Gary Kelly Says Obama Proposals Will Hurt Jobs & US Economy

Often in recent years, general aviation and the airline industry have been on opposite sides of issues, especially user fees. But the Obama administration's proposal to add a $100 takeoff fee has both groups energized to fight back.

It's also put Southwest Airlines in line with the rest of the airline industry, which doesn't always happen. CEO Gary Kelly (pictured) has used his blog, "Nuts About Southwest," to urge the airline's customers to contact their federal lawmakers, and make sure they understand what a bad idea this fee would be.

Kelly writes, in part, "As a valued customer of Southwest Airlines, I am writing to urge you to speak out against the proposed increase in federal taxes on the airline industry and help keep the cost of air travel affordable. Recently, the White House sent a proposal to Congress that recommends two significant tax increases on the airline industry, a mandatory departure tax and an increased security tax. We need you to lend your voice and tell Congress to OPPOSE increasing taxes on air travel."

Kelly says the proposed increases would total $3.5 billion per year, and $36 billion over the next decade, and claims they would have a devastating effect on Southwest's business and the overall US economy. He adds that the higher taxes will mean higher fares for passengers, fewer flights to communities, losses for the airlines, and fewer jobs for Americans, a guaranteed political hot button right now.

Kelly closes, "New taxes on air travel would greatly impact your wallet and your flexibility in air travel. Airlines will have no choice but to try to offset these higher taxes by increasing fares or reducing service.

"I am asking you to join me, and your fellow Southwest Airlines passengers, to tell Congress that deficit reduction cannot happen on the backs of those who drive the economy - US airlines and our passengers. Take action now at www.Southwest-Outreach.com/StopAirTaxNow and make your voice heard!"

Many federal lawmakers have already lined up to fight this provision of the Obama deficit reduction plan. The Hill reports the Air Transport Association circulated a letter last week to House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and supercommittee co-chairs Rep. Jeb Hensarling and Sen. Patty Murray, calling for the supercommittee to reject the takeoff tax proposal. The letter was signed by 119 House members.

FMI: www.southwest.com ; www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/tell-congress-keep-air-travel-affordable