“I don’t think it’s appropriate for some passengers who can’t afford to pay an additional charge for a seat to be less safe than other travelers," Klobuchar said at hearing
After Senate Commerce hearing, Frontier Airlines CEO announced the airline would drop proposed fee
WATCH VIDEO OF QUESTIONING HERE
WASHINGTON -- At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing yesterday, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) raised concerns about Frontier Airlines’ proposal to charge passengers more for safer seats during the pandemic. Specifically, Frontier Airlines' proposal would offer a “More Room” seat option—which would allow passengers to pay an additional fee to sit next to a blocked-off, middle seat—where they would be seated at a greater distance from other passengers.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for some passengers who can’t afford to pay an additional charge for a seat to be less safe than other travelers," Klobuchar said at the hearing.
Following the hearing and Senator Klobuchar's questioning, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle confirmed they will not follow through with their proposed fee, saying “we recognize the concerns raised that we are profiting from safety and this was never our intent."
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