Airlines
for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading
U.S. airlines, released an infographic highlighting the excessive tax
burden imposed on its customers, including those travelers taking to
the skies this weekend to attend St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
across the nation.
Some days ago, millions of Americans wearing the Celtic crown, touting their love affair with all things Ireland and its majesty, and even with all the luck of the Irish, passengers are still paying a lot of green toward their airfare taxes.
The U.S. aviation industry is subjected to 17 different taxes, with approximately 20 percent – or $61 – of a typical $300 roundtrip domestic ticket going directly to Washington, D.C. That’s like paying for a green beer that’s 20 percent foam, and something consumers across the country would refer to as blarney. In fact, federal tax rates on air travel exceed those of alcohol and tobacco sales, the so-called “sin” products that are taxed at the highest levels to discourage their use.
That’s why this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, A4A is renewing its call for a National Airline Policy that will help reduce these taxes and ensure ticket prices remain affordable for both consumers and businesses, so travelers can keep more of their green bucks in their back pockets. A4A’s proposed policy includes the following key points:
Reduces taxes and fees on airfares so travelers and shippers can keep their pockets greener.
Reforms antiquated regulations that add unnecessary costs and do not benefit customers or safety.
Modernizes the nation’s Air Traffic Control System to reduce delays and emissions at the top o’ the skies.
Levels the playing field to allow for a globally competitive U.S. airline industry (like offering more services and routes to Ireland!)
Stabilizes energy prices through a balanced and comprehensive national energy policy.
Some days ago, millions of Americans wearing the Celtic crown, touting their love affair with all things Ireland and its majesty, and even with all the luck of the Irish, passengers are still paying a lot of green toward their airfare taxes.
The U.S. aviation industry is subjected to 17 different taxes, with approximately 20 percent – or $61 – of a typical $300 roundtrip domestic ticket going directly to Washington, D.C. That’s like paying for a green beer that’s 20 percent foam, and something consumers across the country would refer to as blarney. In fact, federal tax rates on air travel exceed those of alcohol and tobacco sales, the so-called “sin” products that are taxed at the highest levels to discourage their use.
That’s why this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, A4A is renewing its call for a National Airline Policy that will help reduce these taxes and ensure ticket prices remain affordable for both consumers and businesses, so travelers can keep more of their green bucks in their back pockets. A4A’s proposed policy includes the following key points:
Reduces taxes and fees on airfares so travelers and shippers can keep their pockets greener.
Reforms antiquated regulations that add unnecessary costs and do not benefit customers or safety.
Modernizes the nation’s Air Traffic Control System to reduce delays and emissions at the top o’ the skies.
Levels the playing field to allow for a globally competitive U.S. airline industry (like offering more services and routes to Ireland!)
Stabilizes energy prices through a balanced and comprehensive national energy policy.
