Airlines packing on the extra fees

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Federal lawmakers say that if the airlines are going to keep piling on extra fees, they need to disclose that to travelers.

It's the new reality of airline travel, fees up to $12 for a blanket.

"I think its ridiculous," said one traveler.

And $14 for a bite to eat.

"They charged me for food for sodas, for drinks for water," added another traveler.

As much as $300 for checked bags.

A frustrated traveler said, "I think it's a crock"

Last year, U.S. Airlines collected almost eight billion dollars in fees including 2.7 billion just for baggage and 2.4 billion from reservation changes.

Representative Jim Oberstar of the House Committee on Transportation said,"If you don't exercise self restraint, then you are going to get push-back from the traveling public, it will come to the congress then the congress will act."

This week Congressional lawmakers voiced their concern, following a government report suggesting the new fees should be more transparent.

Michael McCormick of the National Business Travel Association added, "At the end of the day this is something that is here to stay, but it's all about how it's handled and the infrastructure that gets put in place to make it better and easier for the consumer to understand."

Industry experts argue the fees make air travel possible in turbulent financial times and give passengers more options.

John Meenan is the Executive Vice President of Air Transport Association and said,"If you don't want a meal you don't have to buy a meal, if you don't want any of the other services that are available to you, you don't have to take them."