The Department of Transportation (DOT) is getting ready to revisit the ancillary fee issue with a possible new proposed rulemaking. One of the questions being asked in Washington is, “What fees are most important to airline passengers when making airfare purchases?”
In other words, if passengers had the option of getting a complete air travel costs when purchasing airline tickets that would allow price comparisons across airlines, what fees do passengers consider most important?
The online or travel agent central reservation systems may in the future allow for different choices. For instance if a passenger was traveling with their wife and two children from Miami to Seattle, they could put into a matrix they will be taking four carry-on bags, two checked bags and want to have seat reservations so that their family can sit together.
The central reservations system would then provide them the total cost of travel compared across the different airlines that serve that route. This total cost would include all baggage charges and seat reservation charges.
Perhaps knowing WiFi fees would be of interest? Or, extra legroom? Or, early boarding? Food?
Take this survey to help us understand what airline fees are most important when making airline purchases.
