Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned airline executives about their use of additional fees and policies that he says negatively affect passengers while increasing profits.

During a recent hearing, Hawley asked Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle about the company’s practice of paying gate agents to enforce its carry-on bag policy. “About nine months ago, your chief commercial officer testified to me that Frontier pays its gate agents bounties to stop paying customers from carrying bags onto the plane. Is this still happening?” Hawley said.

Biffle responded, “Not at the rate it was . . . We do offer incentives and commissions, to stop people who didn’t pay.”

Hawley continued, “You’re still paying them money to harass customers from bringing bags onto the airline by saying it was too big or doesn’t fit in a little box, or whatever the case may be, you’re still doing it . . . This has gotta be the only business in the world I have heard of that pays your people to harass your own customers.”

The senator also addressed Allegiant Airlines CEO Greg Anderson about fees for families with children under 13 who want to sit together. “Your airline apparently, is charging additional fees. I just want to know, are you still doing that?” Hawley asked.

Anderson replied, “You’re not wrong. There are some technology issues that we’re working through. We transformed our system, but we will look into this.”

Hawley also questioned executives on how airlines are using artificial intelligence and dynamic seat pricing as methods for increasing profit margins.

The full hearing can be viewed online.