Quantcast

FTC mandates upfront fee disclosure for hotels and live event tickets

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
FTC mandates upfront fee disclosure for hotels and live event tickets
Research
Webp 36t39ncsmn76wmgkn8un47vsikfx
Eric Rosen Director of travel content | The Points Guy

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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The FTC specifies that businesses must clearly disclose any additional costs such as shipping or taxes before payment information is entered by consumers. Enforcement outside these specified industries will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

FTC Chair Lina M. Khan remarked that this rule would eliminate junk fees associated with live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals. However, it does not prevent lodging groups or event operators from issuing fees or employing specific pricing strategies.

President Joe Biden expressed his support for the rule via email, emphasizing its role in preventing hidden fees that increase consumer costs unexpectedly.

The rule will take effect 120 days after being published in the Federal Register but may face challenges under future administrations, similar to previous attempts in related sectors.

In response to anticipated changes, major hotel chains like Hilton and IHG have already adapted their systems to display mandatory fees upfront. A Hilton spokesperson highlighted that consumers value transparency and noted enhancements made in 2023 to improve fee visibility on their platforms.

Airbnb has offered a Total Price Display feature since 2022, which allows travelers to view an inclusive price breakdown before taxes during searches.

This development follows a separate initiative by the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding airline fee transparency, which is currently paused due to litigation.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates has announced that the My Emirates Pass will be available throughout the year with seasonal offers in summer and winter.

Apr 3, 2025

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025