Some of the nation’s airports are hoping to convince Congress to raise ticket fees from $4.50 to $8.50, CNN reports. If they’re successful, it would mark the first fee increase since 2000, with the increase likely being passed on to travelers.
This, of course, is in addition to the fees air travelers already pay: ticket fees, upgrades for extra legroom, on-board snacks and TSA fees.
From CNN:
The additional funds would help pay for things like better terminals and new runways, according to airport executives.
Airport executives say the federal government isn’t filling the gap between what airports need to build and the funds available to do it.
Construction costs have jumped, according to American Association of Airport Executives President and CEO Todd Hauptli. “Airports can buy roughly half of what they did 15 years ago with that amount,” he said.
Others, however, disagree. A spokesperson for aviation trade group Airlines for America told CNN that an increase in airport fees would essentially be a tax hike, arguing that airports already make enough revenue.
The news comes as airline profits are expected to rise 26% to $25 billion this year thanks to the falling price of oil and other factors.