Airline Surcharges

United Airlines (united in what exactly? price gouging?) have just announced that they are increasing their "fuel surcharge" to $50 for a round trip domestic fight.

Every other airline, including my "favorite", Delta, will line up like sheep to emulate this move.

United - and the others - will continue to advertise their deceptive "low cost fares" because, unlike Europe, it is still legal to to promote a price BEFORE all airport taxes and surcharges have been added. (Washington lobbyists will doubtless ensure the alternative will never go into force, heavens forbid we should be told the REAL price when we try and book a flight?!)

The FACT that the fuel surcharge was introduced to cover "sudden fluctuations" in the cost of oil doesn't seem to be considered. The fuel surcharge has never gone down when the cost of oil has gone down, it has only gone up every time the airlines think they need a little more cash in their coffers.

Fuel/Oil is an operating cost, one which you already make a profit from in your seat pricing you assholes. Passing off your operating costs as a 'surcharge' - allowing you to advertise "low cost flights" - just makes you seem like shit-gripping scumbags. Just so you know.