Sen. Nelson wants more transparency in discount airfare add-ons

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The price seems like a steal online, but then come the fees for checked bags, carry-ons, even the ability to sit near your family members, and one Florida Senator says it needs to be a lot clearer.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, D-Florida, and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released a report this week targeting basic economy fares on popular airlines.
The fares are currently available on many airlines including major players American, Delta, and United. 

Nelson and the committee contend that while the prices are cheaper at the time of booking, they can become as expensive or more-so than a regular fare if a traveler adds on anything from carry-on baggage to their choice of seats.

Representatives for the airlines said that the basic economy fares are just one option they offer and have lead, in some cases, to improved customer satisfaction scores.

Nelson urges travelers to look into the fine print of the tickets before purchasing to assure that the option is right for them.

He’s also urging the Department of Transportation to require more transparency on the fares, though they declined to do so last year.