The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a rule mandating the disclosure of all fees upfront in advertised prices across several industries, including hotels. This rule aims to eliminate hidden charges, often referred to as "junk fees," from the pricing of short-term lodging.
Hotels and vacation rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb are now required to prominently display the total price inclusive of all mandatory fees. The rule also extends to ticket sales for live events, ensuring consumers see the full price at the beginning of their search.
Michael Negron, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, stated that this new regulation will require online travel agencies and short-term rental companies to provide consumers with the full price of their stay upfront. This includes all mandatory fees when the price is first shown during a consumer's search. Ticket sellers must also disclose the full ticket price upfront, preventing unexpected service charges at checkout.