The problem is that it becomes almost impossible to reasonably compare ticket prices if I have to go all the way to the point of purchase before I find out what the final cost of a ticket will be. Especially, since this really isn’t final cost because additional costs will be added at the terminal (checked bag, blanket, food, etc) depending upon your airline. It takes large amounts of time to do true comparisons. Especially if you are using all of the various websites to get the best fares. I’ve noticed that there is almost always a difference between fares on the various major online sites and the individual airline website itself. Therefore, I’ve often had 6 -10 windows open comparing options on these sites to see what gets the best price. Now, I need to have a spreadsheet to also include the various fees I’ll be charged on the various airlines.

@carver – no undue pressure.
I wouldn’t agree with that. I’ve noticed that I can be quoted different prices on individual sites within minutes of previous quotes. Therefore, when I find what may be a good price I have to act quickly in making the determination whether it is really the best price I can get. With all of these additional variables now that becomes quite difficult.

@everyone
Just as the FCC is discussing the implications of its “truth in billing” requirements for wireless phone service and whether prices should be transparent earlier in the process of acquiring phone service there needs to be some government agency doing the same thing for travel (cruise, airline, car rental, hotel) pricing. If there are no agencies empowered to do this, then a law should be passed empowering an agency to do it. Personally, I feel that the DOT should be able to do this for airfairs, but then again I’m not a lawyer.

Bouyancy Enhancement Fee = A seat cushion that floats.

Gastric Distress Alleviation Fee = $2.00 for the airsick bag, thank you.

Respiratory Fuel Surcharge = Fee to cover the cost of the jet fuel fumes you’re inhaling.

I’m with you. As long as you know what the total, out the door, price is before you make any payments or any other committments, I don’t see the problem, particularly in an online environment where there is no issue of undue pressure.

Just because you interview a TSA rep and get his answers, doesn’t mean that you have to publish them :) Sheesh! What a bunch of non-answers and milquetoast advice. “Consumers should shop around and determine which carrier has a fare that best suits their individual needs.” Wow! Really? Thanks for that absolutely brilliant insight.

Aircraft Maintenance? ‘C/D Check Overburden Charge’

Fuel already has a surcharge.

“Airport Facility Energy Surcharge” =keeping the lights on in the terminal

“Covered Walkway Maintenance” = jetway fee – you’ll love this when you have to walk outside to the airplane.

“Regulatory Fee” = your share of the fines charged by DOT for maintenance and other rule violations

“Crew Hospitality Fee” = crew overnights away from home

“Holiday reservation fee” – we’ve got that one out of the way.

“Union Surcharge Fee” does your flight arrive after 5pm? time and half for those union members

“Consumables Surcharge” – cost of tires, aircraft cleaning, water and soap in restroom and in terminal.

“Landing Slot Fee” – only at LGA and DCA; what the airline paid for the right to be able to land your flight at National or LaGuardia.

“mileage posting fee.” you earned those miles – now you want them posted to your account, right?

The scary thing is, some of these are probably on the drawing board right now.

P.S. I’ve never seen DCA decked out for the holidays before; it’s a nice picture.