The U.S. airline industry seems to have done it again. Another day, another surcharge. This time it is an increase in the number of days during the busy holiday periods that will require passengers to pay extra to fly.

At the end of September American Airlines announced that it would be tacking on an extra surcharge for those wishing to travel on its aircraft at Thanksgiving and New Year. Other U.S. carriers have been quick to follow suit. The CEO of FareCompare.com says that he is a little flummoxed and has never heard of such a charge in the past.

For customers flying on U.S. Airways, Continental, United, Northwest, Delta and of course American, extra charges will now apply on dates to which national holidays occur.

Tim Smith from American Airlines has strongly denied that the new charges are fees. He defends the carrier’s move to add the extra charge by saying that it is not unusual for airlines to increase the price of tickets during peak periods. By adding on the surcharge it means that American can up the price of a ticket without actually applying a fare change.

Some customers are not so sure. It seems that passengers may be growing weary of the constant addition of fees. On woman commented on the latest charge by saying that it certainly didn’t suggest happy holidays to her.