# End Airline Extortion Act

This bill is designed to stop airlines from charging extra fees for basic services that used to be included automatically. Right now, many airlines charge you separately for things like choosing your seat, checking a bag, or even printing your boarding pass at the airport. The bill would require airlines to include at least one free checked bag, one free carry-on bag, and the ability to select a seat at no extra cost for all passengers. Airlines could still charge for premium services like extra legroom seats or priority boarding, but the everyday basics would have to be free.

The practical effect is that your ticket price might go up slightly, but you wouldn't face surprise fees when you're at the airport or checking in online. Instead of seeing a $25 charge for your first checked bag or a $15 fee to pick a specific seat, those costs would be built into the ticket price from the start. This makes it easier to compare prices between airlines since you'd know the true total cost upfront rather than discovering hidden fees later. Frequent travelers and families who check bags would likely benefit the most, since they currently pay these fees repeatedly.

Airlines would still be able to make money from passengers willing to pay for extras, but they couldn't use basic services as a way to surprise customers with unexpected charges. The bill essentially shifts from a system where airlines advertise low base prices and then add fees, to one where the advertised price includes the essentials. Consumer advocates argue this is fairer and more transparent, while airlines worry it could reduce their revenue and limit their flexibility in pricing strategies.