Why do luggage carts cost money to use in U.S. airports, but are provided free of charge in other places? [closed]

I noticed that in U.S. airports, there is a charge of around $5 to use the luggage carts. Generally, the only place I see them free are in international arrivals; in departures and domestic arrivals, one has to pay. (After searching this site a little bit, this also appears to be the case for Canada.)

However, in many other airports, usually outside the U.S., luggage carts are provided free of charge, in all airport zones.

Why is this?

Given the answer to this question, I don't think this is too broad; the answer is mostly the same nationwide because of a federal law that restricts the fees airports can charge passengers as part of their airfare, to just $4.50 (as opposed to, say, Heathrow's nearly $52)

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Are luggage carts free at airports?

If you have checked luggage and need an airport cart at your destination, you can find airport luggage carts near the ticket counters and at baggage claim. However, you have to pay up to $5 or more for a cart. Carts are usually free in airports outside the US, but US airports charge for them.

What are the carts at airports for?

The carts are provided in airports, large bus stations, hotels, or train stations for transporting luggage and may be free of charge. They are sometimes owned by the operator of the establishment. In some facilities carts may be provided by a contractor such as Smarte Carte for a rental fee.

How much is a cart at JFK?

Luggage carts are provided by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at a cost of $6 for use in pre-security areas and in Customs. Another option is Allways porterage service, which is available at both check-in and baggage claim for a fee of $25 per cart.

How much is a luggage cart in SFO?

Most everyone with sizable luggage will end up paying the $8 fee for each cart. This is a modal window.

Don't pay for airport trolleys

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