Air travelers get shorted.(World)

Following a year in which skyrocketing fuel prices were often passed off to air travelers in the form of fuel surcharges and new add-on fees for previously free services such as checked bags, executives traveling to L.A. for the Screenings were surprised to learn that even though fuel prices are finally dropping, TV execs aren't paying any less. What gives?

According to experts, fewer passengers are flying due to the recession, resulting in fewer routes--two realities that have resulted in little reduction in fare prices despite cheaper oil prices.

And what about those other extra charges? Like two tickets for each obese passenger? Sources agree that while baggage fees have angered many passengers, they may be here to stay. And that despite the diminishing fuel prices, airlines may simply continue to charge the same fees without clueing passengers in as to what they're for. In plain English, that means that fares are likely to stay the same, which is bad news for business travelers.

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