US airlines made $12.4B in seat fees

A Senate subcommittee on Tuesday criticized major airlines for raking in billions of dollars from customers to pick seats on flights.

A Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations report found that between 2018 and 2023, US airlines Delta, American, United, Frontier and Spirit generated $12.4 billion combined in seat fees.

Airlines like American, Delta and United charge for preferred seats, such as those with extra legroom or aisle options. 

Last year, United’s $1.3 billion revenue from seat fees surpassed its checked bag fee earnings.

While most airlines eliminated ticket change fees, they increased charges for popular seats and added more premium options to boost profits.

Budget carriers Spirit and Frontier faced scrutiny for incentivizing gate agents with $26 million to enforce strict baggage policies, often forcing passengers to pay extra or miss flights.

The Biden administration aims to curb such “junk fees” with a Senate hearing scheduled for December 4, where airline executives have been called to testify, said the subcommittee Chair, Sen. Richard Blumenthal.