A Senate subcommittee criticized U.S. airlines for over $12 billion in seat selection fees from 2018 to 2023. Major U.S. airlines have eliminated ticket-change fees for standard economy tickets but introduced charges for selecting popular or roomier seats, including those with extra legroom or preferred locations. Carriers have also increased the number of premium seats available to boost revenue. Airlines for America defended the fees, claiming air travel is affordable and that fees offer customers choices.
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00:00It's Benzinga, bringing Wall Street to Main Street.
00:02A Senate subcommittee criticized U.S. airlines for over $12 billion in seat collection fees
00:07from 2018 to 2023. Major U.S. airlines have eliminated ticket change fees for standard
00:13economic tickets, but introduced charges for selecting popular or roomier seats,
00:17including those with extra legroom or preferred locations.
00:21Carriers have also been increasing the number of premium seats available to boost the revenue.
00:25Airlines for America defended the fees,
00:27claiming air travel is affordable and that fees offer customers choices.