One of the worst things about airline travel is the hidden fees. The ticket price says one thing, and before you know it, you’re paying $200 more than expected. It’s sad, but true, and many airlines don’t even bother to disclose these fees to their customers. That’s not very nice, is it? Well thanks to a group of travel executives, those hidden fees may become a thing of the past. Not the fees themselves, mind you, but the airlines reluctance to display them prominently.

The Consumer Travel Alliance, Business Travel Coalition and American Society of Travel Agents on Thursday delivered a petition to the Transportation Department with 50,000 signatures from consumers who want airlines to spell out fees more clearly.

50,000? That’s something major support for a government ruling. Not only does the petition require airlines to disclose baggage and other fees, but it also calls for refunds of fees and reimbursement for expenses when bags are lost or not delivered on time. Airlines would also have to give notice when baggage fees are increased, and notify passengers buying tickets whether they must pay to check up to two bags.

The travel industries efforts began two weeks ago with the “Mad as Hell About Hidden Fees” petition, and claims that fees can boost ticket price by 26 percent when one bag is checked, and by 54 percent when a passenger checks two bags and chooses a seat with extra legroom. 54 percent for extra legroom? That’s outrageous, but we pay it; often with no questions asked.

The group wants all travel outlets to have the information on fees and fares, including third-party websites like Expedia and Orbitz. “Airlines should be able make a fair profit and set fares and fees that allow them to do so, as long as travelers can see and compare all of those fees in advance,” said Paul Ruden of the American Society of Travel Agents.

With airlines in the second quarter making $893 million on baggage fees, $594 million from reservation change fees, and $618 million from charges for things like frequent-flier sales and transporting pets, it only makes sense that airlines start displaying these fees so people know what they are getting into before they buy. In today’s economy it sometimes feels like they are taking advantage of the consumer rather than helping them save money. With fees prominently displayed, it will allow for smarter shopping, and the possibility of you keeping a few dollars in your pocket.