Airlines Face Investigation for Price Fixing

[MADem]

Apparently, when you have to chip in for gas, you all have to chip in the same amount, no matter what airline you're flying!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/22/business/22cnd-air.html?hp&ex=1151035200&en=175640a5e3bff54b&ei=5094&partner=homepage

LONDON, June 22 — British and American regulators are investigating major airlines that operate long-distance flights to and from Britain, suspecting that they may have illegally conspired to fix the amounts of fuel surcharges they impose on passengers.

Most major carriers flying between the United States and Heathrow, London's main international airport, charge passengers about 35 British pounds ($64) each way in fuel surcharges.

The United States Department of Justice and Britain's Office of Fair Trade have contacted British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, United Airways, American Airlines and possibly other airlines in connection with the investigation, which could lead to criminal charges, civil penalties or both.

...Consumer advocates complain that so-called fuel surcharges can be a surreptitious way for airlines to raise fares by more than the true added cost of fuel. ...

[Sadie5]

1. more of the same

The airlines wasn't about to let big oil reap all of those profits. No sireee! They want their share too. When is the next bailout.