UNITED STATES – As millions of Americans prepare to travel for the holidays, a new Senate report is drawing attention to the significant revenue airlines have generated from seat fees.
The report, published today by the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, reveals that five U.S. airlines earned $12.4 billion in revenue from seat fees between 2018 and 2023. The subcommittee, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal, recommends that the Transportation Department collect data on these fees.
CNBC reports that airline executives have been called to testify before the panel next week.
Meanwhile, airports across the country are expected to be busy. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced earlier this year that it exceeded its hiring goal by bringing on 1,811 air traffic controllers for fiscal year 2024. This is the largest number of hires in nearly a decade and marks progress in reversing the decline in air traffic controller staffing levels.
In New York, the FAA is preparing for potential ground stops or delays at Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia airports until 10:00 p.m. Flights are also being stopped at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and delays are reported at Washington D.C.’s airport. These measures are in place to manage volume and weather conditions.
The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record 18.3 million people from Tuesday, November 26 through Monday, December 2. Additionally, AAA projects that 5.84 million people will fly domestically this holiday season.
