GBTA latest to oppose airport fee hike
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has added its voice to the growing opposition against the US Administration’s proposed hike in the Passenger Facility Charge.
The government wants to raise the current $4.50 fee per passenger to $8.50 per flight sector, which main opponents trade group Airlines for America calls ‘simply unnecessary.’
A4A has created a webpage and online petition calling for public support to lobby Congress to scrap the fee hike.
The petition is also being supported by other influential groups such as the Association of Corporate Travel Executives and Travelers United.
“Some groups want to increase the PFC to $8 per boarding. That, along with other taxes and fees, means that a business traveler could see an increase of $58.20 for a round trip ticket,” said GBTA Executive Director Michael W. McCormick in a statement.
“Travelers don’t need to be the piggy bank. Beyond the investments made by airlines, airports have more than $11 billion in unrestricted cash and investments while bringing in more revenue every year – a record-high $24.5 billion in 2013.”
McCormick also added that two-thirds of GBTA members oppose a PFC increase.
“The business traveler already faces an overbearing burden from taxes and fees and GBTA is very concerned that they are approaching the tipping point that will ultimately push business travelers to stay at home,” he added.
GBTA has more than 7,000 members managing more than $345 billion in business travel and meetings expenditure each year.
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