If you’re traveling today, God help you!
I made it back to Boston from Denver via United Airlines on Wednesday. Buried in the fine print of a “Fare Breakdown” was “September 11th Security Fee: $11.20”. There is also “U.S. Passenger Facility Charge: $9.00”
It has been 17 years since 9/11. Why do we still pay a fee associated with that event? The TSA is not temporary. If we have a permanent high cost of going through an airport, shouldn’t that just be added to the “facility charge”? That would make it an even $20.
Inquiring minds want to know!
(Separately, my hotel in downtown Denver tacked on a mandatory “resort fee” that added roughly 10 percent to the cost of the stay. What stops them from selling rooms at $1 via Orbitz or Expedia and then using fine print to note that there will be a mandatory $175/night “resort fee”?)
The “resort fee” or “destination fee” thing is pure BS designed to confound the price comparison reservation sites. I think this started in Las Vegas but now is spreading to other cities. Got hit with one last time I stayed at the Sheraton in NY – close to $30/night. It needs to be outlawed. Hotels should be required to quote you a single price for the room including all mandatory fees and taxes.
Prices including all fees and taxes? Well, that would seem almost like Europe!
We’re still paying toll on the GG Bridge.
If you complain about something while staying in Vegas (long walk from garage, hard bed, etc.) you can usually get the resort fee waived and an upgraded room. Or you can join one of the clubs and keep track of points so you get free resort fees.
Just like with any existing taxes or any so called short-term help-for-the-needles programs our government passes, those taxes and fees remain stuck for ever. Don’t expect any of it to go away even if we have 100 years of peace on earth. Furthermore, if you “hide” away taxes and fees or label them for the “greater benefit” most Americans will not see them or accept them. Because, well, they are too dump to bother to look for them. Just look at your phone or utility bills and you will see how much “add-on” fees exists that no longer make sense.
My monthly natural gas bill shows that I regularly use less than $1 of natural gas, but after the base rate fee of $10 plus utility taxes and franchise fee and other, my monthly bill runs about $20.
More surprising is how it hasn’t been adjusted for inflation. It should be $110 in today’s dollars.
Honestly, the “fee” would be less irksome if they simply gave it an honest label.
“Captive market profit margin”.
What’s the difference between a cow and 9/11?
.
.
.
You can’t milk a cow for 17 years.