By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – US Senator Charles Schumer says major airlines are asking the government to ease ticket advertising rules. But Schumer says it would create deceptive airfare rates for consumers and he is trying to block the change.
Under current regulations, airlines are required to post full fares. But now the airlines are calling on the US Department of Transportation to relax advertising rules. They want to post a fares without displaying added costs, such as fuel, airport fees and surcharges paid by the consumer. Schumer says easing the rules would create deception.
For example, he says an airline could advertise a $99 round trip flight from Buffalo to Miami. But tack on those added fees and it ends up costing the consumer $300. He calls it a scheme.
"What the airlines want to do is frankly un-American -- un-American in the sense that our free enterprise system says you give the consumer all the information and let consumers make the choice," Schumer said. "They are trying to get away from that. It is wrong and a huge step backwards."
Schumer says he is urging the Transportation Department not to comply with the airlines request.
"It is hard to believe the Department of Transportation would do this. We know the airlines are in trouble. Some of them are bankrupt, some are on edge of bankruptcy. But to make them well by deceiving consumers and having deceptive advertising practices is the wrong way to go."
If approved, Schumer says he will issue legislation to block the advertising rule changes. Schumer says the best way for cheaper air fare deals is more airline competition.
The Senator has fought consistently to lower airfares by bringing in more airlines into the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.