With domestic airlines raking in billions in added fees annually, three U.S. legislators concerned that cost is outpacing reason introduced the Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act.
“I often hear from my constituents and others about unreasonable fees for schedule changes, cancellations or checked baggage that appear out of whack with the likely true cost to the airlines,” U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Aviation Subcommittee, said. “The FAIR Fees Act is a common-sense remedy to the public’s growing frustration with these exorbitant fees. It would require the FAA to review existing fees to ensure they are reasonable and protect consumers from abusive pricing practices.”
FAIR stems from Cohen and fellow U.S. Rep. Jesus Garcia (D-IL), along with U.S. Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA). It also does significantly more than enhance Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) review capabilities. In addition, it would prohibit airlines from charging fees — cancellation, change, or bag fees — that government administrators deem unreasonable or disproportionate to services being provided. The legislators say that this is price gouging, but they also note such unexpected charges have become standard practice.
“Airlines fees are as high as the planes passengers are traveling on, and it’s time to stop their rapid ascent,” Markey, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said. “It should not cost more to change an airline ticket than the original cost of the ticket, period. Airlines should not bilk passengers just because they need to check a couple of bags.”
In the first half of 2019, the members note that U.S. domestic airlines took in $2.8 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, in baggage and reservation fees alone. Such ancillary fees brought the world’s top ten airlines $35.2 billion last year — a jump of $34 billion since 2007.
In the House, the bill has been co-sponsored by 10 other members, while in the Senate, three others have signed on. The legislation has also gained support from several organizations, including the National Consumers League, Consumer Reports, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, U.S. Public Interest Research Group, Travelers United, Business Travel Coalition, Flyersrights.org, and Airlinepassengers.org.