U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has introduced the End Airline Extortion Act, aiming to address what he describes as predatory practices by airlines concerning fares and additional fees. According to Senator Hawley, "Airline companies treat their customers like cattle. It’s offensive. They charge fliers different prices for the same flights – and sometimes different prices for bags and carry-ons. Now they’re paying their employees bounties to harass customers trying to get on the plane. It’s wrong. And frankly, it needs to be illegal."
The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit airlines from offering incentives or "bounties" to employees that require passengers to pay extra fees for baggage, seating, or other services necessary for boarding a flight.
Additionally, the bill aims to eliminate discriminatory pricing by preventing airlines from using personal characteristics such as sex, family status, or disability status as a basis for charging higher prices for fares or fees on the same flight.
Last week, Senator Hawley addressed executives of major U.S. airlines regarding billions charged in fees he deems nonsensical and accused them of harassing passengers who have already paid for their flights.
For those interested in further details about the bill's provisions, the full text is available online.
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