It's not quite as shocking when you compare with overall revenues. For example, Delta had $28B in 2009 revenues compared with $482M in baggage fees, for just u

It's not quite as shocking when you compare with overall revenues. For example, Delta had $28B in 2009 revenues compared with $482M in baggage fees, for just under 2% of total revenues. As a side note, as long as you can get your bag through the xray scanner you should just bring it to the gate. They may not let you carry it on, but there's no fee for gate-checked bags.