In an August 4th article on ABC News, author Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com, wrote about the increasing amount of ancillary fees that airlines have been charging passengers recently and whether or not Congress should look to federally tax these. Ultimately, Seaney argues against more airline taxes, but along the way makes some unfair assumptions on airports and the PFC.
Airports Council International-North America President Greg Principato set the record straight when it comes to the PFC and its intentions by commenting on the story. In his rebuttal, Principato illuminates several aspects about PFCs, including:
- The PFC serves many constructive purposes that benefit passengers
- PFC projects are reviewed and approved by airlines and the FAA before initiation
- The PFC also contributes to ATC projects, such as infrastructure improvements
You can read Greg’s entire comment below or click here for a link directly to the story (It also appeared in the third spot for Daily Clips on 09/04/2010).
“While you bill yourself as “one of the country’s leading experts on airfare”, you have much to learn about airports. Your comment “some airports decide to erect wondrous monuments to the glorification of their cities” unfairly maligns airport directors and the passenger facility charge (PFC).
Did you know PFC user fees were authorized by Congress because airlines, especially those dominating large hubs, would not agree to construction projects that allowed low fare carriers to serve the community? PFCs provided the solution and today there are numerous examples throughout the US where the facilities built with PFCs have ultimately benefited passengers through lower fares. Travelers have proven willing to invest today for lower fares and fewer delays in the future.
Did you know that PFC projects undergo rigorous review, including extensive consultation with airlines, and public notification and comment? 95 percent of all PFC projects are sent to FAA for their review without any airline or public opposition. Airlines support PFC projects at the hubs because it lowers their operating costs but won’t tell you that.
Did you know that PFCs also fund ATC improvements? Government Accountability Office officials have testified before Congress that new runways and other infrastructure improvements are required if a modernized air traffic control system is going to be effective in preventing passenger delays and inconvenience. And those improvements are paid for, in large part, by PFCs.
Did you know that the airlines did receive a bailout after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011, but the airports were not compensated for any of the lost revenue?
Apparently not.“
Greg Principato, President
Airports Council International-North America