Summary
- Introduction of the new rule for airline fee transparency.
- Details on the requirements for airlines and travel engines.
- Impact on consumers and support from transportation officials.
In the Biden administration’s latest effort to increase transparency for customers, the president announced Monday that he’s proposing a new rule requiring airlines to disclose fees to passengers booking a flight.
According to the proposal, airlines must be transparent when it comes to fees for services such as changed or canceled flights, or if booking seats together for a group or family incurs additional costs, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
“You can pick that ticket that’s actually the best deal for you,” Biden stated during a press conference.
The proposal will undergo a 60-day comment period prior to final approval, comments can be submitted online through a government portal.
Requirements for Airlines and Travel Search Engines
Under this proposal, all U.S. airlines, international airlines, and third-party travel search engines will be required to display all associated fees related to various tickets. Moreover, due to fluctuations in fees based on different seat selections, the DOT plans to “allow travelers with young children to purchase seats with fares at all points of sale.”
Importance of Transparency in Air Travel
The proposal complements the DOT’s directives issued in July, asking airlines to stop charging families for the privilege of flying together.
“Airline passengers deserve to know the full, true cost of their flights before they buy a ticket,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned in a statement regarding Monday’s proposal. “This new proposed rule would require airlines to be transparent with customers about the fees they charge, which will aid travelers in making informed decisions and saving money.”
DOT’s Online Dashboard for Travelers
Earlier this month, the DOT launched an online dashboard for travelers, serving as an official guide outlining passenger entitlements based on their chosen airlines. The dashboard includes the 10 major U.S. airlines and provides insight into how each airline responds to various travel challenges, such as rebooking passengers after cancellations or delays, as well as details on whether complimentary hotel accommodations would be offered.
