We’re less than two months into 2012 and the airline industry is already changing. From Spirit Airlines and the fee transparency debate to the on-going frequent flier crunch, Peter discusses how travel is already changing this year with Los Angeles Times’ Catharine Hamm.
Peter Greenberg: Let’s start with the big T word, otherwise known as transparency. The department of transportation issued new rules requiring airlines to include all fees and taxes for airline. As a traveler I like to know what I am going to pay up front so I think these rules are fair and reasonable. But several airlines do not agree, especially Spirit, who is they’re suing by claiming it’s infringes on their right to free speech.
Catharine Hamm: The airlines are also saying that the government is forcing the airlines to hide fees. Senator Boxer from California wrote a strongly worded letter and now there’s a series of sniping attacks between them. It’s been interesting to see how this is going to play out.
PG: In the wake of all this, Spirit just announced a $4 unintended consequences fee for having to comply with the new rules.
CH: Spirit is a bit impish. They like to let the consumer know that they’re not the bad guys in all of this. They’re just victims of government regulation, so it’s up to the consumer to be the judge. And it’s not just the first wave of DOT rules. The second big step will require the airlines to show the price for every ticket that you buy online. And that’s rule has been delayed after the airlines protested.
The other thing to consider is if there is a change in administrations this fall then the next set of rules may never be implemented. Good progress has been made up to this point. You now know what the baggage fees are and you will know in print advertising what the total is more or less depending on, of course there are add-ons that you might buy, but you’ll know what the base plus taxes and fees is going to be.
