Comment from Erik Glitman
Erik GlitmanSupportIndividual
Summary: The commenter supports requiring airlines to prominently display total ticket prices, including all ancillary charges, to avoid deceptive pricing. They specifically argue against "fuel surcharges" and undefined service charges, calling for more transparency in how costs are presented to consumers.
Airfare pricing flexibility can create false impressions to purchasers about the actual price that will be charged for the ticket. When presenting airfare, all airlines operating in the US should be required to prominently display the total ticket price including all ancillary charges. All ancillary charges must be clearly identified. Undefined service charges should not be allowed. Using a "fuel surcharge" in addition to the airfare is deceptive and creates an impression that the charge is a variable based on fuel costs. It is not. Call it what it is: a profit enhancer.