Association for Airline Passenger Rights Issues "Airline Baggage Fee Free Holiday Challenge"

AAPR seeks cessation of baggage fees during holidays

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Association for Airline Passenger Rights, (AAPR) issued a friendly challenge to the airline industry asking for a temporary reprieve from their baggage fees being imposed on airline passengers. The "Airline Baggage Fee Free Holiday Challenge" is being issued in response to the ongoing economic woes already hurting consumers, as well as the anticipated hike in airfares during the upcoming holiday season. Airlines are being asked to temporarily cease levying their baggage fees on airline passengers from November 23, 2011 through the end of the year.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics, domestic airlines collected $887 million from baggage fees in the 2nd quarter of this year - which is an increase from 2010. 1

"While we understand that the airlines need to make money for their shareholders, continuing to charge these unpopular baggage fees on their consumers during tough economic times isn't consistent with good customer appreciation or service," said Brandon M. Macsata, Executive Director of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights. "With the upcoming busy holiday travel season, we're seeking a goodwill gesture from the airline industry with a self-imposed month-long stoppage to charging these fees. Temporarily ceasing the collection of their baggage fees will clearly not bankrupt the airlines, but it will go a long way in helping their customers during the holidays."

As part of its challenge, AAPR has launched an "Airline Baggage Fee Free Holiday Challenge" Facebook Fan page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Join-the-Airline-Baggage-Fee-Free-Holiday.... AAPR has also posted a baggage fee travel guide on its website at http://www.flyfriendlyskies.com/fees.html. The challenge does not apply to Southwest Airlines since it is the only domestic airline that does not levy baggage fees on its customers.

For more information about "Airline Baggage Fee Free Holiday Challenge," or the Association for Airline Passenger Rights or the Air Carrier Access Act, please visit www.flyfriendlyskies.com or contact AAPR directly at info@flyfriendlyskies.com.

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