Recently, the U.S. Senate held hearings on airline junk fees, questioning airlines about their add-on pricing tactics, lack of transparency, and the rapid growth of ancillary fees. 

The hearings followed a year-long investigation that criticized billions of dollars in fee revenue. 

Major airlines generated $12.4 billion in seat revenue and over $25 billion in baggage fees. The report claims these fees obscure the true cost of travel and make it harder for consumers to compare prices. 

Some carriers, like Frontier and Spirit, even pay commissions to airport agents who convince passengers to pay additional fees at the gate. 

While it’s unclear whether the hearings will lead to new passenger protections, in Europe, the Spanish government recently fined low-cost airlines $186 million for “abusive practices” regarding carry-on bag charges. Stay tuned.