When you come to the airport to travel for Thanksgiving, don't expect any breaks on all those surcharges. And an airline industry spokesman says just because fuel costs are coming down, the airlines are still on track to lose $6 billion this year.
Robert Shields and his mother, Ardell Archer, just handed over $30 extra to check two bags to Dallas. And they are not happy about it.
"It is ridiculous with fuel cut in half," said Shields. "They shouldn't charge you to check a bag. That's ridiculous."
With a barrel of crude oil closing at $54, down from $145 in July, airlines are saving a bundle.
But while some fuel surcharges have been reduced in the past few months, the website farecompare.com reports that nearly 60-percent of all domestic routes still have them. And that's on top of other bottom line-building fees, like for baggage and meals, implemented when fuel prices were rising.
"It is ridiculous. On top of the prices already, especially with the gas prices going down, everything should be going down. Airlines are ripping us off big time," said traveler Matt Phillips.
New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez recently sent a letter to airline CEO's questioning the ongoing extra fees, saying they are "fundamentally anti-consumer."
David Castelveter with the Airline Transport Association says it's up to individual airlines to eliminate fees. But Castelveter points out that between 2002 and 2008, domestic airline fees have gone up 19-percent while jet fuel prices have gone up 373-percent.
"I know everybody is struggling, including the airlines, but they have got to help us out somewhere. As a layman, I am not working these days so every penny counts," said traveler Jill Rothenberg.
A spokesman for United Airlines said the airline is monitoring its extra fees but feels they are currently competitive. If there is a bit of good news for travelers, a 25 cent per mile fuel surcharge for local taxicabs was dropped last week.
With a barrel of crude oil closing at $54, down from $145 in July, airlines are saving a bundle.
