Senator Slams Airlines: Passengers, Not Piggy Banks

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal has harshly criticized the rising fees imposed by major airlines, accusing them of viewing passengers as "walking piggy banks" to be exploited for extra revenue. Blumenthal, chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, convened a hearing on December 4, 2023, titled "The Sky's the Limit – New Revelations About Airline Fees," with executives from American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines testifying.

The senator's report revealed that the five airlines collectively earned $12.4 billion in revenue from seat fees between 2018 and 2023, demonstrating the financial impact of these practices on consumers. Blumenthal accused carriers of using algorithms to set fees and discriminating against passengers to raise fares and fees. Frontier and Spirit paid $26 million to gate agents in 2022 and 2023 to catch passengers not paying for bag fees or having oversized items.

Airlines have defended these practices, arguing that fees offer consumers choices and transparency. They claim that the intense competition in the industry requires them to design product offerings deliberately to appeal to budget-conscious customers. However, critics warn that these fees could erode consumer trust and loyalty.

To address these concerns, Blumenthal's committee recommended mandating transparent and reasonable fee structures, enforcing anti-discrimination rules, and ensuring that fees cover operational costs without exploitative markups. Passengers can also advocate for fair fees by organizing, petitioning regulators, and supporting consumer-friendly legislation.

The growth of ancillary fees in the airline industry has been significant in recent years. U.S. airlines collected $5.9 billion in baggage fees alone in 2019, up from $2.7 billion in 2008. This trend has raised concerns about transparency and consumer protection.


In conclusion, the rising fees in the airline industry have sparked debate and criticism, with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal leading the charge against exploitative practices. To maintain consumer trust and loyalty, airlines must ensure that fees are fair, transparent, and aligned with customer expectations. As passengers and regulators push for better protections, the airline industry must adapt and prioritize the needs of its customers.