The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prohibits unwanted hidden fees on tickets and short-term lodging purchases

I can’t remember a recent instance where the final amount owed to me, whether it was for a hotel reservation or a concert ticket, didn’t make my eyes explode in shock. Now, a New rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should limit these bait-and-switch pricing tactics. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the Unsolicited Fee Rule, which requires ticketing for live events and short-term lodging transparent About the total price due. Other companies will continue to be monitored on a case-by-case basis for deceptive pricing.

new rule, It was first proposed in 2023you should get rid of all the extra “resort” and “service” fees charged at checkout that often seem arbitrary. Businesses can still technically list them, but they must be factored into the initial price shown. the Disclosure required This means that the first amount you see on displays, ads and the like should also be the total amount you pay.

The junk charge rule also requires businesses to display this final amount “more clearly” than any other information. So, it can’t be said that it will cost one thing in a big font and then in a very small font, add that there are a lot of fees on top of it. “People deserve to know up front what they’re being asked to pay — without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees they didn’t budget for and can’t avoid,” said FTC Chairwoman Lena M. Khan. . “I urge enforcers to continue to crack down on these illegal fees and encourage state and federal policymakers to build on this success through legislation that prohibits unfair and deceptive fees throughout the economy.”

The FTC claims the junk-fee rule will save individuals up to an estimated 53 million hours each year and more than $11 billion over the next decade. The rule will take effect 120 days after its publication in the Federal Registrar.