Washington - The Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, which the Senate begins considering today, will again contain provisions from Senator Robert Menendez's (D-NJ) Clear Airfares Act. The language, which passed the Senate last year as part of the same bill, would give consumers a full breakdown of airline fees that they may have to pay before they purchase a ticket online. Menendez says that enacting his bill into law will finally give consumers protection against the unwelcome surprise of additional fees they are forced to pay on top of their airfare once they get to the airport.

"Families should have a full understanding of what it will cost them not just to get to the airport, but to get to their destination," said Menendez. "Surprise fees are especially cruel and harmful in these tough times, when families are watching every penny of their hard-earned money. The resumption of work on this bill gives us another prime opportunity to finally deliver some protection against maddening hidden fees."

The bill before the Senate includes a slightly-modified version of the original Clear Airfares Act, which would provide consumers searching for airline tickets with a full list of airfares and potential additional fees before they pay. This provision aims to bring transparency to the price of flying through a full, clear and upfront breakdown of airfares and fees.

Before a consumer purchases a ticket on the Internet, the legislation would require airlines and third-party websites to give consumers a complete and understandable listing of his or her particular airfare, as well as any other possible fees that might be incurred on the flight (such as baggage, seat assignments, etc.). Currently, consumers must click to peripheral web pages and wade through often confusing text to understand whether or not their airfare includes surcharges and what other taxes and fees may have been added.

Last year, the FAA reauthorization bill stalled in conference committee after the Senate and House of Representatives passed separate versions.

Senator Menendez will also be working with stakeholders to ensure that travel agents and online ticket sellers have the fee information they need to help their customers make an informed choice.

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