Travel news includes a telling survey composed of results from almost 1400 travelers which reveals consumers are mad as hell over hidden airline fees. Many of these annoying fees are not included on Internet ticketing sites, or are seemingly invisible, and many, undisclosed until travelers reach check-in counters at airports. A flight from New York's JFK to LAX with one checked bag can increase a passenger's cost by 15%. Get the ultimate guide to airline and baggage fees at link below.
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Business Travel Coalition (BTC), and Consumer Travel Alliance (CTA), conducted the survey and has created MadAsHellAboutHiddenFees.com. The site posts a petition for the travel consumer and industry professionals to sign, urging Congress and regulating government agencies to take action and force the airlines to come clean and make these fees, as well as government fees and taxes, transparent right up front.
At the MadAsHell site, consumers can tell their stories, create YouTube videos of frustrating travel experiences, and sign the petition urging Congress to take action to force airlines and ticketing sites to disclose those hidden fees in a transparent and up front manner.
The US DOT is analyzing this growing trend for airlines to tack on charges up to 30% for services that were previously free. The airlines call it "unbundling," letting consumers decide which services they want to use. Consumers can make their voices heard on the hidden fees issue via Regulations.gov, a government sponsored site, and online source for US government regulations that represent over 300 government agencies. The site allows comments on regulations or proposed rules, petitions, and adjudication documents.
resource:
http://madashellabouthiddenfees.com/
MadAsHellAboutHiddenFees.com or regulations.gov. Get Airline Fees: The Ultimate Guide.
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Comments
It is the hidden costs in airline travel that can certainly make people mad. A safe and economical way to get to a destination is what people want without extra fees.
Oh, I love the idea about having a 'madashellday' reserved for the wicked practices of the airlines. One would think that the high prices of the 'low' fares on the internet would be more up front. I found out differently this summer. Thanks for sharing.
Our American airlines (I mean all not just that name) have gone way down.
Here where we live close to the Canadian Peace Bridge we go to Toronto by bus, and they fly out to where ever we want. No problems.
Our American airlines are shameful. Grabbing a baby away from a mother and so many ill tales.
Sharon you wrote a great article. $100.00 extra for just one more piece of luggage, are you kidding me?
Unbelievable that all these extra fees are tacked on and everything that was free or included now we pay for. They just make it harder for everyone to want to fly anymore.
Winona Cooking Examiner / Winona Home and Living Examiner
Yes, a "Mad As...." Day is appropriate. Those hidden fees are worse than up-front airline fees, IMO. That's why I try to fly Southwest when possible – they don't have as many.
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