Do passenger planes carry mail

Yes, passenger planes do carry mail, but it's not as common as it used to be. In the past, mail was a significant revenue stream for airlines, and many planes were specifically designed to carry large volumes of mail. However, with the rise of electronic communication and the decline of traditional mail volumes, the demand for mail transportation has decreased.

Today, many airlines still carry mail on their passenger flights, but it's often a smaller volume and typically handled differently than in the past. Here are some ways passenger planes carry mail:

  1. In-flight mail: Some airlines still offer in-flight mail services, where passengers can send letters or packages to destinations along the flight route. This is usually done through a partnership with a postal service or courier company.
  2. Cargo holds: Passenger planes often have cargo holds that can be used to transport mail and packages. This is especially common for flights that operate between major hubs or have a high volume of cargo traffic.
  3. Mail bags: Some airlines use specialized mail bags that can be loaded into the cargo hold or even stowed in the passenger cabin. These bags are designed to be easily accessible and can be sorted and delivered at the destination airport.
  4. Collaborations with postal services: Many airlines partner with postal services to transport mail on their passenger flights. For example, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has agreements with several major airlines to transport mail on their flights.

Some examples of airlines that still carry mail on their passenger flights include:

Keep in mind that the volume of mail carried on passenger planes is generally much smaller than in the past, and airlines often prioritize cargo capacity for more lucrative and time-sensitive shipments.