AsianFin -- A report released by the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has criticized American airlines for charging substantial fees for seat selection. According to the report, between 2018 and 2023, major U.S. carriers—including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines—collected a total of $12.4 billion in seat selection fees. These fees include charges for seats with extra legroom, those located at the front of the cabin, and window or aisle seats.

The committee's chairman announced that airline executives have been subpoenaed to testify at a hearing scheduled for December 4 to address these practices. The scrutiny comes as lawmakers continue to investigate what they consider to be excessive charges in the airline industry, particularly those impacting passengers who seek more comfortable seating arrangements.