Comments on: Airlines, travel agencies, Congress join public outcry against passport fee increase

By: Puzzled

Puzzled — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:38:39 +0000

Given that passport fees were increased approximately two years ago, I do think the $35 increase is excessive.

By: Jamie LaMoreaux

Jamie LaMoreaux — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:16:44 +0000

Life doesn’t have to be FAIR, it never will and shouldn’t. It does need to be right. The increase in the passport cost is to cover changes and is not unduely high, and is not random. I don’t have a problem with it and I have to renew my passport soon. Now the increased cost to get INTO the country is silly.

By: Seattle58

Seattle58 — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:33:08 +0000

As a well traveled person, I don’t have a problem paying the true cost of a passport. If the Government can show that it costs x number of dollars, then that is what it should cost. Not one penny more. The tax payers should not subsidize my trips. If they can show the actual cost, then that’s the price.

By: SirWired

SirWired — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:54:44 +0000

I can understand that the travel industry might be upset about an increase in passport, visa, and travel fees. These are valid concerns.

But before complaining, get a grip. In a country where the poverty line is $10,000, and the median income is around $44,000, arguing that $13.50 a year for a passport is a treaty violation and a grievous violation of human rights just looks stupid.

And I just checked the first amendment, and I don’t see anything in there even remotely related to passport fees.

Yes, it may be a violation of administrative procedures to increase the fees without a cost statement. It may be a horrible idea, and bad for the travel industry. But it certainly isn’t the end of the world, and arguing that it is rather diminishes the credibility of more valid reasoning.