Overview:

The Consumer Travel Alliance recently conducted an analysis of hidden airline fees and what portion of a typical traveler’s air travel costs might be unknown or undisclosed to the traveler at the time the ticket is purchased.

The analysis focused on four popular flight itineraries taken by millions of travelers each year – New York-Los Angeles, Boston-Washington, Chicago-Miami, and Washington-Orlando – and included just two of the many common fees now charged by airlines: checked baggage and extra legroom.
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Rules proposed yesterday by the Department of Transportation (DOT) will force airlines to reveal total air travel costs, including airfares, surcharges and fees. Once these fees are made public, travel agents and airfare websites will be able to create ways for travelers to use this information. (more…)

Ever wished there was a law that forces airlines to disclose all extras on their tickets? Right up front. While you’re shopping for flights.

Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) apparent does, so he’s proposed bill that would do just that. The Clear Airfares Act of 2009 would ensure that before passengers are required to submit personal or payment information, they’re given a full and clear breakdown of their airfare, as well as any other possible fees that might be incurred on the flight (such as baggage, meal and pet fees).

The proposal comes at a great time. This year, airlines have instituted a new holiday surcharge of as much as $50 per flight on the busiest travel days during the holiday season. For consumers, it requires clicking to peripheral Web pages and wading through often confusing text to understand whether or not their airfare includes these surcharges and what other taxes and fees may have been added, according to Menendez.
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