It's not entirely a market decision due to earlier government regulation: baggage fees are not subject to excise tax, so if an airline could charge $5 for your

It's not entirely a market decision due to earlier government regulation: baggage fees are not subject to excise tax, so if an airline could charge $5 for your ticket and $600 for your bag they would be way ahead, even if you'd rather not have checked it. https://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/21/the-real-reason-airlines-charge-checked-bag-fees-and-its-not-what-you-think https://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/21/the-real...