Air travelers will have another reason to celebrate this holiday season.
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation this week to cap security fees on airline tickets at $11.20 per round-trip, according to USA Today's Bart Jansen.
Airlines and consumer groups expect the cap to save travelers millions ever year.
"This Senate vote, together with the unanimous House vote, will save travelers an estimated $60 million in new taxes on airline travel," said Travelers United chairman Charlie Leocha.
The legislation-which was brought about in the wake of complaints that the U.S. Transportation Security Administration was charging higher-than-intended fees-was approved by a 423-0 vote in the House of Representatives in September.
"In tough economic times, I know that every extra dollar spent on more fees and taxes adds up," said North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson.
"Rolling back fees and reducing taxes on airline passengers benefits everyone-from helping families save money when traveling for the holidays to cutting costs for small businesses whose employees travel for work," Hudson added.
The debate began last year when lawmakers agreed on a flat fee of $5.60 per one-way trip (up slightly from the previous fee of $5) in hopes of generating more than $12 billion over the next decade. The goal being to reduce the federal deficit.
After critics pointed out a potential loophole that would allow the TSA to apply the fee to each leg of a flight, Congress revised the legislation to apply to round trips.
The new cap figure will still allow the government to accomplish its goal of bringing in money to reduce the deficit while also providing a much-needed break for travelers.
"As key drivers of jobs and economic growth, U.S. airlines agree with the bipartisan majority of Congress that keeping the round-trip cap in place will benefit the millions of customers who rely on safe, efficient and affordable air travel in communities across the country," said Airlines 4 America CEO Nicholas Calio.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
