Flyers paying for often hidden fees
Consumers paid more than US$9.2 billion in fees to U.S. airlines in 2010 but half of that amount was hidden from most travelers when they bought tickets, says a new study.
The reason: the airlines refuse to share their fee information with travel agents and other distributors, says the Consumer Travel Alliance (CTA), a non-profit organization.
The CTA said it did the study to gather information on ancillary fees, which are often not visible if booked by third parties. The group studied major US airlines financial reports in coordination with Open Allies for Airfare Transparency, a coalition representing companies in the managed travel community.
“Airlines should be able to charge whatever they want for their services, but they should have to share all of those prices with travelers in advance, so consumers can make informed buying decisions,” said Andrew Weinstein, executive director of Open Allies.
The study found on average passengers paid a total of $36.80 in fees for every round trip ticket—nearly $150 for a family of four. This study is believed to be the first to look at how the hidden fees imposed by major US airlines have impacted the cost of air travel in 2010.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists