So, sports fans, you've decided to get back in the saddle as countries reopen to travelers. Rules vary, Covid-19 conditions vary greatly; but one is vaccinated and ready to navigate the globe.
So, you plan a trip. You read up on vaccination requirements. Then you book your flight to the chosen destination(wherever). Then, the numbers begin to spin, like those on a slot machine. You pick one that works. Then the fun begins. How much is it really going to cost you? There's the list. Let's look it over.
Airfare......................$2545.
- tax.................... 38.20
- ...................950.00 International use fee
- ................ 5.60 9/11 security fee
- 3.96 U.S. APHIS User Fee
- 19.60 Germany Passenger Service Fee
- 5.99 U.S. Customs User Fee
- 7.00 U.S. Immigration User Fee
- 19.60 France Airport Tax
- 7.30 France Passenger Service Charge
- 53.20 France Air Passenger Solidarity Tax
- 21.30 France Air Passenger Solidarity Fee
total $3685.75
So, it will cost you more. Now what is not shown are the airlines operational changes that will affect most if not all travelers, local and international. The airlines needed bailout money from the taxpayers, their customers. So, we shoveled billions of dollars to keep some jobs, keep aircraft maintained, and keep the stockholders a bit less shocked. Now, reservations have rebounded and what do the airlines do to their customers? They crucify us with cancellations, flight changes, seat changes, bumps, dumps, and just about every insult imaginable. Is this any way to run a business? It is the American corporate way. Let the public take heed: our FAA is not your friend. The SEC is not your friend. We have no friends.
Good luck this summer.
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