3 On Your Side: Majority Of Travelers Frustrated When Flying
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Airlines have found plenty of creative ways to charge more fees over the last few years, and most passengers aren't happy with them. As 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim finds, another fee could be going up, and it's one fee that all air travelers have to pay.
With an improving economy, U.S. airlines anticipate their busiest and best spring in seven years. Almost 135 million passengers are expected to fly during March and April, according to Airlines for America, the industry group for U.S. carriers.
But that means bigger airport crowds and packed planes. A new survey from the U.S. Travel Association says passengers already are annoyed with what comes with flying. The majority, 62 percent, said air travel leaves them "somewhat frustrated" or "very frustrated.
Among the most frustrating aspects of travel mentioned:
-- Delays and cancellations
-- The security screening process
-- Limited airlines to choose from.
-- Hidden fees
Among the most frustrating of those fees:
-- $200 for changes to an itinerary
-- $50 extra for seat assignments.
-- $25 to check a bag.
-- $50 for priority boarding.
Meanwhile the U.S. Travel Association and airport groups are pushing Congress to boost the existing Passenger Facility Charge added to each plane ticket, by $4. We'll find out later this year if Congress will consider the increase. At least one survey showed a majority of Americans are opposed to raising the fee.
