Delta Passing Facility Costs To Passengers

Delta Air Lines beginning today will pass facility charges onto passengers on applicable domestic itineraries. Delta typically had absorbed the fees, which are imposed by local airports and authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, but now is seeking to recoup the expense.

Delta said the fees could be as high as $18 per roundtrip, but would average between $3 and $4.50 each way.

Airlines and travel professionals for years have bemoaned the 26 percent of taxes and fees levied on airline tickets, which—as many travel industry advocates are quick to point out—surpass the "sin taxes" imposed on alcohol and tobacco.

"Taxes and fees on airline services are among the highest of any consumer good and we believe there should be transparency for our customers in the costs of their travel," said Gail Grimmett, vice president of revenue management. "The changes we are announcing today allow us to more accurately display the full costs of government fees imposed on certain connecting itineraries, while at the same time allowing us to collect the appropriate revenues to cover a portion of these costs."

The bankrupt carrier needs the extra revenue. Yesterday, Delta reported that for the month of February it had lost $209 million, an improvement over the $267 million loss for the same month last year.