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Travel Costs Rise, But for What?

2008 is the 'year of the fee,' but one writer demands more in return

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 13, 2008 12:30 PM CST

(Newser) – We can't duck travel fees imposed by air carriers, hotels, and Uncle Sam, so let's demand more in return, Christopher Elliott writes on MSNBC. Airlines are adding $25 baggage fees and "probably illegal" fuel surcharges, and the TSA will add a “temporary” bump in security fees—so can't we turn our contempt into a little added value?

The extra we cough up for bag transport should go toward a luggage tracking system, Elliot writes. And the add-on for fuel costs should be returned when prices fall. And how about resort fees for services like WiFi that rarely work? Hotels should have to keep them tip-top. And let's ensure that the extra we pay for airline security gets 5-year-olds off the no-fly list—instead of more officers who impound holiday pies.

The Clear Bag System toiletry case is made of durable vinyl and comes with five airless pump dispensers for transporting liquids and gels. The TSA-compliant bag is a stylish solution for summer air travelers
The Clear Bag System toiletry case is made of durable vinyl and comes with five airless pump dispensers for transporting liquids and gels. The TSA-compliant bag is a stylish solution for summer air travelers   (Associated Press)
Waiting air travelers sleep at the waiting room due to the delay of their flights Wednesday Jan. 30, 2008 at Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai, China. China struggled Wednesday to cope with its worst winter storms in five decades, with transportation snarled and cities paralyzed, and more bad weather forecast. (AP...
Waiting air travelers sleep at the waiting room due to the delay of their flights Wednesday Jan. 30, 2008 at Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai, China. China struggled Wednesday to cope with its worst winter...   (Associated Press)
Travelers line up at a security checkpoint inside Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 in Phoenix. Professional football's biggest spenders got their drink on, hit the party scene and saw the big game. Now they just want to go home. Super Bowl fans were pouring out...
Travelers line up at a security checkpoint inside Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 in Phoenix. Professional football's biggest spenders got their drink on, hit the party...   (Associated Press)
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