A Senate subcommittee report has exposed the extent to which major US airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, are cashing in on “junk fees.” These charges, which range from baggage fees to seat selection costs, have collectively contributed a staggering USD 12 billion to their revenue. The report shines a spotlight on how these fees have evolved from optional add-ons into a cornerstone of the airline industry’s profitability.

Baggage Policies and Staff Incentives

The subcommittee’s findings reveal that airlines have implemented aggressive strategies to enforce baggage fees. Frontier and Spirit, in particular, incentivized their employees to identify passengers who attempted to avoid paying for carry-on or checked baggage. Combined, these low-cost carriers spent USD 26 million rewarding staff for ensuring compliance with their strict baggage policies. This tactic not only increased revenue but also highlighted the lengths airlines go to secure every possible fee.

Seat Selection: A USD 12 Billion Windfall

A significant portion of the profits came from fees for seat selection, especially for extra legroom options. Across the board, airlines have turned seat selection into a major source of income, capitalizing on passengers’ desire for comfort and convenience. Here’s how the numbers break down:

• United Airlines (UA) leads the pack, charging up to $319 for premium seats with extra legroom.
• Delta Air Lines (DL) follows closely, with a maximum fee of $264 for similar upgrades.
• American Airlines (AA) caps its extra legroom charges at $140, offering a more moderate pricing structure compared to its competitors.
• Even budget carriers are cashing in: Spirit Airlines (NK) charges up to $299, while Frontier Airlines (F9) peaks at $141 for extra legroom seats.

This practice has become so widespread that even international carriers, such as British Airways, charge passengers for seat reservations in economy—and in some cases, even in business class.

Fees Transforming the Travel Experience

These additional charges represent a fundamental shift in how airlines structure their pricing. Once included in the cost of a ticket, many services are now monetized separately, turning air travel into a pay-as-you-go model. Passengers are often forced to choose between enduring a less comfortable experience or shelling out extra for amenities they once took for granted.

Seat selection fees, in particular, have become a consistent moneymaker for airlines, driven by the growing passenger preference for pre-booking their preferred seats. The USD 12 billion revenue figure shows just how lucrative this trend has become, even for budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier, whose business models rely heavily on these add-ons.

Changing Political Winds: What It Means for Travelers

As the Biden administration, known for its pro-consumer policies, comes to an end, the aviation industry anticipates a shift under Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Airlines benefited significantly during Trump’s previous tenure, from 2016 to 2020, when government oversight of fees and pricing was minimal.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian has openly welcomed Trump’s return, and many other airline executives likely share his optimism. If history is any indication, airlines can expect fewer regulatory hurdles, giving them greater freedom to increase fees for services like baggage and seat selection.

For passengers, this could mean additional costs on top of an already fee-heavy travel landscape. While the Department of Transportation previously sought to introduce measures aimed at transparency and consumer protection, those efforts may now take a backseat, leaving airlines freer to implement and expand their fee structures.

What’s Next for Passengers?

The report serves as a wake-up call for travelers to anticipate even more add-on fees in the future. As airlines double down on junk fees as a primary revenue source, passengers will need to navigate this system with caution. Simple strategies like pre-planning luggage and understanding fee structures can help mitigate the financial impact.

With airlines such as United, Delta, American, Spirit, and Frontier at the forefront of this USD 12 billion junk fee industry, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. As government policies shift, travelers must brace for a fee-driven future and stay informed about the costs associated with their journeys.

Final Takeaway

The revelation that major airlines are profiting billions from fees for services like seat selection and baggage highlights a broader trend in the aviation industry. With relaxed regulations on the horizon, these charges are likely to increase, making it more important than ever for passengers to stay informed and plan ahead. While airlines celebrate their windfall, travelers are left grappling with a system designed to extract as much revenue as possible from every trip.