Thu, Aug 05, 2010
Flyersrights.org says Webb Bill Would Bring "Fairness, Clarity"
For Consumers
A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate by Virginia Democrat Jim
Webb drew almost immediate praise from the airline passenger
advocacy group Flyersrights.org. The "Airline Baggage Transparency
and Accountability Act" would establish rules to assist consumers
to compare airfares and other costs applicable to tickets for air
transportation, and would require airlines to pay taxes on such
fees to fund modernization and maintenance of the U.S. Air
Transport System.
"One of the main reasons airlines have made our skies the Land
of the Fee, by imposing so many fees on passengers to pad their
bottom line, is that they have not had to pay taxes into the
Aviation Trust fund for them as they do with other revenue," said
Kate Hanni, Founder and Executive Director of FlyersRights.org. "By
closing this loophole the airlines will likely reevaluate how many
fees they impose on us, and when they do at least a percentage will
be going to improve and maintain our aviation system."
The bill creates transparency by providing that any fees for
checked baggage, seating assignments, and optional in-flight goods
and services, and other fees that may be charged after the ticket
is purchased will have to be displayed to ensure that all consumers
are able to easily and fairly compare airfares and other costs.
Additionally, Carry-on and Checked Baggage fees will now be
considered as an amount paid for taxable transportation.
Senator Jack Webb (D-VA)
"For years the airlines have not been required to fully and
plainly disclose what the true total cost of a flight is including
all the fees and extra charges, keeping passengers in the dark and
distorting the marketplace," added Hanni. "The Webb bill also
brings needed clarity for passengers on fees as they make their
choices for air travel and brings the airline sector into line with
recent efforts requiring full and fair disclosure by credit card
companies to consumers about fees."
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