Last Monday, July 26 the National Journal raised the issue of whether or not airline fees should be taxed by the federal government, noting “Airlines made at least $3 billion in service fees last year for things like checking bags and in-flight meals.”
On Thursday, ACI-NA President Greg Principato responded to this issue, saying that while the airlines have the right to charge as many fees as they want, there are consequences in “moving away from a fare-based system and toward a fee-based one that raise at least a few policy questions.” He follows by pointing out the fee’s negative impact on the Airport and Airways Trust Fund, how bag fees can put a strain on throughput at certain checkpoints, and the questionable arguments made by airlines against the PFC.
You can read the full response and the ongoing debate here.