U.S. DOT orders airlines to advertise hidden fees
January 3, 2012
People who travel for business, especially those who must do so on a budget, will be glad to know that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently cracked down on misleading ticket price information, the Los Angeles Times reports. Many airlines have advertised exorbitantly low airfare, but what they don't tell you is that these prices do not include non-negotiable fees. These fees can include taxes, fuel charges and the "September 11 Security Fee," but beginning January 26, these companies will no longer be able to leave such pertinent information out of their advertisements.
"The price advertising provision was adopted to make sure passengers know the full amount they will have to pay for air transportation when they buy a ticket," DOT spokesman Bill Mosley told the news source.
Airlines are fighting back against the regulation changes, claiming that other industries have been allowed to advertise cost without including taxes for years. This new rule will not take in-flight entertainment and meals or baggage fees into consideration, according to the L.A. Times.
Spending more than expected on a plane ticket can be a real downer for many travelers, but they can save money with international phone cards. These cards can help drivers save money when they call home, which can help them recoup the unexpected expenses that came along with their plane tickets.