How Much Is That Doggie in the Cabin?
Posted on November 21, 2017
If you’re one of the millions flying this holiday season, you may be wondering whether you’ll have to pay fees for services that aren’t included in your ticket price. Want to bring Fido? There’s a fee for that. Want to bring a carry-on and get a cup of coffee? There may be new fees for that.
Today’s WatchBlog explores airlines’ new fees for optional services and what the Department of Transportation is doing to protect consumers.
New fees
Since 2010, airlines have added new fees, some for services that were previously included in the ticket price. For example, some airlines now charge for carry-on bags and for soft drinks. And there are fees for services that weren’t available before, such as internet access.
You may have also noticed airlines selling “preferred” seats. These seats generally have more legroom than standard seats and may come with other features—such as priority boarding or food and drink—depending on the airline.
While some customers choose to pay extra for more, others are opting to pay less for less. Since 2015, American, Delta, and United have offered Basic Economy fares. Passengers who buy these tickets may board last, and may not be able to change flights, choose seats, or use the overhead bins.
(Excerpted from GAO-17-756)
The Department of Transportation is monitoring how these changes affect consumers Transportation officials told us that they:- Inspect U.S. airlines’ websites to monitor compliance with regulations intended to benefit consumers,
- Collect and review consumer airline complaints submitted via the Aviation Consumer Protection website,
- Post information to educate travelers, including a monthly “Air Travel Consumer Report,” on the Aviation Consumer Protection website.
- Questions on the content of this post? Contact Gerald Dillingham at dillinghamg@gao.gov
- Comments on GAO’s WatchBlog? Contact blog@gao.gov.