Early last month, we pointed out in this column how airlines suddenly get quiet when the price of jet fuel goes down and that they never roll back the surcharges that they quickly introduce when fuel prices go up.
The Airlines For America (A.K.A. A4A) which represents airlines interests publishes the Argus US Jet Fuel Index on their website. Jet fuel is currently around $3/gallon.
No reduction was undertaken by the airlines when the price per gallon went down from about $3.35 to $2.60. People would have been screaming at the gas pump if retailers kept their gas prices elevated despite the big drop in crude.
Nobody seems to be raising a fuss on behalf the nickled and dimed traveler. Even the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) has mandated that airlines must justify and explain their fuel surcharges, but it has been totally ignored. Since this is an election year, it is unlikely that the DOT will act to protect travelers.
Now that jet fuel has gone up from the low of about $2.60 a gallon to $3.00, but still well below the April highs, we hope the airlines do not get tempted on embarking on another increase.
www.premieretravel.com
