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Affordable Skies - Named by Travelers

Thousands of Members Nationwide.

One Shared Mission. Join the Movement!

Affordable Skies is a national nonprofit organization with two distinct components: the Affordable Skies Foundation (501(c)(3)), dedicated to traveler education and research, and the Affordable Skies Coalition (501(c)(4)), focused on advocacy and aviation policy. Our goal is to strengthen the role of traveler voices in the future of aviation.

Meet Our Team  Learn More > 

Traveler Survey Results

How often do you typically fly each year?

1-2 times

26.9%

3-5 times

39.8%

6-10 times

22.9%

    11+ times

10.5%

How concerned are you about rising airfare?

Very concerned

70.9%

Somewhat concerned

27.2%

Not concerned

1.9%

Which of these should Affordable Skies focus on most?

Keeping fares affordable

766

Ensuring safety isn't compromised

   589

Holding government accountable for overregulation

113

Improving competition at airports

261

Educating consumers about travel rights

100

Affordable Skies  - Named by Travelers

Thousands of Members Nationwide. One Shared Mission. Join the Movement!

Affordable Skies is a national nonprofit organization with two distinct components: the Affordable Skies Foundation (501(c)(3)), dedicated to traveler education and research, and the Affordable Skies Coalition (501(c)(4)), focused on advocacy and aviation policy. Our goal is to strengthen the role of traveler voices in the future of aviation.

Mission

Affordable Skies champions the interests of the traveling public through research, education, and consumer advocacy, ensuring traveler voices are heard and represented in aviation policy and industry decisions.

Vision

Affordable Skies envisions a future where traveler voices are an integral part of the decisions shaping aviation.

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Purpose

Affordable Skies exists to strengthen the role of traveler voices and ensure air travel remains accessible to everyday travelers.

Affordable Skies CEO Appointed to Federal Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC)

Click the document to view the full-size appointment letter.

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Your Voice Matters

Putting the traveling public at the center of the aviation conversation.

989 MILLION

Passenger boardings on U.S. airlines in just 12 months.

August 2025 – July 2026

Behind these journeys are people traveling for work, family, opportunity, and connection. Their experiences matter, and their perspectives deserve a place in the decisions shaping the future of air travel.

Affordable Skies works to bring those perspectives into the aviation conversation through research, education, and advocacy.

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The Affordable Skies Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, advances traveler education and research, while the Affordable Skies Coalition, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, advocates for policies that reflect the interests and experiences of the traveling public.

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We serve because a strong aviation industry must include the voices of the people it serves.

Why Support us?

Air travel isn’t just about getting from point A to point B - it’s about staying connected to family, work, and opportunity. Yet too often, rising costs, limited options, and confusing rules stand in the way. Affordable Skies was created to change that. We give travelers more than just a voice - we give them power. By combining research, education, and advocacy, we:

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  • Amplify Consumer Voices - representing travelers in conversations with airlines, airports, and policymakers.

  • Demystify the System - helping passengers understand their rights, navigate challenges, and make informed choices.

  • Protect Traveler Interests and Safety - Advocate for policies that prioritize traveler safety, choice, and the overall passenger experience while ensuring the interests of the traveling public are represented in aviation decisions.

 

Supporting Affordable Skies means joining a growing community of travelers who believe the voices and interests of the traveling public should help shape the future of aviation. Your involvement helps amplify the traveler’s voice, inform important decisions, and ensure the future of air travel reflects the needs and experiences of the people who fly.

Community Engagement

When you join Affordable Skies, you become part of a growing community of travelers who believe the voices and interests of the traveling public should help shape the future of aviation. Your support helps amplify the traveler’s voice, influence decisions that matter, and ensure the needs and experiences of travelers are represented.

Advocacy: Bringing Your Voice to Government Leaders

Supporting Affordable Skies means advocating for policies that prioritize traveler safety, protect consumer interests, and promote a competitive aviation industry. Your support helps us encourage thoughtful policymaking and ensure government decisions reflect the needs and experiences of the traveling public. We advocate for policies that strengthen consumer protections, preserve meaningful travel choices, and ensure travelers have a voice in decisions that shape the future of air travel.

Informed Decision-Making

Affordable Skies provides critical information about the airline industry, including how government regulations impact pricing, service levels, and your rights as air travelers. With knowledge like this, you can make more informed choices about how, when, and where you travel - ensuring you’re always getting the best value for your money.​

Access to Resources

​​As a supporter, you’ll gain exclusive access to helpful resources like tips on navigating airline rules, your passenger rights, and the latest updates on regulatory changes. Armed with this information, you can better advocate for yourself during air travel and make smarter decisions when booking your next flight.

Safety Protocols

Passenger safety remains a top priority for Affordable Skies. We support aviation policies that uphold high safety standards while encouraging innovation, efficiency, and a positive travel experience. Our advocacy focuses on protecting travelers and ensuring safety policies are effective and responsive to the needs of the traveling public.

Understanding the Factors That Affect Airfare

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Higher Ticket Prices

Airfares can fluctuate based on travel demand, airline costs, competition, and other market conditions. Government policies and related costs can also influence the price travelers pay.

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Rising Fuel Costs

Jet fuel is a major airline operating expense, and changes in fuel prices can affect the cost of operating flights. These costs, along with other market factors, can influence airfare.

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Excessive Taxes & Fees

Air travel tickets may include government-imposed taxes and fees, which vary by itinerary and location. Understanding how these charges affect the total cost of travel helps inform discussions about aviation policy and the traveler experience.

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Keeping Air Travel Safe and Accessible: A Necessary Conversation

Air travel connects people, families, and communities, opening doors to opportunities and experiences. The decisions that shape aviation affect every traveler, yet the perspectives of the traveling public deserve a meaningful place in conversations about the industry's future.

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Affordable Skies was founded on the belief that air travel should serve the people who depend on it. Our name reflects our commitment to keeping the skies accessible to travelers and ensuring their interests are considered in the policies and decisions that shape air travel.

 

Government policies and industry decisions can have significant effects on travelers, influencing everything from safety and consumer protections to travel options, service, and cost. We believe these decisions should be informed not only by industry and government perspectives, but also by the experiences and concerns of the traveling public.

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Through research, education, and consumer advocacy, Affordable Skies works to elevate the traveler’s voice and encourage thoughtful policies that support a safe, accessible, and responsive aviation system.

Soaring Taxes & Regulations:
How They’re Raising Your Travel Costs

Did you know that your airline tickets are subject to disproportionately high taxes and fees? One of the key factors affecting ticket prices is the Sin Tax, which raises the cost of air travel and hurts air travelers like you.

What Is a Sin Tax?​

Sin taxes are designed to discourage harmful behaviors by making certain products or services more expensive. For airlines, this means higher ticket prices, which can force some people to stop flying and leave those who have no choice but to fly with fewer, more expensive flight options.​

Taxes and Fees: What You’re Really Paying For

Every time you fly, a portion of your ticket price goes toward taxes and fees imposed by various authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Why It Matters to You

Higher taxes can drive up the cost of your airline tickets and limit your options on what airline you are able to fly on and your destination. Learn more about how these taxes affect your travel plans and why it’s important to understand their impact. (Read More about Sin Taxes)

Legislation and Regulations

From airfare pricing and passenger rights to airline policies and federal regulations, decisions in Washington shape the travel experience.

Affordable Skies works to ensure traveler perspectives are represented in the policies and legislation affecting air travel.

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Family at Airport
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Family at Airport
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