This Might Actually Be a Good Thing

I rarely compliment Democrats, so don’t miss this one.

Progressive Senators Introduce Bill To End ‘Ridiculous’ Airline Fees | The Daily Wire

Democratic have lawmakers introduced a bill to end “ridiculous” airline fees.

The Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act — sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) — argues that fees for baggage, seating, and cancellation are “not reasonable and proportional to the costs of the services actually provided.”

A press release from Markey’s office explained:

Too often, airlines blindside travelers with exorbitant charges at checkout caused by unexpected fees for basic aviation services. This price gouging has grown exponentially as a business practice over the last decade. In 2019 — the last full year before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted air travel — airlines worldwide collected $109.5 billion in ancillary fee revenue, up nearly fivefold from $22.6 billion in 2010. That same year, U.S. domestic airlines collected $5.8 billion in baggage and $2.8 billion in ticket reservation fees alon

Now let’s be honest with ourselves here, because the Democrats certainly won’t be. I don’t expect this to lower the price of flying by one cent. Airlines aren’t using these “ridiculous” fees to drive up prices. They’re using them to stay profitable. Price wars have set the allowed prices for certain flights to lower than the actual costs. Airlines have to make up these costs somehow, so now they charge extra for things they didn’t use to.

If they stop having these extra fees, the costs will once again be bundled into the ticket costs, and those will all go up.

But at least we won’t be surprised anymore when our $99 flight ends up costing us $300. And that will be a good thing.

So, one cheer for the Democrats.

Yay.