As summer travel kicks off, airlines are once again extending change fee waivers for new bookings as they try to attract back nervous fliers. In fact, most carriers have made it free to change flights since the coronavirus outbreak began. So it’s not far-fetched for consumers to wonder: Why can’t airlines nix these fees—which can run as high as $200—for good?

And while they’re at it, how about those annoying “seat selection” fees and other punitive ancillary charges, which were steadily creeping upwards before the pandemic? Some consumer groups and their allies on Capitol Hill are indeed seizing the moment and calling for major reforms as the airlines rebuild their business. While such pro-consumer language was not attached to the U.S. airlines’ $50 billion federal bailout package when it passed in March, air passenger advocates say they may get another chance if more aid is forthcoming this year.

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