During a Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations hearing Wednesday, lawmakers grilled executives from major US airlines, expressing bipartisan outrage over what they described as deteriorating service and excessive fees.
Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., was particularly vocal, accusing the airline industry of subjecting Americans to a “horrible” flying experience.
“You do appreciate that flying on your airlines is a disaster, don’t you?” Hawley asked the executives from American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
He recounted a personal incident during the COVID-19 pandemic when a flight attendant threatened to ban his wife from flying due to their young son’s improperly worn mask.
Hawley’s criticisms were echoed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who accused airlines of exploiting passengers through so-called “junk fees” for services like seat selection and baggage. Blumenthal, chair of the subcommittee, suggested the government may need to fine airlines for such practices, pointing out that seat fees generate pure profit.
The hearing was called amid growing consumer frustration over rising airline costs. Senators questioned executives on the lack of transparency regarding these fees. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., criticized the unpredictable pricing, noting:
“We’re all captives on your airplanes at a certain point.”
Despite the criticism, airline executives defended the fee structures, arguing they provide consumers with choice.
“Our customers who prioritize affordability can opt out of additional services,” United Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said.
Steve Johnson, American Airlines’ Chief Strategy Officer, added that flying has “never been more affordable,” citing Transportation Department data showing airfares have dropped by a third since 2000, though these figures exclude fees.
The debate over fees continues as airlines report record profits from ancillary charges. US airlines raised over $7 billion from checked bag fees last year alone. Frontier and Spirit Airlines were also called out for paying employees bonuses to spot oversized carry-on bags, leading to steep fees for passengers.
Blumenthal urged airlines to drop a lawsuit blocking a regulation that would require clearer disclosure of fees, but no executive agreed. He emphasized bipartisan dissatisfaction, calling the hearing “dramatic” in its unified frustration.
As passenger volume surges, driven by post-pandemic demand, the tension between airlines and lawmakers is unlikely to ease. The Transportation Security Administration recently reported screening 3.1 million travelers in a single day, setting a record amid growing concerns over service quality.
With input from FOX Business and the Associated Press.
