WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, today called on the airline industry to halt any plans they may have to charge increased checked-bag fees during the holidays.

Nelson made the call in letters he sent today to the CEOs of all the major U.S. airlines.  His move comes on the heels of reports that Spirit and Frontier airlines are going to raise their baggage fees during this year’s holiday travel season.

“These increased surcharges fly in the face of declining fuel costs and appear focused on increasing profitability on the backs of American families,” Nelson wrote. “If your company does plan to impose holiday surcharges, I request that you rescind those plans immediately.”

Earlier this year, Nelson released a Commerce Committee minority report taking aim at the airline industry for failing to adequately disclose extra fees and add-on costs charged to the flying public. 

The report made several recommendations, including one requiring checked and carry-on baggage fees to have a clear connection between the costs incurred by the airline and the fees charged. 

Nelson hopes to include many of the report’s recommendations in legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration that’s expected to come before the Senate next year. 

Below is the text of Nelson’s letter to the airlines:

November 6, 2015

Dear____:

             According to recent reports, at least two airlines plan to impose “holiday surcharges” that will increase baggage fees during the peak holiday travel period. 

             These increased surcharges fly in the face of declining fuel costs and appear focused on increasing profitability on the backs of American families.  That’s why I am seeking an assurance from your company that you will not impose a holiday surcharge on baggage fees.  Furthermore, if your company does plan to impose holiday surcharges, I request that you rescind those plans immediately.

             In August, Senate Commerce Committee minority staff released a report that found ancillary fees, such as change and cancellation penalties and preferred seating fees, were increasingly keeping consumers in the dark about the true cost of air travel.  The report made a number of recommendations, including one requiring ancillary fees to have a clear connection between the cost incurred by the airline and the fee charged.  I hope to include many of the report’s recommendations in legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration that’s expected to come before the Senate next year.

             Thank you for your attention to these concerns.  I look forward to receiving your company’s response on this important issue no later than November 20, 2015.

Sincerely,