Comedian Conan O'Brien mocks airline bag fee profits

The aviation industry once again made it into late-night television comedian Conan O'Brien's routine this week, with airline baggage fees being the latest punchline.
 
O'Brien, who previously mocked airport security pat-downs, conducted an interview on his Tuesday night show with a faux Delta Airlines employee about reports that airlines made $5.7 billion in baggage and reservation change fees in 2010. The Department of Transportation said this week that American airline companies generated $3.4 billion in revenue from baggage fees alone. Delta lead the pack, bringing in $952 million.

"That seems like an awful lot of money, so I thought I'd see what i can find out," he said.

The Delta executive in the bit defended the fees, saying they were necessary to help the airline survive high fuel costs. But he quickly gave up that line of defense.

"Actually, Conan, even with those fees, Delta's just barely turning a profit," the executive says. "With the rising cost of fuel this summer — ah, screw it, we're rich. Suckers."

The bit closes with Delta employees playing with piles of money.

O'Brien recently simulated Transportation Security Administration officers patting down a baby in his studio.