Originally Posted by
pinniped
In that case, the regulation needs to change.
I don't want any more or less government regulation: just obvious loopholes fixed and tools that are used for obvious consumer deception (mandatory surcharges, fuel surcharges, etc.) rendered ineffective.
It totally makes sense that airlines would seek to increase fares during peak periods but they shouldn't be able to cloak it via bogus fees.
I agree. THis is a fare increase.
THe airlines have learned that "Fees" are not subject to the excise taxes the same way that fare increases are. Therefore, we will continue to see fees instead of fare increases as the airline effectively keeps more of the money (they can raise the fares higher than they otherwise would if they had to charge excise taxes on the fees).
The very simple best way to fix the situation is to redefine the fees as fares and charge excise taxes on the whole thing.