fewer bags than in 2007, the Chicago Tribune reports. The 33% improvement was most noticeable in the fall, when most of the recession-hit carriers adopted service fees.

American Airlines enjoyed the biggest improvement in lost luggage last year with a 26% dip in missing bags. It also generated the most in new baggage fees: $94.1 million.
American Airlines enjoyed the biggest improvement in lost luggage last year with a 26% dip in missing bags. It also generated the most in new baggage fees: $94.1 million.   (AP Photo/Rick Maiman)
The airlines lost 1.3 million fewer bags last year as passengers opted to pack lighter and carry aboard more of their luggage.
The airlines lost 1.3 million fewer bags last year as passengers opted to pack lighter and carry aboard more of their luggage.   (AP Photo/WCBS 880, Mike Xirinachs)
Most passengers have started packing lighter to avoid the baggage fees.
Most passengers have started packing lighter to avoid the baggage fees.   (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Sleepy1
Mar 2, 2009 4:15 AM CST
That was a boring story.
bacimom
Mar 1, 2009 10:34 PM CST
so carry on luggage is a good idea. Has anyone ever tried to get off and on a packed plane while everyone is trying to find a place to stuff their carryons? Not to mention the danger of having those overhead compartments drop all the bags on your head. I travelled 1st class from NYC a few years ago on a flight that included passengers from other cancelled flights. I was given the evil eye from the head steward because he had to move his bags to make room for my bag. Then he attempted to throw me off when I aksed for a blanket. He threatened my sister because she had her own pillow, claimed she'd have to check it as too much carryon... yet he allowed a few businessmen and gorgeous blonds to carry on 3 or more pieces of luggage without blinking. Needless to say a complaint was sent to the airline afterwards.

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airline industry • luggage • American Airlines • Southwest Airlines • fees • baggage handling • lost baggage • airlines

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