US airlines report operating profit in 3Q2012, USD924m in baggage fees

US Bureau of Transportation Statistics announced (17-Dec-2012) the largest scheduled passenger airlines reported a 6.4% profit margin the three months ended 30-Sep-2012, down from 6.8% in 3Q2011. US' 10 largest airlines, based on total passenger numbers, achieved a combined operating profit of USD2.4 billion with all of the larger carriers reporting an operating profit. Details include:

• Operating revenue: USD37,667 million;
  • Passenger revenue: USD27,983 million;
    • Baggage fees: USD924 million;
    • Reservation change fees: USD652 million;
• Operating costs: USD35,260 million;
• Operating profit: USD35,260 million;
  • Delta: USD1461 million;
  • US Airways: USD261 million;
  • Alaska Air: USD237 million;
  • United Continental: USD203 million;
  • JetBlue: USD113 million;
  • Southwest*: USD50 million;
  • SkyWest: USD49 million;
  • American Airlines: USD27 million
  • ExpressJet**: USD4 million;
• Operating margin: 6.4%, -0.4 ppt year-on-year;
• Operating profit: USD2407 million;
• Net profit: USD1395 million, +54.6%;
• Unit revenue: USD 16.3 cents, +0.6%;
• Passenger revenue yield: USD 14.2 cents, +0.7%;
• Unit costs: USD 15.2 cents, +0.7%. [more - original PR]

*Includes AirTran
**Includes Atlantic Southeast Airlines