American Airlines Group Inc (AAL)

[rockland2u]

i can tell you, while the airlines make money on your checked bag fees (now), they definitely do NOT want to charge you, or want you to check bags, period. cause they know they loose customers to fees and they loose cargo space with your luggage. they very much prefer cargo (which is where the money is) the psgr tkt profits are razor thin. if you doubt it try shipping your bag (say 40-50 lbs.) either USPS or fed ex. as compared to the fees on extra luggage. and your right, if everyone carried there luggage on and stowed it themselves (thats like free labor and storage for the airlines) but if you check it, they have to hire people to load it, unload it, calculate weight and balance, take off profitable cargo, not to mention, the lost bags or claims for damage. while i miss the all inclusive days, myself, to get the low fares, its become ala carte'. you rarely book a hotel, and expect free drinks, free laundry, free min bar, free whatever anymore, and so too the airlines have trimmed, leaving the choice to the customer whether they want to pay for it or not. internationally (not as bad as it used to be) i still see people moving like it is "allied van" movers, with unbelievable amount of luggage. i myself have shipped my luggage ahead to cruise ship (it was a 3 week-er) and wasn't gonna shlep it. and for a few bucks more, it was worth it