Travel Costs Rise, But for What?

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. (More Travel stories.)