A US Senate investigative panel has expressed criticism towards airlines for their increasing reliance on additional charges, known as "junk fees," which complicate the travel experience and inflate costs for consumers.

The panel, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal, revealed that airlines use algorithms to adjust seat fees dynamically, varying from flight to flight and customer to customer. The panel also highlighted the practice of deploying gate agents to enforce baggage policies, resulting in unexpected fees for passengers.

This scrutiny reflects concerns over transparency and fairness in airline pricing strategies, as consumers face challenges in navigating these additional costs.