U.S. airlines lose fewer bags

CHICAGO, March 2 (UPI) -- U.S. airlines lost 1.3 million fewer bags in 2008 in large part because more people now carry on bags rather than pay checking fees, travel experts say.

"The fewer bags you check, the fewer bags you lose," Robert Mann, an aviation consultant, told the Chicago Tribune in a story published Monday.

Charging to check bags is part of a push by airlines to generate revenues from services, such as providing pillows and blankets, that used to be included in the ticket price.

Aside from handling fewer reports of lost and damaged bags, the airlines also are making millions of dollars from the new charges while saving money from having to transport bags between flights and among carriers, Mann said.

Despite some initial grumbling, regular customers have adjusted to paying the fees and adjusted in a way that benefits airlines and passengers -- they all carry less, said Joe Brancatelli, who publishes the travel Web site "Joe Sent Me."