"Major Airlines' Added Fees Pinch Travelers"

Major airlines are increasingly adopting an à la carte pricing model, charging passengers for services like seat selection, baggage, and in-flight amenities, which now account for about 20 percent of airline revenue worldwide. The Department of Transportation is fielding consumer complaints and investigating whether these practices constitute deceptive pricing, while the Biden administration is proposing rules to increase transparency in airline fees. Despite concerns, as long as consumers continue to buy into this pricing model, it is likely to persist. Additionally, a federal judge recently blocked the merger of JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, highlighting ongoing consolidation in the airline industry.