Federal Challenges to DOJ Program Could Cost You Hundreds in New Fees at the Airport
You might need to start budgeting more for your next flight. The Justice Department’s program that keeps airline competition fair is facing federal challenges, and if it collapses, experts say your wallet could take a direct hit. Without this oversight, airlines could band together to hike checked bag fees, change ticket prices mid-week, and slash your chances of scoring a refund for cancellations. The DOJ program has been a silent watchdog for years, but if federal challenges succeed, expect to pay an extra $50 to $200 per trip. Don’t be surprised if your favorite budget airline quietly adds new surcharges—this fight is about your everyday travel costs, not just courtroom drama.