From a link posted above[1], the Department of Transportation Statistics would seem to disagree with your assertion about ticket prices. Someone simply dismissed it as "misleading," but that wasn't exactly convincing. Especially since as a consumer, I care about the average fare I'm having to pay.

I do think baggage fees are a ripoff, and I don't pay for them. That doesn't mean that I have to like the fact that they've started charging for services that should be a part of normal service (like checking a bag the airplane has to fucking carry anyway). Nor does it mean that I have to believe their claims that it actually benefits me as a consumer to be nickled and dimed for everything I'm worth.

I'm surprised they haven't started charging more for seats that recline. Maybe that will be next.

[1]: http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/airfares/programs/economics_and_...