AIRLINE FARES---The tax and fuel surcharge bullshit!?

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Mr. T's Pretty Cuzzin

It is a pain in the as* IF, IF they first told you the fare included all taxes, surcharges and fee, and then later added them on again. Otherwise, it's not a pain--it's a cost of doing business.

It's impossible to give a total, out-the-door price down to the penny until the actual booking is made, because there are so many possible routings, fare classes, and different fees at each airport involved. Airlines should, and usually do, disclaim these additional charges during the booking process--usually with statements such as "before tax" or "taxes and fees on US-UK flights can range between $98 and $228, depending on current fuel surcharges, taxes imposed by foreign governments, blah blah...."

It is a pain in the rear, but as a consumer, I'd rather have the transparency in the items that make up the bill. That way, each part can be scrutinized, and more visibility is given to rising surcharges, taxes, and security fees.

RU4REAL?

I work for an airline, so let me explain why, and then you'll understand why...

Airline tickets are the most taxed product you can buy anywhere. The U.S. government (and other countries) always pass laws in order to gain government revenue. They pick on the airlines because the airlines are an easy target. Everybody has to buy an airline ticket if they want to get anywhere, and the government knows it...
So there are 9 total taxes on an airline ticket that the airline has to pay the governement whenever anyone buys a ticket. The airlines HATE these taxes, but the airlines can do nothing about it because it's THE LAW!!!. Those surcharges actually HURT the airlines. If the airlines had their way, you WOULD just pay $1000 instead of $1500. The airlines want to let you know that the money you pay them for the surcharges THEY have to pay the government.
So the airlines are naturally NOT going to pay out of their own pockets money that YOU owe whenever you buy a ticket. Those surcharges are not profit. If they didn't charge YOU the surcharge, they'd be paying taxes YOU owe. Get it? Whenever the government puts a tax on a ticket (and there are now 9 different taxes on a ticket) the consumer is being reamed by the government...
NOT the airlines...so you should direct your anger at your Congressman and Senators and The President for signing into law these taxes....
You mad at the wrong entity...
Airlines DESPISE ticket taxes...

DougF

If you knew everyone would agree with you, why didn't your psychic powers let you know that the ticket prices would be $1500!!

The Blue bull

Yes it is a pain and a huge one. Taxes on fares must be collected by the airlines on behalf of the different governments. Airlines do not have a choice to collect these. The fuel surcharge is another story. The airline industry is in a very competitive environment. Price is one of the major issues to retain and gain market share. When Brent increased from USD 32 per barrel to USD 40 plus per barrel, airlines should have increased airfares to offset the additional cost. Some airlines did not want to increase their airfares which then sparked other to reduce their fares again. It then became a norm to collect the difference as a tax because the airline still gets the increase although via another channel.

The first airline who introduced the fuel tax was Malev Hungarian Airline and the rest is history. Advertising laws in some countries is that the Airline must advertise their ticket prices inclusive of taxes.

s7e7v7e7n7

I think we have an artist in the department who likes to move the decimal space to hear those high pitched screams of squealing breaks in the economy, something a teen age race car driver would do. just a metaphor

diamond

It would not be pain if the you are told the total cost of the ticket without giving bifurcation of taxes and fuel cost Unfortunately at the time of giving offer only basic fare is mentioned. to lure the passengers.This type of gimmick is painful

dcgirl

I can't think of many products that show you the price AFTER tax before you complete your purchase. Go to BestBuy and buy a camcorder... the price on the shelf is $400, but the price at the register is more like $440 once you pay the tax. That's just how marketing and sales works.

Ha, go buy a new car and see how you like THOSE taxes and fees!

julie travelcaster

Most airline sites have a way to look at the price with taxes and surcharges before you buy. Use it.

infernoflower

No kidding! If the ticket will cost $1500, tell me it will cost $1500! Ands what EXACTLY is a "fuel surcharge"? The ticket prices change every 15 minutes anyway. It's not like they can't add it in. They buy their fuel in bulk ahead of time so they know what it will cost. Everyone else adds the cost of fuel into the charge. I have yet to get in a cab and have them say: "That'll be $19.47 plus a fuel charge of $5.00." Imagine if you got on a city bus and heard that crap!

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