GBTA Joins A4A and Other Traveler Groups in Opposition to PFCs

Today GBTA joined several traveler groups in support of Airlines for America’s (A4A) opposition to the proposed near doubling of the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) – or Airport Tax. GBTA is proud to support StopAirTaxNow.com where you can learn more about the PFC and see why A4A says airports have plenty and passengers have had enough.

Business travelers are currently paying $29.20 for the TSA Security fee and the Passenger Facility Charge on a one-stop round-trip ticket before they even start paying airfare. That airfare is taxed a further 7.5 percent. Now, the Administration and some groups want to increase the PFC to $8 per boarding. That, added to the security fee, adds up to $43.20, coupled with the 7.5 percent excise taxes figured into a $200 airfare means a business traveler will see an increase of $58.20 for a round trip ticket!

Road warriors strengthen the economy, create jobs and drive economic security. Travel should be promoted. The business traveler already faces an overbearing burden from taxes and fees and GBTA is very concerned that they are approaching the tipping point that will ultimately push business travelers to stay at home.

This does not need to be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. Travelers don’t need to be the piggy bank. Since 2008, more than $70 billion in capital improvement projects have been completed, are underway or have been approved by U.S. airlines and their airport partners at the country’s largest 30 airports, not to mention hundreds of other airports across the country. Beyond the investments made by airlines, airports have more than $11 billion in unrestricted cash and investments while bringing in more revenue every year – a record-high $24.5 billion in 2013. In addition, two-thirds of GBTA members surveyed late last year have said they oppose a PFC increase.

Click on GBTA’s link to send an email message to your Representative and Senators in opposing efforts to overtax air travelers.