Although I agree with you that, so long as all of the terms are disclosed up front, there is no fraud involved, I do believe that, in some case, the airlines (and the car rental companies, and hotels, and car dealers, and the telephone companies, etc.) are intentionally trying to mislead, without crossing the line that constitutes fraud. The fuel surcharge is a perfect example in the airline industry. The fuel surcharge is a fare increase, plain and simple. Yet the airlines want the consumer to view it like a tax -- i.e., as a charge that the airline is forced to pass through to the consumer but that does not enhance the revenue or profits of the airline.

As consumers, it is important that we all understand the all-in costs of products and services we purchase when comparing prices. This is the best way to protect ourselves. But I would love to see the airlines (and the car rental companies, and hotels, and car dealers, and the telephone companies, etc.) be more upfront in their advertisements so that you don't need a magnifying glass and a law degree to figure out all of the terms.

All of this said, for the reasons I articulated in an earlier post, I think the two-for-one promotions are neither fraudulent nor misleading (except for things like ads that suggest you can get to Bali with your free ticket on AA).

[This message has been edited by Blumie (edited Jan 16, 2004).]