US President Joe Biden has lashed out at airlines over hidden fees while unveiling plans for new regulations to force air carriers and Internet service providers to be more transparent about charges.
Biden announced an initiative at the end of September that allows consumers to see a more complete price on airline tickets before they buy them, including baggage and change fees.
The proposed rule from the Department of Transportation will prevent airlines from hiding the true cost of airline tickets, helping consumers save money upfront and encouraging competition among airlines to offer better fares. The requirement applies to airlines as well as to third-party search sites.
It targets situations where ticket prices are listed on airline or search websites but with information listed elsewhere about additional airline fees such as those for checked or carry-on bags, getting a guaranteed seat, changing or cancelling a flight.
The full fare information will be required for all commercial flights to, within and from the United States.