In recent weeks, we’ve seen U.S. airlines react to rising fuel costs by slapping on more and more fees to the ever increasing price of a ticket.

$25 to check a second bag. $15 to check the first bag. Extra money to get a better seat in coach. Even a proposal by one major airline to charge a fee when someone tries to cash in frequent flier miles.

But the question is, what will happen if and when fuel costs come back down?

Not so far fetched with news that Saudi Arabia is likely to increase production of oil to help stabalize and maybe even bring prices down.

Just as the airlines are asking passengers to share their pain, shouldn’t they also allow passengers to share their relief?

My guess is, though, that once these higher fares and fees become institutionalized, they will become standard and very difficult to get rid of. Meaning that at some time in the not too distant future, the airlines could actually have a sort of windfall profit by paying far less for jet fuel while continuing to charge you far more for the “privilege” of flying.