US lawmakers request eleven airlines explain increased airline fees

US Senators Ed Markey, Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Steve Cohen sent (06-Sep-2018) letters to United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Allegiant Air and Sun Country, inquiring after their fees. The letter noted airline fees are on the rise but stated no "appreciable" increase in service costs justified the higher fees. Senators Markey and Blumenthal and Congressman Cohen requested the airlines explain the increased cost of checked bags, notify of intention to increase checked bag, ticket change or cancellation fees and reveal how passengers will be notified of the changes. The lawmakers added the US Government Accountability Office finds the overall fees of flying "confusing and poorly communicated" to passengers, adding: "Passengers deserve relief from this fee gouging." [more - original PR]