Dazza, I would be happy to try to assist you as to your rights and as to making the appropriate regulator aware of your experience and AA's practices in this regard. Please send me an email or PM. I'm also happy to talk to others who are similarly situated.

To Dave's comment: AA breached federal law when its agents mischaracterized the charge as "tax." I also believe -- and stand prepared to argue before DOT, if needed -- that AA's prior representations to DOT disallow the additional charges in this circumstance.