Airlines profit billions from junk fees on passengers

In recent months, a Senate subcommittee report revealed that airlines in the United States have earned billions of dollars through additional fees, often referred to as 'junk fees,' for services such as selecting seats and carrying on luggage. Airlines like United, Spirit, Delta, Frontier, and American have been identified as major offenders, with substantial fees for extra legroom seats reaching up to $319. The report indicated that unbundled pricing practices, where airlines charge separately for basic services, have impacted families, often forcing them to pay to sit together during flights. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted that some airlines incentivized their employees to enforce baggage policies, leading to additional fees for customers trying to avoid them. The Biden Administration has initiated measures to increase consumer protection, including plans to eliminate fees for seat selection for families, demonstrating a commitment to protecting passengers amid growing concerns over airlines' revenue practices. The subcommittee intends to hold hearings with airline officials to address these findings and discuss ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency and fairness in the airline industry.