Air Canada and WestJet introduced new second-bag fees in November
Airlines in the United States have raked in $2.5-billion so far this year by charging extra fees for bags, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. In 2007, that figure was just $464-million—or one fifth as much. Delta alone made $733 million from baggage fees this year. Most American airlines began charging for the service of checking one or more bags in the last year. In November, WestJet began charging $20 for customers who check a second bag. Air Canada added a $20 second-bag fee the following day.