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In the case of preferred seating charges, the
report found that consumers who purchase tickets
through airline websites are sometimes only
presented seats which require an additional fee.
In such instances, many travelers often pay the
fee, unaware that the airlines will randomly
assign them an available free seat at a later
date.
Additionally, the review found that consumers
generally did not receive prominent or clear
flight change and cancellation fee disclosures
when they purchased tickets from airline
websites. In some instances, penalties for
changing flight plans can double the cost of
travel – even when the change is made far in
advance of the flight. Among the report’s
recommendations:
- Better and earlier disclosure of ancillary
fees to help consumers compare costs among
airlines;
- Require checked baggage and carry-on baggage
fees to have a clear connection between the
costs incurred by the airline and the baggage
fees charged;
- Require airlines to promptly refund fees for
any bags that are delayed more than 6 hours on a
domestic flight;
- Limit airline change fees to a reasonable
amount tied to lead time prior to departure and
an amount less than the original fare;
- Mandate that airlines place clear disclosures
that “preferred seat” charges are optional;
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