Originally Posted by
acl65pilot
FWIW, RA stated about a two years ago that those bag fees would be beneficial when it came to contract time. (Stated when pilots were complaining about the baggage fees)
Also, fares were successfully raised 10 times this year and I believe 8 times last year. The baggage fees are in reality one fee they got to add on and did not have to decouple the dollar amount from the ticket price when they added the baggage fee.
Now if we could get a domestic fuel surcharge removed from the base fare, then we would be in business. Write your congressman
Airlines Federal Taxes and Fees:
- 7.5 percent tax on the base ticket price.
- Domestic segment tax of $3.70 per person per segment (a single takeoff and single landing).
- International travel facilities tax of $16.30 per person for flights that begin or end in the U.S., or $8.20 per person for a flight that begins or ends in Alaska or Hawaii.
- 6.25 percent tax on the amount paid for transporting property by air.
AMTRAK
Difference AMTRAK is owned by the federal government, and the airlines are not. Airlines seem to be in the cross-hairs of our politicians because it makes for a good sound bite and strikes a commiserative cord with the traveling public. People hate to spend a lot of money on flying, and then find the experience dissatisfying and unenjoyable.
Not to stray to a political tone here, but politicians will always prey on the emotion and sentiment of the American people. Every fare increase or fee we institute will will cause more anger, resentment, and consternation.
Personally, I could care less, but it's the Washington Wild Card that scares me and leaves for a good amount of uncertain tax liabilities that can quickly turn the our black into red.