Senate report criticizes airlines' 'junk' fees
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, millions of Americans are planning travel, and as a Senate Investigations Subcommittee report found during this time, airlines have seen significant increases in revenue from seat selection and baggage fees. In this context, it is important to consider how these fees affect passengers and how they are perceived in society.
Rough figures: revenue from fees
According to the report, airline revenues from "garbage" charges reached record levels in 2021-2022:
- More than $$4.2 billion was earned from location fees alone.
- Baggage fees amounted to approximately $2.9 billion.
- This means that one in three journeys includes additional fees, while many passengers are unaware of the true cost of their tickets.
These data show that “junk” fees are becoming an important part of most airlines’ business models. Source: US Congress
What are the implications for travellers?
With rising fuel prices and the shift to a more high-tech world, airlines are doing everything they can to maximize their profits. In this light, fee practices are causing discontent among passengers. The main issues that travelers face are:
- Price opacity: Hidden fees make comparing prices between airlines nearly impossible.
- Emotional Burden: Often passengers feel cheated when they only find out about additional fees at the time of purchasing their ticket.
- Accessibility issues: Baggage fees can create barriers for families and people with disabilities.
Analysis of alternatives
In response to criticism, some airlines have begun to review their fee policies, but for most, the model remains profitable. In this context, alternatives are being considered, such as:
- Introduction of more transparent and fair tariffs.
- Reducing the number of additional charges based on competitive research conducted by other airlines.
- Increased use of technology to improve customer service and inform customers of all possible charges in advance.
These measures could not only improve the traveler experience, but also promote healthier competition in the air travel market, ultimately leading to lower prices.
Recommendations and actions by the Senate
The Senate report highlights the need for greater oversight of airlines and better rules for disclosing fees. Senators called for necessary reforms to protect consumers and ensure a more transparent marketplace. Official website of the US Senate
Along with increased transparency, new regulations are also needed to limit “potentially unnecessary” charges, which will significantly improve the overall health of the air travel market.
Considering that airline fee newspapers This problem is being discussed, there is still hope for improvement, but this will require the active participation of both the authorities and the air carriers themselves.
