Thursday, August 6, 2015
Consumers Union: Senate report on airline fees puts spotlight on consumer frustrations, need for reforms
WASHINGTON — Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, today praised a new congressional report that shines a spotlight on the airline industry and its failure to disclose extra fees and add-on costs. The report prepared by the minority staff of the Senate Commerce Committee recommends a series of reforms to require greater transparency from the airline industry.
William J. McGee, travel and aviation consultant for Consumers Union, said, “Consumers Union is pleased the senators have chronicled the frustration felt by millions of air travelers who are continually faced with new and higher fees from U.S. airlines for everything from checked bags to seat assignments. For years now, Consumers Union has been outspoken about the lack of transparency when it comes to the actual price of your airline ticket. This report shows how this nickel-and-diming has become a $38 billion cash cow for the airline industry. The report’s recommendations are sound and sensible, and they would help strike a blow against ‘fare shock.’”
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Contact: David Butler, 202-462-6262