Senate Panel Slams Airlines Over $12.4 Billion in Seat Fees

A Senate subcommittee has sharply criticized major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, United, Frontier, and Spirit, for generating $12.4 billion in seating fees between 2018 and 2023. The fees cover extra legroom and preferred seats, such as those near the front or by the window. United Airlines, for the first time, earned more from seat fees than from checked bag fees in 2023, bringing in $1.3 billion from this category.

The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has called airline executives to testify on the issue at a hearing on December 4, titled “The Sky’s the Limit—New Revelations About Airline Fees.” This scrutiny is part of the Biden administration’s broader focus on curbing “junk fees,” which also extend to hotels and other industries.

While U.S. carriers have removed change fees for standard economy tickets, many have added new charges for premium seats, aiming to boost revenue. The report also highlights concerns with budget carriers Spirit and Frontier, accusing them of paying gate agents millions in commissions to enforce baggage policies, leading to forced fees for some passengers.

Airlines for America, the trade group representing major U.S. carriers, defended the industry, claiming air travel has become more affordable and that customers have the option to choose which services they pay for. However, the ongoing debate over these fees remains a key focus for regulators and lawmakers.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com