Why Are We Paying Checked Baggage Fees? Fuel Prices Are Low

When Airline fees instituted fees for checking bags, they told us it was to help offset their fuel costs. If passengers bring fewer bags, the plane is lighter, requiring less fuel.

That's what they told us. They lied. The truth is airlines avoid a 7.5% tax on the fees by making them separate from the price of your ticket.

Domestic airlines made $4 billion in checked baggage fees last year, according to vox.com. Lawmakers want the fees removed, citing long lines at security screening points.

In recent years, I've learned to hate air travel. It feels increasingly like being herded around, and there's seemingly a fee for everything.

By the way, United has announced plans to charge for overhead compartment use.