In one year, U.S. airlines collected $3.8 billion in baggage fees

U.S. airlines collected a record $3.8 billion in baggage fees in 2015, according to a new federal report.

American Airlines, which acquired US Airways to create the world's largest airline, had the biggest take with $1.1 billion in baggage fees last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines since 2009 had been the biggest collector of bag fees, but was surpassed by American as airline consolidation creates a bigger competitor.

Delta in 2015 came in second, bringing in $875.1 million in baggage fees.

United Airlines collected $672.2 million in baggage fees for the year. Spirit Airlines took in $288.7 million and Frontier Airlines took in $220 million from bag fees in 2015.