A recent study released by national coalition Traveler’s Voice reveals frequent air travelers’ thoughts on airline mergers and the ways Congress should interfere in the air travel experience.

Almost half of respondents surveyed say they wish they had access to a greater variety of airlines at airports near them, and 63 percent think Congress should make it happen. Almost 60 percent believe airline mergers have only increased the cost of air travel, with 45 percent believing mergers should be restricted to certain flight options and about the same percent feeling mergers harmed the overall travel experience and Congress should work to increase airline competition.

The top travel issues respondents felt Congress should address, in addition to airline competition? Change fees, flight status transparency, baggage fees and seat sizes.

“Airline mergers over the past decade have all but eliminated competition in the airline industry, where now just four carriers control over 85 percent of domestic routes. The sentiment across the country signals the need for Congressional action to improve the air travel experience, and their frustrations match the mood of the country seeking to change the status quo. This could be seen as a motivating political issue,” said Trey Bohn, executive director, Traveler’s Voice.