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Joan Lowy
Washington (AP)

Airline fees make it hard to shop for best deal

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A government watchdog says airline fees for checked bags and other services are complicating things for consumers trying to find the best deal on airfare.

The Government Accountability Office recommended in a report released Tuesday that the government improve the disclosure of airline fees, not only by airlines, but also by travel booking services.

Besides checked bags, airlines have recently been charging for services that were traditionally included in the price of a ticket, such as seat selection, extra leg room, blankets, pillows, beverages and meals.

GAO said that if the 7.5 percent tax on airline tickets was applied to fees as well, the government could have raised $186 million last year just from checked bags.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)